Lifestyles of Sustainability - Forum - SCOCO Network2024-03-29T14:26:25Zhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/feed/category/Lifestyles+of+SustainabilityAhorrar dinero, mejorar la salud: consejos de eficiencia energética para un hogar más ecológicohttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/ahorrar-dinero-mejorar-la-salud-consejos-de-eficiencia-energetica2023-07-24T20:06:48.000Z2023-07-24T20:06:48.000ZEliana Batrezhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/ElianaBatrez<div><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12131283652,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12159275085,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12159275085?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="313" /></a></span></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://tinyurl.com/AllElectricJuly" target="_blank">Haga clic aquí para leer este artículo en inglés.</a></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Hay tantas maneras en que las personas pueden ahorrar dinero con mejoras de eficiencia energética en el hogar al tiempo que mejoran la calidad del aire interior y reducen las facturas de servicios públicos al mismo tiempo. ¡Es una situación en la que todos ganan! </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">¿Sabía que las cocinas totalmente eléctricas hacen que su hogar sea más limpio, seguro, saludable y sostenible? Cambiar a electrodomésticos </span><a href="https://es.bayren.org/node/1346"><span style="font-weight:400;">totalmente eléctricos</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> no solo ayuda a evitar la quema de gas natural, sino que reduce significativamente la emisión de contaminantes dañinos causados por cocinar con una estufa de gas. Además, los </span><a href="https://switchison.org/cooking/"><span style="font-weight:400;">electrodomésticos</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> pueden funcionar con energía 100% renovable, lo que ayuda a reducir la dependencia de los combustibles fósiles.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Las estufas de inducción son una forma rentable y fácil de alquilar para cocinar sin gas que le ahorra dinero y tiempo en comparación con las estufas eléctricas o las estufas de gas. Puede </span><a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/accion/prueba-las-placas-de-inducci%C3%B3n-port%C3%A1tiles?language=es"><span style="font-weight:400;">probar una estufa de inducción portátil</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> a través del programa gratuito de préstamo de estufas de inducción de PG&E para ver qué tan bien funciona en su hogar. BayREN incluso te ofrece un </span><a href="https://es.bayren.org/node/61"><span style="font-weight:400;">reembolso de $250</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> para aquellos que reemplacen su estufa vieja de gas natural o estufa con una estufa de inducción o estufa eléctrica (no es aplicable a los híbridos).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Otro método de ahorro de energía a considerar tanto para los propietarios como para los inquilinos, especialmente a medida que las temperaturas continúan aumentando y usted se embarca en aventuras de verano, es ajustar su aire acondicionado cuando está fuera de casa. Los termostatos o enchufes inteligentes lo facilitan y ofrecen beneficios adicionales, como un espacio habitable más cómodo y hasta un 15 % de ahorro en las facturas de calefacción y refrigeración. ¿La mejor parte? Los termostatos inteligentes como Google Nest Thermostat y ecobee3 lite Smart Thermostat son elegibles tanto para el </span><a href="https://goldenstaterebates.clearesult.com/smart-thermostat-energy-star-certified"><span style="font-weight:400;">Programa de reembolso Golden State</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> [inglés] como para participar en </span><a href="https://www.ohmconnect.com/how-it-works/what-are-ohmhours-and-autoohms/?campaign=blog&sub_campaign=how-it-works&channel=smart-home"><span style="font-weight:400;">OhmConnect</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> [inglés], un programa local de ahorro de dinero. Al vincular un dispositivo doméstico inteligente a OhmConnect, puede ganar dinero durante los eventos de ahorro de energía cuando la red eléctrica está sobrecargada.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Ya sea que sea inquilino o propietario de una casa, ¡mejorar la salud de su hogar y ahorrar dinero son metas que todos podemos apoyar!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Comuníquese con Doug Bleakly (</span><a href="mailto:doug@sustainablecoco.org"><span style="font-weight:400;">doug@sustainablecoco.org</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">) para obtener más información, o consulte esta increíble </span><a href="https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/9750/Sustainability-Resources"><span style="font-weight:400;">selección de recursos generales de sustentabilidad</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> disponibles para los residentes del condado de Contra Costa.</span></p></div>Fabulous and Fun Sustainable Gift Ideashttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/fabulous-and-fun-sustainable-gift-ideas2022-11-28T21:04:00.000Z2022-11-28T21:04:00.000ZLiza Kirbyhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/LizaKirby<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Feeling stressed with the holidays around the corner, and don’t know what to give family and friends? Here are some creative and fun gift ideas that will delight and help the planet.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10893895068,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10893895068,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10893895068?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="300" height="400" /></a></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Homemade food gifts</strong> are sure to capture everyone’s heart…especially during the winter holidays. Whether you make your favorite family cookie recipe, gooey chocolate treats, crunchy granola, fruity jams, pickled peppers, or specialty libations, homemade food gifts are the perfect way to show someone you care. Wrap up food gifts in reusable containers (glass, metal, or silicon) or reusable cloth napkins and top with a snazzy bow for an adorable gift that keeps on giving. Reusable containers also help cut down on single-use packaging waste.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Plants, bulbs, and seeds</strong> are a wonderful way to brighten someone’s home or office. Pines, holly, poinsettias, and amaryllis are among holiday favorites. Potted trees and shrubs decorated with festive bows do double duty by helping remove carbon from the atmosphere. Native plants and pollinator flowers help improve soils and provide ecosystems for birds, bees, and insects to flourish. Cultivate pots of herbs, bulbs, colorful wildflowers, a cactus garden, or a composting kit for a wonderful living gift.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Handmade art, ornaments, and framed photos</strong> reflecting your passion and connection with the special people in your life are among the most cherished gifts. <strong>Hand-knitted scarves, hats, and socks</strong> are another cozy, heartfelt gift. Take a step toward circular design by reusing/recycling materials – paper, metal, plastic, cloth, glass, etc.--into your creations. Write a colorful description that highlights your inspiration, materials utilized, and wisdom that you wish to share as part of your gift.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Additional gift ideas</strong>. Not feeling like a baker, gardener, or artist? Here are more sustainable gift ideas to consider…or combine with your own creations.</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Eco-friendly gift baskets</strong>. Build your own or purchase curated baskets from local businesses. Here are four popular plastic-free, healthful gift themes.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Natural foods: </strong>Nuts, grains, spices, herbs, teas, coffee, olive oils, vinegar (<a href="https://amphoranueva.com/lafayette/">Amphora Nueva</a>, <a href="https://www.harvesthouse.com/">Harvest House</a>, <a href="https://www.herbco.com/">Monterey Herb Co.