Last month, we discussed how this would likely be a La Nina winter and the challenge of heavy rains compressed over several days at a time. The good news is that water reservoirs are filling up and the Sierra snowpack is
Read more…When we think of assistance with heating bills, most of us imagine rural homeowners in New England needing help with paying for enough fuel oil to last the long winter months. But a recent headline in the East Bay Times read: “Falling temperatures br
Cold winter nights call for warm blankets and cozy candles. But not all candles are the same. The next time you light a candle, check the label and see what kind of candle it is. Depending the ingredients, you may be giving your health a boost—or cre
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Photo by Atilla Bingöl on Unsplash
A little background first…
Global temperatures impact how heat and moisture move around the planet. Carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels (gasoline, natural gas, etc.) and methane (mainly from agricultural
Read more…On September 23 of this year, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed 24 bills dedicating $15 billion to meeting the current and future challenges of Global Climate Change in California. That’s scary; that much legislation all at the same time. Imagi
Are you looking for a way to keep your home warm and energy efficient as the weather gets colder? You’re in the right place!
Join Sustainable Contra Costa and Contra Costa County for our upcoming BayREN Home+ Homeowner Workshop on Thursday, December
Read more…It’s harvest season and farmers markets are open for business. Markets across Contra Costa are offering a variety of fresh, organic produce that just might make your Thanksgiving grocery list--and maybe even the menu. More often than not, your local
Photo by Naja Bertolt Jensen on Unsplash
Remember the giant garbage patch in the middle of the ocean? Known officially as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and nicknamed “the eighth continent," the patch gained international attention when, back in 19
Read more…We live in the center of all things "disruptive." For example, think about Facebook, Google, and Twitter and how these services have changed how we communicate—or not communicate—with one another. Technology is morally neutral, but how we use it make
Picture farming: blue skies, open countryside, rows of green extending to the horizon. For thousands of years, farming has always looked like this. But the growing popularity of vertical farming could be turning this traditional image on its head.
About two-thirds of the greenhouse gases emitted in the United States come from transportation and buildings, with the rest coming from industry and agriculture. The largest single use of energy by industry comes from the production of concrete.
Im
The start of a new school year is a great time to upgrade to zero waste school lunches that are healthy for your students and the planet. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
On September 22nd, our community will come together for the 13th Annual Leadership in Sustainability Awards Celebration to celebrate and honor those who demonstrate outstanding commitment and leadership in making Contra Costa communities healthy, bea
Read more…On Wednesday, September 22nd, our community will come together for the 13th Annual Leadership in Sustainability Awards Celebration to celebrate and honor those who demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment to living sustainably. Congratulatio
Read more…Individual actions can add up--from reducing waste and using water and energy efficiently--we can reduce our emissions and save money. We can also vote with our money each day by purchasing from companies that consider the environment in everything t
Read more…What are ticks?
Ticks are small arachnids (related to spiders) that attach themselves to animals or humans and inject a toxin that may cause Lyme disease, a bacterial infection that may cause short-term symptoms or severe, long-lasting complications.
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Read more…Sustainable living is not just about living with a smaller planetary footprint. It's about a way of life that is grounded, physically, emotionally, and in our positive attitude towards each other and our beautiful and precious planet. Demanding jobs
Read more…Dogs add a lot to our lives as companions, guards, playmates, and helpers in our fight against Global Climate Change!
Professor Temple Grandin says that dogs are genetic wolves that have co-evolved with humans for 100,000 years, maybe more. Hence dogs
Read more…Nothing quite says summer like a bug bite- especially one you don’t notice until the next day. Whether you prefer traditional insect repellent methods or natural, DIY ones, SCOCO has you covered this summer. However, one tried and true tip for repell
