For many of us, the holidays are about abundance - a mountain of presents under a tree, enjoying
huge feasts with family and friends, or decking our halls with bountiful decorations. However there are so many in Contra Costa who could use some extra
Read more…‘Tis the season of Black Fridays, Cyber Mondays, and “Shop ‘til you drop,” but that doesn’t mean you have to partake. No one can control what others do or say, let alone holiday commercialism, but we do have the power to choose how we react. Here are
Read more…After an unusually warm October, the new chill in the air has all of us at Sustainable
Contra Costa thinking about pumpkin pie, mulled cider and all things fall. Whether
you’re a fiend for sweet potatoes and marshmallows or crave mashed potatoes with l
Last month we witnessed the devastating impacts of fire that was fueled by years of drought and a recent welcomed (but dangerous) rainy season. It seems counter-intuitive that we’d see an increased fire danger after a rainy 2016-2017, but there’s a
Read more…There are so many reasons to harvest rainwater. The obvious one is that water is more precious than ever, especially in California during drought, and rain is a freebie! The trick is to learn how to harness and store rain so you can use it as needed.
Read more…The Rotary Club of Pleasant Hill’s Rain Harvesting Project envisions rain catchment systems at every home and public space to promote water conservation in our arid climate. To date, fifty 55 gallon rain barrels have been installed at 14 private home
Read more…It’s that time of year again when we tend to overindulge in holiday eating. And just as we worry about “clogging our arteries” with fatty foods, we should think twice about clogging our plumbing with kitchen grease.
Even after composting bones, skin,
Read more…Did you know that 500 million plastic straws are used and discarded in the US every single day? That’s enough to wrap around the entire circumference of the earth 2.5 times, and is a lot of waste that can easily roll, drift, or blow into the environm
There are so many reasons to harvest rainwater. The obvious one is that water is more precious than ever, especially in California during drought, and rain is a freebie! The trick is to learn how to harness and store rain so you can use it as needed.
Read more…Are you joining us on September 20th for the Leadership in Sustainability Awards Gala? If so, you’re in for a treat (literally)! Sunrise Bistro, DVC Culinary Arts, Chef Lauren Mahlke, and True Food Kitchen are serving up delicious bites to kick off
Read more…Don’t miss Sustainable Contra Costa’s final class in their Sustainable Summer Series, “Home Canning and Preserving,” on Thursday, September 21, 10am – 12pm. Taught by canning expert Jennifer Brennan at Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center, this workshop is
Read more…Summer is far from over, and with all the skin exposure and remaining vacation days, you may still be looking for products that make your skin, the largest organ of the body, glow and help you feel
invigorated. Why not learn to make a few DIY products
By converting your lawn into a garden, you’ll save water and can create a beautiful habitat. Plus, there are rebate programs available to help with the process! Most lawn rebate programs require an application before starting the lawn conversion pro
Read more…The reservoirs are full and we enjoyed heavy rains last winter. While the threat of drought isn’t currently as dire as it was before, climate change isn’t going away, and water isn’t a limitless resource. (By the way, when you heat water for your sho
Read more…The East Bay Community Resilience Challenge has gathered thousands of pledges since the April 15th kick-off. Contra Costa residents have stepped up to take on new challenges to build more vibrant and healthy communities, such as expanding their garde
Read more…Are you attending our upcoming workshop “Make It Don’t Buy It: DIY Condiments & Sauces”? If so, you’ll learn how to make mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, almond milk, barbeque sauce, and salad dressings. While you may have a few meals in mind to pair
Read more…Did you know roughly half of US Farmland will be changing ownership due to retirement of a whole generation of farmers over the next two decades?
First Generation Farmers (501c3 non-profit) runs a three-year program that offers land access, provides i
Can you imagine a BLT without mayonnaise or a hot dog without ketchup? Would salads be nearly as satisfying without that tangy vinaigrette? Our favorite condiments transform dishes from dull to delicious, from ordinary to original! When you take the
Read more…Have you ever thought about your water usage when doing laundry? Older agitator top-loading washing machines use over 40 gallons of water on an average size load of laundry. Wouldn’t it be great if you could divert that water directly to your outdoor
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