</a>) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;">Food prep, preser</span>vation and serving:</strong> Bamboo cutting board, cooking utensils, and cutlery sets; reusable food containers made of silicon, metal, or glass; washable cloth napkins; reusable cotton net produce bags; stainless steel water bottles (<a href="https://ecolunchboxes.com/">Eco Lunch Boxes</a>, <a href="https://mighty.market/">Mighty Market</a>, <a href="https://planetrenu.com/">Planet Renu</a>, <a href="https://shopresourcefill.com/">Re-source-fill</a>)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Household supplies:</strong> Bamboo dish brush and pot scraper, plant-based compostable sponges, beechwood or bamboo soap dish, upcycled kitchen towels, bamboo compost bin, laundry detergent strips, wool dryer balls, mesh laundry bag (<a href="https://mighty.market/">Mighty Market</a>, <a href="https://planetrenu.com/">Planet Renu</a>, <a href="https://shopresourcefill.com/">Re-source-fill</a>)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Body and bath:</strong> Artisan soaps and bath bombs, hair shampoo and conditioner bars, shaving supplies, brushes for hair and bath, facial masks, deodorant, lip balm, bamboo toothbrush, dental tablets, washable facial rounds, bamboo, or cloth toilet paper (<a href="https://mighty.market/">Mighty Market</a>, <a href="https://planetrenu.com/">Planet Renu</a>, <a href="https://shopresourcefill.com/">Re-source-fill</a>)</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type:none;"></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Electric countertop appliances</strong>. An electric kettle, crock pot, Instant Pot, toaster oven, air fryer, convection oven, induction cooking burner (standalone), and microwave oven all cook delicious food while saving energy and time. They can also help ease the transition away from a gas stove/oven without a major kitchen remodel.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Gift cards</strong> for your services (IT, shopping, organizing, etc.), groceries, streaming services, and digital media subscriptions, to name a few.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Donations</strong> to a favorite cause or non-profit is another way to show you care. Possibilities include giving to a food bank, school, health and social services, humanitarian aid, or environmental group at the local or global level.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Educate on ways to help the planet</strong>. Informal conversations during social gatherings with family, friends, and neighbors are an excellent opportunity to raise awareness for living more sustainably. As you chat with people and they ask about what is new, casually mention the things you are doing to reduce your carbon footprint and generate less waste, along with the tangible benefits. This often sparks an engaging information exchange. Here are links to more planet-friendly actions to inspire you and share. These action items can also be topics used for games and activities such as Pictionary, Bingo, Table Topics, Good Deeds Jar, etc. </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong> </strong></span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/takeaction/">Lazy Person’s Guide to Saving the World</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://www.playgroundequipment.com/60-thrifty-ways-to-help-save-the-environment/">60 Thrifty Ways to Save the Planet</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://www.sierraclub.org/toiyabe/100-things-you-can-do-save-planet">100 Things You Can Do to Save the Planet</a></span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>A gift for yourself.</strong> To help you stay balanced throughout the year, and especially during the busy holiday season, check out this book: <strong><u>Zen and The Art of Saving the Planet</u></strong>, by Thich Nhat-Hahn. It will remind you to breathe, stay resilient, optimistic, and keep on making a difference with actions that positively impact our world<strong>.</strong></span></p></div>How Do You Lower Your Impact During the Holidays?https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/how-do-you-lower-your-impact-during-the-holidays2020-10-29T00:23:01.000Z2020-10-29T00:23:01.000ZTyler Snortum-Phelpshttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/TylerSnortumPhelps<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8095770885,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}8095770885,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="384" class="align-left" height="229" alt="8095770885?profile=original" /></a>I'm starting this discussion so we can share ideas about low impact holiday celebrations. <a href="https://www.carbonfootprint.com/go_green_festive_season.html" target="_blank">This webpage has some great tips</a>. I love the subheading: "How to be carbon conscious without being a party pooper."</p>
<p></p>
<p>What are your favorite ideas?</p></div>Let's Build a Resilient Future Together -- Fall/Winter Cleaner Contra Costa Challengehttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/let-s-build-a-resilient-future-together-fall-winter-cleaner-contr2020-10-26T21:56:07.000Z2020-10-26T21:56:07.000ZColleen Nolandhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/ColleenNoland<div><p>For our community, kids, and collective futures, take action today for a sustainable tomorrow. Get started by joining the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge!<br /><br />Since April 2019, over 770 households have already joined the Challenge. Together, we’ve reduced our carbon footprint by over 182 tons of CO2 emissions so far.<br /><br /><strong>This is just the beginning of the actions we need to take as a community in order to share a sustainable future. Will you be part of the trailblazing 1,000 households committed to making our community more sustainable by April 30, 2021?</strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8095770689,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}8095770689,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="295" height="295" class="align-center" alt="8095770689?profile=original" /></a></strong></p>
<p>Join us for the Fall/Winter Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge to take action with your friends, family, and neighbors. <br /><br /><strong>Get started today:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Join the Challenge at<span> </span><a href="http://cleanercontracosta.org/" target="_blank">CleanerContraCosta.org</a><span> </span>and invite your friends to discover this terrific local resource full of practical solutions.</li>
<li>Set up your profile to measure your current household footprint.</li>
<li>Explore the Action Steps to learn smart ways to save energy, water, and money. Start making progress and take part in making a difference.</li>
<li>Some big impact actions you can take include:<ul>
<li>Buy or lease an electric vehicle</li>
<li>Choose green electricity</li>
<li>Install solar panels</li>
<li>Install an electric heat pump heater</li>
<li>Take the train or bus</li>
<li>Bike, walk, skateboard, or unicycle</li>
<li>Eat lower down the food chain</li>
<li>Reduce air travel</li>
<li>Upgrade your oven and stove to electric induction</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Compete as an individual! The first 100 individuals to reach 5,000 points will receive a Tread Lightly Toolkit, which includes a reusable bamboo utensil set, a reusable stainless steel straw, and more!<br /><br />OR<br /><br />Compete as part of a Clean Team! The top team in each region — East, Central, and West Contra Costa County — will be recognized by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and each team member* will receive a Tread Lightly Toolkit.</p>
<p></p>
<p>You can win a number of amazing prizes, including gift cards to Bill's Ace Hardware, Sloat Garden Center, and Sideboard Neighborhood Kitchen.Anyone who participates in the Challenge may also receive a free yard of mulch from EcoMulch. Pleasant Hill residents can also win composting bin to turn food scraps into nutrient-rich garden soil! </p>
<p><strong>Have questions? Check out our <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Cz_yzRXgLGYuEmRdMoHo0W6YtGy1sh51wuecUahZC7g/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Cleaner CoCo FAQs. </a></strong><b>For more details and instructions to claim prizes, check out our<span> </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1P6hLw7HoRNG7c-VdBTkSnT-5uarTP_zqc-E0jtqIguY/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Cleaner CoCo Challenge Prize Information.</a></b><br /><br /><strong>Have questions? Contact Colleen (colleen@sustainablecoco.org).</strong></p></div>Take the Clean Air Pledge and Win Prizeshttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/take-the-clean-air-pledge-and-win-prizes2020-10-08T18:27:24.000Z2020-10-08T18:27:24.000ZColleen Nolandhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/ColleenNoland<div><table width="100%" cellspacing="0" border="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor">
<tbody><tr><td class="editor-col OneColumnMobile" width="100%" valign="top"><div class="gl-contains-text"><table width="100%" cellspacing="0" border="0">
<tbody><tr><td class="editor-text" align="left" valign="top"><div class="text-container galileo-ap-content-editor"><div><div align="center"><span>Take the Clean Air Pledge and Win Prizes with Sustainable Contra Costa!</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table width="100%" cellspacing="0" border="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor">
