SCOCO Insights Newsletter (433)
Action of the Month: Join a CSA!
Every other week, in the dead of night, wonderful people leave a cardboard box full of delights on my doorstep. For this service I can thank a farm delivery service commonly known as a CSA, or Community-Supported-Agriculture (also known as Community-
Read more…EBEW: Energy Efficiency In Action
Over the last three months, SCOCO has been reaching out to hundreds of small Contra Costa businesses about energy efficiency programs. Volunteers have gone door-to- door and spread the word through social media posts. This effort was sponsored by the
Read more…1st Annual Sustainable Enterprise Conference
Sustainability and new business opportunities are the themes of the first annual Contra Costa Sustainable Enterprise Conference to be held on October 27th from 9 am to 4 pm at the Pleasant Hill Community Center. Presented by Sustainable Contra Costa
Read more…Action of the Month: Compost!
Whether it’s starting backyard (or indoor) composting or participating in curbside organics collection, there’s no time like the present to begin composting! Compost is a nutrient-rich soil amendment made up of broken-down organic materials such as
Fantastic Food & Wonderful Wine
- Prima - Bringing together family and regional Italian Cuisine (Walnut Creek)
- Corners Tavern - Approachable and soulful American fare
Announcing the 2016 Award Nominees!
Our annual Leadership in Sustainability Awards Gala recognized outstanding organizations, businesses, individuals, non-profits and agencies on their inspiring work in sustainability in Contra Costa County.
Congratulations to all the deserving nominees
Read more…Introducing the East Bay Energy Watch Volunteer Team
Sustainable Contra Costa has recently joined in partnership with the County of Contra Costa to encourage local businesses to participate in the East Bay Energy Watch. EBEW, as it is often called, is a local initiative to incentivize businesses to upg
Read more…Look Who'sTaking Action: East Bay Energy Watch
Lighting typically accounts for more than one third of the energy costs of a business, yet a large number of businesses are operating with outdated lighting systems. Simply upgrading to new, energy-efficient LEDs can reduce the lighting energy needs
Read more…Action of the Month: Plastic Free July – and Beyond!
Have you heard of the Plastic Free July challenge? It is a global challenge aiming to reduce society’s demand for disposable plastics by encouraging people to decline single-use plastics such as plastic grocery bags, straws, and packaging. Accordin
Banning the Bead
Many toiletries contain tiny beads of plastic less than a millimeter thick called microbeads. These function as cleansers and exfoliates, and companies use then in countless products, even toothpaste. Unfortunately, these microbeads go down the drain
Read more…Our Community Rose to the Challenge with 9,415 Awe-inspiring Actions in May!
You did it! We are inspired and awed by our community for rising to the Community Resilience Challenge East Bay this May with 9,415 actions to save water and energy, reduce waste and pollution, and build community! This year’s challenge has resulted
Read more…Look Who's Taking Action: You Are! Sign Up For A Water Conservation Workshop
“Is there still a drought?” People continue to ask this question and the simple, definitive answer is “Yes.” The State Water Resources Control Board ordered a mandatory 36% drop in water usage after the state hit official drought status, and counties
Read more…Summer Water-Saving Practices
California’s mandatory drought restrictions have been lifted, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to stop water conservation efforts. According to the State Water Board, approximately 60% of California still remains in a severe drought. Continuing conse
Final week to pledge your action - get inspired and share your story!
How do you plan to make a difference this year? The Community Resilience Challenge is in the final week and we're inspired by all your stories! People are building soil, growing healthy food, using water smartly, and helping others - grow more susta
Look Who's Taking Action: Riding The Rails Is The Way To Go!
SCOCO Project Administrator Tyler Snortum-Phelps and his family love to travel by train and want to remind you how fun, and green, train travel can be! In terms of carbon emissions, train travel is the clear winner over flying. Per-passenger-mile emi
Read more…Last Chance To Pledge! Resilience Challenge Final Week
The East Bay Community Resilience Challenge is coming into its final week, and what a great time it's been! Individuals of all ages and organizations have been pledging to engage a new action to become more sustainable. of all ages and organizations
Read more…Outdoor Gear – Just Rent It!
Backpack, tent, sleeping bag, bear-safe canister, food, water… If you are planning a backpacking or camping trip, these are probably some of the things on your mind. A lot goes into planning an outdoor adventure, and it can be a bit daunting to look
Flying this Summer? Try Carbon Offsetting!
Save Water: Choose Native, Drought-Tolerant Plants
If you’re still undecided on a pledge for the Community Resilience Challenge, try taking a vow to transform your yard by planting native, drought-tolerant plants! Planting native species will not only decrease your home’s water use, but also encourag
Read more…