We often think of food scraps, as, well, scraps. We toss them, or hopefully compost, and never think twice about them. The truth is, these scraps are very much valuable; many kinds can be grown into fruits and vegetables once again with the proper ca
Read more…In a natural ecosystem, plants will grow near or next to each other because they are compatible. Plants co-exist in harmony by attracting pollinators and beneficial insects, repelling harmful pests and toxins, giving shelter and shade, or maybe even
Read more…Bees are fascinating creatures. Even if you’re not a fan of honey, you can appreciate the bee’s complex social structure, physiology, and behavior. Did you know that venom from bee stings might have some benefits -- like reducing rheumatoid arthritis
Read more…While Valentine’s Day is often centered around buying bouquets of roses, heart shaped boxes of chocolates, and teddy bears for your significant other or loved ones, it’s important to remember to treat yourself as well. Often caught up in the chaos of
Read more…We know well before February that Valentine’s Day is upon us. Our local grocery stores begin to look very cute, very sweet, and very pink. Aisles are filled with chocolates, stuffed teddy bears, and lastly, roses. The full package.
The ever-present qu
Read more…With the attention on the holidays, gift shopping, and all the festivities, many people forget that the winter is also the best time of the year to compost. With the leaves and fallen fruit left over from the fall, there is more than enough in anyone
There may be snow cover in other parts of the country but here in the Bay Area winter crops are still producing, and you can find lots of great fruit and veggies at farmers’ markets without too much trouble. For a list of farmers' markets in Contr
Read more…We've advocated on many occasions for reducing the amount of meat in our diets, especially red meat, which generally has the highest carbon footprint of available meat products. But if you are not a committed vegan or vegetarian, you may be working o
That time of the year is quickly approaching us, as we’re all scrambling to find the perfect gifts and presents for our loved ones. Appropriate to our tech-savvy nature, online shopping has become a popular option for many looking to shop on the web
Read more…The SCOCO team is in the midst of planning a whole new year’s worth of sustainable workshops. These are not 100% confirmed so you’ll need to check the website again soon (look under Events), but we couldn’t resist giving you a preview of what’s to co
Read more…In our changing world of large-scale wildfires and planned power shutoffs, emergency preparedness has never been more important. We hope everyone has been able to stay safe and we offer condolences to those who have been affected by the fires. Whethe
With nearly 200,000 acres burned, California is experiencing one of its worst wildfire seasons yet. Hundreds of homes have been burnt down and millions have been subjected to frenzied evacuation. While some of the fires can be traced back to mishaps
Read more…The Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge Fall Campaign is here! Create your Challenge account, then commit to as many actions as possible to earn points for a chance to win prizes and be recognized for your efforts. The Challenge started September 23, 201
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