<tbody><tr><td class="editor-col OneColumnMobile" width="100%" valign="top"><div class="gl-contains-text"><table width="100%" cellspacing="0" border="0">
<tbody><tr><td class="editor-text" align="left" valign="top"><div class="text-container galileo-ap-content-editor"><div><div align="center"><span>California Clean Air Day was October 7, 2020.</span></div>
<div align="center"><span>Did you know that you can still take the Clean Air Pledge and earn</span></div>
<div align="center"><span>prizes with Sustainable Contra Costa? </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></div>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<div class="gl-contains-image"><table class="editor-image editor-image-vspace-on" width="100%" cellspacing="0" border="0">
<tbody><tr><td align="center" valign="top"><div class="publish-container"><img alt="" width="531" border="0" hspace="0" vspace="0" src="https://files.constantcontact.com/d95d6cbb001/693371ab-30fd-46bc-9f36-294dedfbef23.png" /></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<div class="gl-contains-image"><table class="editor-image" width="100%" cellspacing="0" border="0">
<tbody><tr><td align="center" valign="top"><div class="publish-container"><a href="http://cleanairday.org/" target="_blank"><img alt="" width="385" border="0" hspace="0" vspace="0" src="https://files.constantcontact.com/d95d6cbb001/b0ea91dc-78f5-4664-b19b-4215b9119d62.png" /></a></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<div class="gl-contains-text"><table width="100%" cellspacing="0" border="0">
<tbody><tr><td class="editor-text" align="left" valign="top"><div class="text-container galileo-ap-content-editor"><div><div align="center"><span>Visit </span><a href="http://cleanairday.org/?fbclid=IwAR07s-evez2z0JCHeQDQqnlD5w1LqsZwmXmYEYHP10wINxeFXd42WfPLIa0" target="_blank">CleanAirDay.org</a><span> and click on "Take the Pledge" to learn about actions you can take to create cleaner, healthier air for everyone! Switch it out, plant something, and reduce vehicle emissions in your household to participate.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<div class="gl-contains-image"><table class="editor-image editor-image-vspace-on" width="100%" cellspacing="0" border="0">
<tbody><tr><td align="center" valign="top"><div class="publish-container"><img alt="" width="348" border="0" hspace="0" vspace="0" src="https://files.constantcontact.com/d95d6cbb001/b0c50c49-ecf9-494f-9522-ae0b6d948cbf.png" /></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<div class="gl-contains-text"><table width="100%" cellspacing="0" border="0">
<tbody><tr><td class="editor-text" align="left" valign="top"><div class="text-container galileo-ap-content-editor"><div><div align="center"><span>Now through October 31st (or while supplies last), you can win a $10 gift card to </span><a href="https://www.rivertownsweets.com/" target="_blank">Rivertown Sweets</a><span> in Antioch and a stainless steel water bottle when you take the Clean Air Pledge!</span></div>
<div><span>How do I earn my prizes? </span></div>
<div><span>1. Sign up for the </span><span>Cleaner </span><a href="http://cleanercontracosta.org/" target="_blank">Contra Costa Challenge</a><a href="http://cleanercontracosta.org/" target="_blank"> </a><span>and take one Action to improve air quality. The Challenge gives you step-by-step guides and local resources to save water and energy in the home and preserve the planet. </span></div>
<div><span>Visit </span><a href="http://cleanercontracosta.org/" target="_blank">CleanerContraCosta.org</a><span> and click "Join the Challenge". Participating is free and signing up will take you less than a minute! Click on the star icon on the left side of the page to see available Actions. </span></div>
<div><span>Choose one of the following Actions: </span></div>
<ul>
<li><span>Combine Trips</span></li>
<li><span>Choose Green Electricity</span></li>
<li><span>Eat Lower Down the Carbon Chain </span></li>
<li><span>Buy Local, Buy Organic</span></li>
<li><span>Plant Trees</span></li>
<li><span>Take the Bus </span></li>
<li><span>Bike, Walk, Skateboard or Unicycle</span></li>
<li><span>Replace AC Filters</span></li>
<li><span>Carpool </span></li>
</ul>
<div><span>2. Once you complete an Action, a page that says "Congratulations--share your success" will appear. </span></div>
<div><span>Write about your experience taking the Action in the text box and click "Post" at the bottom. </span></div>
<div><span>3. Take the </span><a href="https://www.cleanairday.org/" target="_blank">Clean Air Pledge</a><span> through California Clean Air Day! </span></div>
<div><span>4. Take screenshots of your completed Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge post and your completed Clean Air Pledge. Send them to Colleen at </span><a href="mailto:colleen@sustainablecoco.org" target="_blank">colleen@sustainablecoco.org</a><span> to claim your prizes! </span></div>
<div><span>You must send screenshots of completion by October 31st to receive prizes (or while supplies last). </span></div>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table width="100%" cellspacing="0" border="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor">
<tbody><tr><td class="editor-col OneColumnMobile" width="100%" valign="top"><div class="gl-contains-text"><table width="100%" cellspacing="0" border="0">
<tbody><tr><td class="editor-text" align="left" valign="top"><div class="text-container galileo-ap-content-editor"><div><div align="center"><span>If you are interested, you can also </span><a href="https://idlefreebayarea.org/" target="_blank">take the Idle Free Pledge</a><span> with Idle Free Bay Area. And for more information on commuting options, rebates, and incentives, visit </span><a href="http://511contracosta.org/" target="_blank">511 Contra Costa</a><span>. </span></div>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table width="100%" cellspacing="0" border="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor">
<tbody><tr><td class="editor-col OneColumnMobile" width="50%" valign="top"><div><div class="column-resize-bar"></div>
</div>
<div class="gl-contains-image"><table class="editor-image" width="100%" cellspacing="0" border="0">
<tbody><tr><td align="center" valign="top"><div class="publish-container"><a href="https://idlefreebayarea.org/" target="_blank"><img alt="" width="134" border="0" hspace="0" vspace="0" src="https://files.constantcontact.com/d95d6cbb001/5f668dd9-2106-4009-b343-af1d6a518efa.png" /></a></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
<td class="editor-col OneColumnMobile" width="50%" valign="top"><div class="gl-contains-image"><table class="editor-image" width="100%" cellspacing="0" border="0">
<tbody><tr><td align="center" valign="top"><div class="publish-container"><a href="https://511contracosta.org/" target="_blank"><img alt="" width="275" border="0" hspace="0" vspace="0" src="https://files.constantcontact.com/d95d6cbb001/99cb6102-4fcf-46bf-a763-780657cf0035.png" /></a></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table width="100%" cellspacing="0" border="0" class="galileo-ap-layout-editor">
<tbody><tr><td class="editor-col OneColumnMobile" width="100%" valign="top"><div class="gl-contains-text"><table width="100%" cellspacing="0" border="0">
<tbody><tr><td class="editor-text" align="left" valign="top"><div class="text-container galileo-ap-content-editor"><div><div align="center"><span>Did you miss our Clean Air Day event? You can view a video of the Antioch Clean Air Celebration </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vb7s23Fe7k" target="_blank">here.</a></div>
<div align="center"></div>
<div align="center"><span>The Fall/Winter Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge is now in progress! Join us to earn new prizes and to find Actions to save water and energy in the home. For more information, visit </span><a href="https://sustainablecoco.org/cleaner-contra-costa-challenge/" target="_blank">sustainablecoco.org/cleaner-contra-costa-challenge/</a></div>
<div align="center"><span>For more information about Sustainable Contra Costa and our programs, check out </span><a href="http://sustainablecoco.org/" target="_blank">sustainablecoco.org</a><span>. </span></div>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>September Action of the Month: Eat Lower Down the Carbon Chainhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/september-action-of-the-month-eat-lower-down-the-carbon-chain2020-09-03T17:51:40.000Z2020-09-03T17:51:40.000ZColleen Nolandhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/ColleenNoland<div><p><span>If you're looking for some meal inspiration, why not try some plant-rich recipes? Cattle and sheep release a very powerful greenhouse gas called Methane as part of their digestive process. Reducing meals with beef or lamb just once per week for a family of four is the same as taking the average car off the road for up to 1,500 miles.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span><strong>This month, Sustainable Leaders in Action is focusing on <a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/action/eat-lower-down-carbon-chain" target="_blank">Eat Lower Down the Carbon Chain</a> as our Youth Action through the <a href="http://cleanercontracosta.org/" target="_blank">Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge</a>. </strong></span></p>
