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Contra Costa Data Center - Significantly Reduced Power & Water Usage?

 

Artificial intelligence is smart but not yet energy- and water-smart enough for California and other states to reach their climate goals. The Department of Energy estimates that data centers will use 10% to 15% of the nation’s electricity by 2030.

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Don't Paint Yourself in a Corner: Consider low or no-VOC Paint!

Many homeowners like to take advantage of the summer months to make home improvements. Painting is one the most popular projects, but considering that interior and exterior walls make up one of the largest surface areas of your home, is the paint you

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Are Electric Vehicles still the choice of future transportation?

Globally, governments are mandating more strict carbon-neutral policies to reduce greenhouse gases and address worsening climate issues.  To meet these increasing requirements, most vehicle manufacturers have announced that they will produce vehicles

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How Sweet It Is: Natural Sweeteners That Are More Sustainable Than Sugar

Comparing the environmental impact of sugar with various alternative sweeteners is easier said than done. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, it’s nearly impossible to define the most sustainable sweetener

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Small is Beautiful: Tiny Homes Solve Big Problems

 

We tend to think of efficient housing in terms of how much energy it takes to run appliances, electronics, and to heat and cool a space, per square foot. If we look at energy use per person per square foot, small homes or Accessory Dwelling Units

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What Are GMOs and Are They Safe?

Photo by nrd on Unsplash

Terms like GMO, non-GMO, and organic get bandied about a lot these days, but what do they mean? Do these labels provide assurance or indicate we should be avoiding the food in question? Let’s define these labels and learn what

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Fast Fashion, Global Problem

The increase in fast fashion comes with a rise in wasted resources and wasted lives, economic inequality, and environmental degradation. The increases are due in part to behavior changes. Each of us can contribute to the solutions. 

According to the

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Understanding Microplastics: Impacts and Solutions

What are Microplastics? Microplastics have been in the news quite a bit lately, but it may still be useful to clarify some things about them. Microplastics are minute plastic fragments measuring less than 5 millimeters—roughly the size of a sesame se

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Simple Sustainable Acts for Children

It’s never too early to start talking to kids about sustainability and respecting the planet. Children instinctively gravitate towards nature and enjoy learning about environmental stewardship, especially when it’s presented through engaging, hands-o

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Is Cruelty-Free Shopping Also Considered Sustainable?

We may have wrapped up the holiday season, but shopping for goods never ends. If you support the ethical treatment of animals and engage in cruelty-free shopping, is it fair to assume this is a sustainable act that also helps the environment?

Cruelty

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Volunteer Opportunities - Winter 2025

Offering help to those in our community who need it is always important, but during the holiday season there can be an even greater need. If you're looking for opportunities to help out this season, you can start with some of the larger organizations

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Is Cashmere a Sustainable Gift?

We are at peak season for holiday gift-giving. While savvy environmentalists avoid fast fashion, clothing is always a popular choice, and nothing says luxury like cashmere. Unlike synthetic fibers, cashmere is a natural, biodegradable fiber, but it i

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So Many Resources - But Don't Delay!

Recent federal updates have moved up deadlines for major clean energy tax credits and incentives. Here's a look at some of the options available in our area. Make sure you sign up for the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge to track your progress. Mark a

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Are BPA-Free Food Cans Not a Silver Lining?

Most consumers purchase a combination of fresh, frozen, and canned food to prepare meals, and with the holiday season fast approaching, the purchase of convenience foods is higher than usual. Canned food is affordable and makes cooking quick and conv

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Fall is For Planting! Why Native Plants, And Why Now?

Have you heard the expression "Fall is for planting?" In particular it refers to planting locally native plants, although many landscape plants do well when planted in early fall. The days are still long enough that they can begin to get established,

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Should We Give Fluoride the Brush-off?

Photo by Nik on Unsplash

Fluoride is known for remineralizing tooth enamel; reducing tooth and gum sensitivity; and preventing cavities, gum disease, and the premature loss of teeth. It is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil, rocks, and

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How To Travel Sustainably

Extreme weather events are becoming part of our daily news, often bringing tragic human casualties and severe environmental damage. Having spent much of my professional life traveling, I’ve cherished the opportunities to learn about new cultures, enj

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Battery Storage Rebates Available for Homes and Businesses

Just when customers are feeling the heat of rising energy bills, PG&E is offering to pay for a home energy storage system that benefits both the utility and you, the customer, as well as the entire community. PG&E’s Self-Generation Incentive Program

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Are "Environmentally Friendly" Dry Cleaners Really Environmental?

We’ve been spotlighting microplastics and the ecological consequence of microfiber shedding due to laundering synthetic clothing at home. Is professional dry cleaning any safer for our planet and our health? Are environmental dry cleaners a real thin

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From Fleece to Food Chain: The Hidden Journey of Microplastics in Contra Costa

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