<p><span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8095767295,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"></a></span></p>
<p>Reducing your family's beef or lamb consumption by one or more meals per week can have a big impact! Eating less red meat can improve your long-term health. Recent studies have shown that substituting one serving per day of red meat with other foods like fish, poultry, nuts, legumes (beans), low-fat dairy and whole grains could lower the risk of premature death from heart disease, cancer or other causes by 7-19%. Eating protein sources lower down the carbon emissions chain not only helps protect our future from climate change but also helps protect your future! <br /></p>
<p></p>
<p>Changing up your dinner time routine can also be fun! Talk with your family and get ideas for what you would like to substitute for beef or lamb. To start, find recipe ideas with <a href="https://www.mondaycampaigns.org/meatless-monday/recipes" target="_blank">Meatless Monday.</a> You can also skip that step and consider looking for new alternatives at your favorite restaurant. There are many great plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, quinoa, and tofu or animal proteins like chicken, fish or turkey to try adding in. These alternatives to beef are often less expensive and can save your family money on food as well.</p>
<p>The choices we make with our diet are highly personal, so choose what is best for you and your family.</p>
<p></p>
<p><span>Keep reading for our tips to switch out a few meals with beef and lamb for plant-rich recipes! </span></p>
<p><span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8095768065,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}8095768065,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="493" height="492" alt="8095768065?profile=original" /></a></span></p></div>August Youth Action of the Month: Stay Coolhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/august-youth-action-of-the-month-stay-cool2020-08-15T00:34:26.000Z2020-08-15T00:34:26.000ZColleen Nolandhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/ColleenNoland<div><p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Did you know that turning off your air conditioning when it is not in use can save you $130 annually? The best part? It's free to implement these tips in your routine! </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>This month, Sustainable Leaders in Action is focusing on <a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/action/stay-cool" target="_blank">Stay Cool</a> as our August Youth Action through the <a href="http://cleanercontracosta.org" target="_blank">Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge</a>. </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8095767295,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">There are lots of clever ways to keep your home cool and reduce the work of your air conditioner. Simple things like closing drapes to keep the sunshine out during the day and using a fan can lower your AC energy use up to 15% and save you money. These actions will also extend the life of your AC unit and reduce carbon emissions and air pollution. Even if you don’t have AC, you can make your home more comfortable during the summer by adopting these simple actions. The best news? Many of these actions are inexpensive or free and easy to do.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:13.3333px;">Keep reading for our tips to stay cool this summer and save energy in your home!</span></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8095767295,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><br /><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}8095767295,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="427" height="427" alt="8095767295?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kmn9yh5iXxc" target="_blank">Watch a video highlighting this Action for more tips</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sustainablexleaders/" target="_blank">Check out our Instagram with more tips and tricks to Stay Cool!</a></strong></p>
<p></p></div>Announcing the SCOCO Youth Team: Sustainable Leaders in Action!https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/announcing-the-scoco-youth-team-sustainable-leaders-in-action2020-08-15T00:22:17.000Z2020-08-15T00:22:17.000ZColleen Nolandhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/ColleenNoland<div><p><b><span>Sustainable Contra Costa is excited to announce the formation of its youth team, Sustainable Leaders in Action! </span></b><b><span>The team is </span></b><b><span>completely youth-led and now includes 15-20 high school and college students. They work together to educate youth within the commu</span></b><b><span>nity on sustainable living and various practices they can take to make a difference.</span></b></p>
<p><b><span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8095762270,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}8095762270,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="392" height="219" alt="8095762270?profile=original" /></a></span></b></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">“Sustainable Leaders in Action gives high school and college students an easy way to get involved and learn more about sustainability to make our County a better place to live and work. It allows students to learn what it’s like to be a part of a non-profit organization, while learning valuable skills,” said Courtney Sanchez, Vice Chair of Sustainable Leaders in Action. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">The Sustainable Leaders in Action is a volunteer opportunity open to any high school or college student within the county. Volunteers partake in the</span> <a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/"><span style="font-weight:400;">Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge</span></a> <span style="font-weight:400;">by taking youth friendly actions in order to reduce their carbon footprint, while working together to get more students involved in sustainable living. The group’s Instagram is filled with helpful resources, including youth friendly actions, workshops, and tips for sustainable living. Check out their page by visiting</span> <a href="http://instagram.com/sustainablexleaders"><span style="font-weight:400;">instagram.com/sustainablexleaders.</span></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Every youth volunteer helps achieve the mission of inspiring those around them through actions that lead to a positive impact within our community. Volunteers can choose opportunities to gain experience in their areas of interest, such as social media, marketing, and video editing.</span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Students that would like to join this organization can contact Karen Rosenberg, Chair of Sustainable Leaders in Action to schedule an interview and get involved by emailing <a href="http://gmail.com" target="_blank">karen.santos.rosenberg@gmail.com</a>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">“Sustainable Contra Costa is so excited to have a designated youth based group that will amplify the voices of younger generations within our community. This project has been in the works for quite some time, so we are very happy to finally announce its launch,” said Karen Rosenberg. “We cannot wait to keep the momentum going and be able to work with youth activists and leaders, helping to provide them with a platform to learn valuable professional development skills and take the necessary steps to build a healthier and safer community.”</span></p>
<p></p>
<p>Various major projects include Actions of the Month, Green Jobs panels, and an SLIA E-Newsletter. Actions of the Month are chosen directly by the SLIA Committee every month and correlate to a youth-friendly action on the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge platform.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/august-youth-action-of-the-month-stay-cool" target="_blank">Check out the August Action of the Month!</a></strong></p>
<p> Currently, a team of SLIA members is working to create a public and free virtual event highlighting green careers. Attendees will hear from professionals working in various aspects of sustainability and environmental science and be given a chance to ask questions.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Another major project includes SLIA's monthly e-newsletter. This e-newsletter is a way for our members to not only learn more about sustainability and environmental issues but help educate their peers through writing articles, taking photos, and creating artwork. </p>
<p><strong><a href="https://sustainablecoco.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/SLIA-Newsletter-August-2020.pdf" target="_blank">Enjoy the premier issue of SLIA’s newsletter</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.tfaforms.com/4843139" target="_blank">Subscribe to SLIA’s mailing list</a></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><b><span>The Sustainable Leaders in Action is a branch of Sustainable Contra Costa. To learn more about the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge, visit <a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/">https://cleanercontracosta.org/</a>.</span></b></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.tfaforms.com/4843139" target="_blank"></a></strong></p></div>Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge: ¿Sabías que puedes cambiar tu perfil a español?https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/cleaner-contra-costa-challenge-sabia-que-se-puede-cambiar-su-perf2020-04-21T01:05:43.000Z2020-04-21T01:05:43.000ZTyler Snortum-Phelpshttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/TylerSnortumPhelps<div><p style="margin-bottom:0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:0in;"><span xml:lang="es-es" lang="es-es"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8095767692,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}8095767692,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" width="100" alt="8095767692?profile=original" /></a><strong>Sabías que puedes cambiar tu perfil a español?</strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:0in;"><span xml:lang="es-es" lang="es-es">Solo se necesita haz clic al “Español” en la esquina por arriba a la derecha. Todo el contenido del sitio del Desafío de un “Cleaner Contra Costa” estará traducido, ¡incluso los recursos!</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:0in;"><span xml:lang="es-es" lang="es-es">Para cambiar la configuración de su cuenta al español permanentemente, navege e “Account Settings.”</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:0in;"><span xml:lang="es-es" lang="es-es"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8095767872,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}8095767889,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-right" width="230" height="205" alt="8095767889?profile=original" /></a></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:0in;"><span xml:lang="es-es" lang="es-es">Desplaze para abajo a la sección de “Language” y seleccione “Spanish (Español).” Esa selección cambiará la condición base de su cuenta a español!</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:0in;" xml:lang="es-es" lang="es-es"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:0in;" xml:lang="es-es" lang="es-es"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:0in;" xml:lang="es-es" lang="es-es"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8095767701,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}8095768475,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" width="327" height="132" alt="8095768475?profile=original" /></a></p></div>Job Opportunity at the Greenbelt Alliance!https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/job-opportunity-at-the-greenbelt-alliance2015-03-13T20:35:40.000Z2015-03-13T20:35:40.000ZLois Courchainehttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/LoisCourchaine<div><h4>Job Opportunity! Greenbelt Program Director Position</h4><p>The Program Director leads Greenbelt Alliance’s Natural Landscapes and Local Farms & Ranches initiatives through which the organization works to protect the region’s 3.6 million-acre greenbelt of natural and working landscapes. This job is based in our San Francisco office.<a href="http://www.greenbelt.org/general/job-announcement-program-director/">http://www.greenbelt.org/general/job-announcement-program-director/</a></p></div>Earth Day Eventshttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/earth-day-events2013-04-19T18:07:44.000Z2013-04-19T18:07:44.000ZValerie Ahttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/ValerieA<div><p>Tina & All,</p><p>If anyone has Earth Day Events they would like to advertise please comment on my Lemonade Boutique Earth Day Facebook post:</p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/lemonadeboutique">https://www.facebook.com/lemonadeboutique</a></p><p></p><p>Thanks,</p><p>Valerie</p></div>How Do You Save Energy and Money Without Spending A Pennyhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/how-do-you-save-energy-without-spending-a-penny2013-04-01T23:46:13.000Z2013-04-01T23:46:13.000ZSundong Kwonghttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/SundongKwong<div><p>Want to reduce your energy use and save money? It is a lot easier than you think. Many people use a lot of energy because they are accustomed to leaving most of devices running 24/7 when energy was cheap. But times have changed. Energy is getting expensive. In addition, energy generation causes air pollution and fuel exploration can cause great damage to our environment.</p><p>If you look around your house, you notice much of energy is being wasted. Here are some easy-to-do steps that require no money and can be easily done by changing a few day-to-day habits:</p><ul class="content_plain content_li_padding"><li>Turn televisions off when you are not watching or leaving the room.</li><li>Turn the lights off when you leave a room.</li><li>Put your computer to sleep when you are not using it. You can also set your computer to automatically go to sleep if you’ve left it idle for more than 15 minutes.</li><li>Set your thermostat for 68 degree F in the winter and 78 degree F in the summer. You can save 3-5% for every degree sets higher in the winter and lower in the summer.</li><li>Run your dishwasher only when it is full.</li><li>Close the damper when the fireplace is not being used. Try to avoid using the fireplace and central heating system at the same time.</li><li>Close the drapes at night to keep heat in, especially if you have single pane windows.</li><li>In summer, turn the ceiling fan on to keep air moving. This will enable you to turn up your thermostats a few degrees in summer to save energy on cooling.</li><li>In winter, set your ceiling fan settings to “low”, and set the fan to reverse to circulate the warm air.</li><li>Remember to turn the ceiling fan off when you are not in the room.</li></ul><p>You can find some more energy savings videos <a href="http://greenremodelforum.com/grf/?page_id=910http://" target="_blank">here.</a></p><p></p></div>Solar Financing Workshop for Residential Propertieshttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/solar-financing-workshop-for-residential-properties-12013-01-15T00:36:35.000Z2013-01-15T00:36:35.000ZSundong Kwonghttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/SundongKwong<div><p>Green Remodel Forum was in partnership with SunShot (Department of Energy Sunshot Initiative Rooftop Solar Challenge), Contra Costa Economic Partnership, Diablo Innovation Alliance, Contra Costa Association of Realtors Sustainable San Ramon, and Sustainable Contra Costa to hold a Solar Financing Workshop for Residential Properties on January 10, at the Community Center in San Ramon, CA.</p><p>The event was a panel discussion on basic solar PV and financing options. Over 70 people from different parts of Contra Costa County attending the event.</p><p>Our co-founder, Yuet Lee, led off the panel with an explanation on how the historic low prices of solar PV can be used to erase the high electric utility rate. He talked about a Lawrence Berkeley Lab study showing a solar PV equipped home sells at ...Read more</p><p><a href="http://greenremodelforum.com/grf/?p=2405">http://greenremodelforum.com/grf/?p=2405</a></p></div>Everyone needs to listen to this short interview on what GMOs are doing to us!https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/everyone-needs-to-listen-to-this-short-interview-on-what-gmos-are2012-12-13T17:33:58.000Z2012-12-13T17:33:58.000ZTina King Neuhauselhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/TinaKingNeuhausel<div><p><a href="http://action.responsibletechnology.org/p/salsa/web/common/public/content?content_item_KEY=10675" target="_blank">Jeffrey Smith interview on George Noory</a></p></div>Contra Costa 350 Home & Garden Challenge - Weeds-to-Food Yard Projecthttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/contra-costa-350-home-garden-challenge-weeds-to-food-yard-project2012-06-04T18:09:33.000Z2012-06-04T18:09:33.000ZTina King Neuhauselhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/TinaKingNeuhausel<div><p>Thank you to everyone who participated and made Contra Costa's first 350 Home & Garden Challenge an amazing success. We nearly tripled our goal of 350 actions - there were 974 actions registered!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150800827542816.396701.122543692815&type=1http://" target="_blank">Check out the photos and story of our demonstration weeds-to-food project!<br /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150800827542816.396701.122543692815&type=1http://" target="_blank"></a>We are so grateful for all of our partners, sponsors, and participants who are helping to create a more Sustainable Contra Costa!!!</p></div>LED Lights vs. CFL Lights: What Works for Your Home?https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/led-lights-vs-cfl-lights-what-works-for-your-home2012-03-09T07:04:12.000Z2012-03-09T07:04:12.000ZSundong Kwonghttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/SundongKwong<div><p>Danielle Stewart provides cost and lighting factors on CFLs and LEDs to help us make intelligent choices.</p><p></p><p>"Choosing the right light bulb could drastically reduce your power bills and positively affect the environment, but with so many light bulb options on the market, knowing which one to choose can be difficult. Below is a simple comparison between incandescent, compact fluorescent (CFL) and light-emitting diode (LED) to help you decide which is right for you.</p><h3>Efficiency</h3><p>There’s been a lot of buzz lately about both compact fluorescent and LED lighting in homes. In fact, a recent survey found that 74% of US households have at least one energy efficient light source in them. Did you know that older incandescents, or traditional light bulbs are only 10% efficient?<a name="t1" id="t1"></a><a href="http://greenremodelforum.com/GRF/blog/?p=146#fn1"><sup>1</sup></a> Meaning that only 10% of the electricity they use is transferred into light and the rest is turned into heat. From a cost standpoint this is not a very efficient way to light your home. Luckily, people have started to realize that energy efficiency is the wave of the future and if they want to save money on their electricity costs and help save the planet, they have to make some changes around their home. Now more than ever LED and CFL’s are available everywhere you shop, even in most grocery stores. Making the transition from outdated incandescents to LED’s and CFL’s easy."...read more <a href="http://greenremodelforum.com/GRF/blog/?p=146">http://greenremodelforum.com/GRF/blog/?p=146</a></p></div>Fun with Holiday LED Lightshttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/fun-with-holiday-led-lights2011-12-05T22:25:11.000Z2011-12-05T22:25:11.000ZSundong Kwonghttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/SundongKwong<div><p>In this holiday season, consider having some fun with LED lights.</p><p></p><p>We know that LED lights are 5 times more efficient than incandescent lights and will last 25,000 to 50,000 hours. The electronic control of LED lights offers additional features that let lighting designers create some fun features in decorating. The control can do dimming light, morphing, color changing, light chasing. Dimming LED lights change the amount of power sent to the diodes, sending less for dim light and more for bright light. Morphing LED lights slowly fade between different colors, and color changes flash from red to green. Chasing LED strings turn a few LEDs on in sequence that can be used to simulate the appearance of falling snow in icicles. Combinations of these features are also possible. These are hard to achieve things using other lighting technologies. The LED lights can also be put inside a narrow tube to allow you make twists and turns for interesting displays.</p><p></p><p>Some other advantages of LED holiday lights over incandescent lights: bulbs do not burn out, plastic construction without glass avoids breakage, bulbs less likely to be damaged while being put up or in storage, strings are water tight for use safely both indoor and outdoor.</p><p></p><p>To read more <a href="http://greenremodelforum.com/GRF/blog/?p=103" target="_blank">http://greenremodelforum.com/GRF/blog/?p=103</a></p></div>Sustainable Gift Giving for the Holidayshttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/sustainable-gift-giving-for-the-holidays2011-12-05T20:51:41.000Z2011-12-05T20:51:41.000ZAndrea Bloomhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/AndreaBloom266<div><p>In a tight economy, create sustainable gift giving practices that don’t have a high price tag and that benefit the local community. Many families have moved away from purchasing gifts for everyone in the family to picking names from a hat and giving and receiving one gift. Some people have created the tradition of giving a charitable donation in honor of a family member as their holiday gift. To create a virtuous cycle for sustainable gift giving, purchase a gift that is made in the U.S.A. from a local merchant in your community. This ensures that the dollars from your gift purchase remain in your community.</p><p>When you give the gift of a donation to a local charity, it supports those in need in your community. Enjoy the pleasure of giving to those less fortunate this holiday season by donating food to the local food bank, helping serve meals at a homeless shelter or creating gift bags for those in need. Give the children in your life “Save, Spend and Share” cards by <a href="http://www.triplegift.net/" target="_blank">triplegift</a> to teach both charity and money management. Have them use the “spend” piece for a purchase in the community and donate the “share” piece to a local charity.</p><p></p><p>Click here for more ideas <a href="http://connectwell.wordpress.com/2011/12/02/holiday-health/" target="_blank">Holiday Health</a></p></div>Sustainable Eating for the Holidayshttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/sustainable-eating-for-the-holidays2011-12-05T20:34:12.000Z2011-12-05T20:34:12.000ZAndrea Bloomhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/AndreaBloom266<div><p>The holidays present challenges for sustainable eating practices because there are so many parties where lots of high-calorie, high-sugar and high-fat foods are served to us and our children at office, school and community gatherings.</p><p>The holidays are a good time to remember these words: “Eat the best and leave the rest.” When it comes to party treats or dinners, allow yourself to enjoy those dishes that you really love. But don’t pile your plate or party napkin with other “junk” food just because it’s there. Balance special treats with vegetables and fruits, whole grain breads, lean protein, and low-fat/low-sugar dairy products. </p><p>You can help contribute to holiday potlucks and parties that you organize or host by creating a menu that is balanced with healthy appetizers, salads, vegetables, main dishes and fruit for dessert. You can also contribute by purchasing foods that are sustainably grown in the local community. So this holiday season, put on a healthy spread of foods that not only contribute to your health, but to the health of the local community.</p><p></p><p>Click here for more ideas <a href="http://connectwell.wordpress.com/2011/12/02/holiday-health/" target="_blank">Holiday Health</a></p></div>Have Yourself a Merry "Little" Christmas with Sustainble Giftshttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/have-yourself-a-merry-little-christmas2011-12-04T21:58:25.000Z2011-12-04T21:58:25.000ZLois Courchainehttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/LoisCourchaine<div><p>Last month, around Thanksgiving and the omnipresent "Black Friday," a friend of mind sent me an email about this really cool idea. The gist is to buy local for the Holidays. I have heard that this idea is taking off and actually becoming a movement. So, what have I done to help? Several things. I started off at a local farmers' market where I bought some locally handcrafted bath soap and skin lotion for one of my sisters. The items even came in a really cool hand-made bag. I bought a little bottle of the skin lotion for myself, to try it out. Now I'm hooked, and so is my husband. I also made jewelry for my daughter-in-law and grand-daughter this year. You can't get more local than your own home I guess. I had so much fun too. I even took it a step further and made my own holiday cards. They are all unique and made with love. My husband complained about the glitter all over the house though.</p><p> </p><p>I heard on the radio the other day that if everyone bought just one or two gifts made locally, or even in the US, it would create over a 100,000 jobs. I have also been hearing a new catch-phrase: "Cheap-Chinese-Junk." This phrase really creates an image for me that has stuck. If you would like more inspiration on buying local for the holidays visit:</p><p><a href="http://www.thenextgreatgeneration.com/2011/11/how-to-buy-local-for-the-holidays/">http://www.thenextgreatgeneration.com/2011/11/how-to-buy-local-for-the-holidays/</a>.</p><p>Best to you and yours,</p><p>Lois</p></div>Where to Buy Local?https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/where-to-buy-local2011-12-02T17:37:42.000Z2011-12-02T17:37:42.000ZTina King Neuhauselhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/TinaKingNeuhausel<div><p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">Taking the time to consider where things come from and what they're made out of is an important step toward living sustainably. Finding things <em>Made in the USA</em> is not as easy as one would think, although it probably depends on where you shop. Questions to ask yourself before making a purchase:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:#4f604f;font-size:10pt;"><span class="font-size-2" style="color:#000000;">Is this item made in line with my values?</span></li>
<li style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:#4f604f;font-size:10pt;"><span class="font-size-2" style="color:#000000;">Am I supporting the local economy?</span></li>
<li style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:#4f604f;font-size:10pt;"><span class="font-size-2" style="color:#000000;">Are the people who produce this item treated and compensated fairly?</span></li>
<li style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:#4f604f;font-size:10pt;"><span class="font-size-2" style="color:#000000;">Is this item built to last?</span></li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span class="font-size-2" style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>WHERE TO BUY LOCAL PRODUCTS and SERVICES?</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-size:10pt;">One of my favorites is</span> <span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;" class="font-size-2"><a href="http://www.whitehallcandleco.com/" target="_blank">Whitehall Candle Co</a>.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;" class="font-size-2"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">Designed to evoke the senses and relax the soul, each candle is hand-crafted and individually packaged, one at a time and are conceived with an uncanny attention to detail and design. Soy-based and made by artist Shawn Whitehall in Walnut Creek! They can be purchased online <span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;" class="font-size-2">whitehallcandleco.com </span></span> or at the Walnut Creek farmers market.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;" class="font-size-2"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;" class="font-size-2"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">Good guide for finding toys made in the USA:</span></span></span></span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style="font-family:'book antiqua', palatino;" class="font-size-2"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://www.howtobuyamerican.com/content/ba-toys.shtml">http://www.howtobuyamerican.com/content/ba-toys.shtml</a> <br /></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10pt;">Please join this discussion and share your ideas! Remember that it's easy to find flaws in pretty much everything and we all have different values, so please refrain from criticizing others' suggestions. <br /></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-1" style="font-size:10pt;">Tip for posting comments: delete the original post from your reply to save space.</span></p></div>Buy American Made -- the Great Holiday Challengehttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/buy-american-made-the-great-holiday-challenge2011-11-14T20:55:04.000Z2011-11-14T20:55:04.000ZTina King Neuhauselhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/TinaKingNeuhausel<div><p>Gigantic plastic toys from China <strong>taking up precious space</strong> in the closet, <strong>cheap plastic junk</strong> that breaks an hour after my kids get their hands on it, my desire to <strong>support local jobs</strong> and a <strong>healthy environment</strong>...are my primary reasons for challenging my family to <strong>buy only American made products and services</strong> this holiday season. Taking time to consider where products are coming from before purchasing them can be very rewarding and may save you money by curbing impulse shopping. Will you join me?</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="posttitle"><h2><a href="http://buyamericanchallenge.wordpress.com/take-the-challenge/" title="Permanent Link to Take the Challenge!">Take the Challenge!</a></h2>
</div>
<p><strong><a href="http://buyamericanchallenge.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/i-want-you-to-take-the-bac3.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-141" title="I want you to take the BAC" src="http://buyamericanchallenge.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/i-want-you-to-take-the-bac3.jpg?w=211&h=382" height="382" width="211" alt="i-want-you-to-take-the-bac3.jpg?w=211&h=382" /></a></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Guidelines for the Buy American Challenge can be found by clicking <a title="Buy American Challenge Guidelines" href="http://buyamericanchallenge.wordpress.com/challenge-guidelines/">here</a>.</p>
<p>If you accept the Buy American Challenge you are likely to find it very rewarding. It feels good to know that with every hard-earned dollar you spend, you are doing something to help your country by helping to create American jobs, at a time when Americans need them the most. </p>
<p>You might also find that you are spending less money because you are making far fewer impulse purchases. Many are surprised by this when they begin to buy American, but it’s true, when you cut impulse purchases out of your buying habits, you <em>will</em> spend less money. And the things you do buy, by and large, will be of much higher quality. America still makes some of the highest quality manufactured goods in the world. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p></div>The Practices of Systemic Sustainabilityhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/the-practices-of-systemic-sustainability2011-10-24T16:43:22.000Z2011-10-24T16:43:22.000ZTina King Neuhauselhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/TinaKingNeuhausel<div><p align="center"><b>The Practices of Systemic Sustainability</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>By Alexander Laszlo, Ph.D., and Kathia C. Laszlo, Ph.D.</strong></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><em>Systemic sustainability</em> is a process of development (individual, organizational, or societal) involving an adaptive strategy of emergence that ensures the evolutionary maintenance of an increasingly robust and supportive environment. Systemic sustainability goes beyond the triple bottom line and embraces “the possibility that human and other forms of life will flourish on the Earth forever” as beautifully expressed by John Ehrenfeld.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Adam Werbach defines a sustainable business as one capable of “thriving in perpetuity.” Systemic sustainability is about developing this capacity so that all human systems can co-exist in partnership with the living systems of our planet.</p>
<p>Systemic sustainability starts with each individual in an organization or community. It recognizes that change happens through us. Integrating systemic sustainability into the cultural fabric of an organization requires the development of practices at least four levels of intentional action.</p>
<p><b>They are:</b></p>
<ul>
<li><b>The first level</b>: sustainability with oneself. The first level is personal or internal sustainability. The practices involve centering, quieting the monkey-mind, and listening with every cell of our being. These practices cultivate intuition, empathy, compassion, insight that matches outsight, and a willingness to explore and follow our deepest calling.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>The second level</b>: sustainability with others. The second level is community or interpersonal sustainability. The practice involves deep dialogue and collaboration– coming together to learn with and from each other and to engage in coordinated action with considerateness, openness, and joy in order to enable collective wisdom.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>The third level</b>: sustainability with nature. This level is ecosystemic or transpersonal sustainability. The practices involve communing, listening to the messages of all beings (whether they be waterfalls, animals, mountains or galaxies) and acknowledging our interdependence and ultimate unity.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>The fourth level</b>: sustainability with the flows of being and becoming. The fourth level is evolutionary or integral sustainability. The practices involve learning to read the patterns of change of which we are a part, learning to hear the rhythms of life and becoming familiar with the improvisational jam session that nature has been playing since time immemorial. These practices cultivate our ability to play our own piece, to sing and dance our own path into existence in harmony with the grand patterns of cosmic creation and to participate in the ongoing flourishing of life.</li>
</ul>
<p>Some possible questions to guide the practices of systemic sustainability within organizational contexts are:</p>
<ul>
<li>At the first level (<i>personal sustainability</i>): Who am I and what is my life’s purpose? What are my talents? To what do I feel called to contribute? What brings meaning to my life? What supports my personal development?</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>At the second level (<i>socio-cultural sustainability</i>): What common cares bring us together? What is our shared vision? How do we want to contribute to the flourishing of life forever? Who are our partners and collaborators? What do we need to learn? What do we want to create? What is our value proposition or unique contribution to all our stakeholders? What affirms our values, identity and culture?</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>At the third level (<i>ecological sustainability</i>): What gifts do we receive from nature that we have not acknowledged? What relationships and connections need to be restored? How can we contribute to the regeneration of our ecosystems? What would a thriving relationship with nature look like?</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>At the fourth level (<i>evolutionary sustainability</i>): What would our ancestors think of our work and life? What would our children’s children think of our choices? How do we honor our past and create our future intentionally? How do we become active and conscious participants in the unfolding of life?</li>
</ul>
<p>These practices make clear that sustainability—at the personal, organizational, societal, or planetary level—is a journey, not a destination; an inquiry, not a state to achieve.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>-Alexander Laszlo, Ph.D., and Kathia C. Laszlo, Ph.D., are the founders of <u>Syntony Quest</u> and are also faculty members of the <u>organizational systems program</u> at <u>Saybrook University</u>.</i></p>
<br /></div>Rebates Available to Improve the Health, Safety, and Comfort of our Homeshttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/energyupgraderebates2011-07-27T21:27:09.000Z2011-07-27T21:27:09.000ZTina King Neuhauselhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/TinaKingNeuhausel<div><div style="text-align:center;" align="center"><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9pt;color:#000000;" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="+0"><b>Make Your Home Healthy, Safe, and Comfortable</b></font></div>
<div style="text-align:center;" align="center"><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9pt;color:#000000;" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="+0"><b>With Up To $10,000 in Home Upgrade Rebates</b></font></div>
<br /> <br />
<div style="text-align:left;" align="left"><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9pt;color:#000000;" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="+0"><b> Did You Know?</b></font></div>
<ul style="list-style-type:disc;padding-left:36px;padding-right:0px;">
<li style="text-align:left;"><font color="#000000" face="Roman'" size="+0"> </font><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9pt;color:#000000;" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="+0">Over 30% of homes have a very inefficient heating and cooling system, with un-insulated and leaky ducting</font></li>
<li style="text-align:left;"><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9pt;color:#000000;" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="+0">Holes in our homes from conventional construction methods, both near the floor and at the ceiling, lead to loss of heat/cooling, uncomfortable and unhealthy air quality, as well as discomfort and musty smells</font></li>
<li style="text-align:left;"><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9pt;color:#000000;" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="+0">Attic insulation was often poorly installed and less effective</font></li>
<li style="text-align:left;"><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9pt;color:#000000;" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="+0">The Building Performance Institute has developed a procedure to pinpoint these items and determine the cost/benefit of correcting them</font></li>
<li style="text-align:left;"><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9pt;color:#000000;" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="+0">The most important step is “air sealing”. This greatly reduces the exfiltration of heated or cooled air, therefore a loss of energy<br /> <br /></font></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align:left;" align="left"><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9pt;color:#000000;" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="+0">Currently, your home may be eligible for up to $10,000 in funds from Energy Upgrade California and Contra Costa County to correct deficiencies, and make upgrades! Contractors participating in Energy Upgrade California are certified to assess the opportunities in your home.</font></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align:left;" align="left"><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9pt;color:#000000;" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="+0"><b>The Solution:</b></font></div>
<div style="text-align:left;" align="left"><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9pt;color:#000000;" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="+0">By arranging for acomplete Assessment, using building science, we can test--not just guess--what will make our homes more comfortable, healthy and safe.</font></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align:left;" align="left"><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9pt;color:#000000;" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="+0">We can seal tight and ventilate right so that we control the airflow in our house and eliminate pollution and moisture. Testing can also find sources of carbon monoxide, equipment failures and improper ventilation that can be hazardous to our health.</font></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align:left;" align="left"><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9pt;color:#000000;" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="+0">Energy Upgrade California is a statewide program that brings together state and local governments with utilities to provide assistance in making upgrades to our homes. Participating Contractors are certified to assess and upgrade your home in accordance with this program. Contact a participating Energy Upgrade California contractor for an Assessment of the opportunities in your home:</font> <a href="http://www.energyupgradeca.org/"><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9pt;" face="Arial" size="+0">www.energyupgradeca.org</font></a><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9pt;color:#000000;" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="+0">.</font></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align:left;" align="left"><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9pt;color:#000000;" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="+0"><b>Links:</b></font></div>
<div style="text-align:left;" align="left"><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9pt;color:#000000;" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="+0"><b>Energy Upgrade California</b> (</font><a href="http://www.energyupgradecc.org/"><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9pt;" face="Arial" size="+0">www.energyupgradeca.org</font></a><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9pt;color:#000000;" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="+0">)</font> <font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9pt;color:#000000;" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="+0">– Receive up to $4,000 fromPG&E for making energy efficient improvements to your home by using alicensed participating contractor</font></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align:left;" align="left"><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9pt;color:#000000;" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="+0"><b>Contra Costa County Rebates</b> (</font><a href="http://www.energyupgradecc.org/"><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9pt;" face="Arial" size="+0">www.energyupgradecc.org</font></a><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9pt;color:#000000;" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="+0">) – Receive up to $5,000 from ContraCosta County</font></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align:left;" align="left"><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9pt;color:#000000;" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="+0"><b>California Homebuyer’s Fund</b> (</font><a href="http://www.chfloan.org/"><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9pt;" face="Arial" size="+0">www.chfloan.org</font></a><font style="font-family:Arial;font-size:9pt;color:#000000;" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="+0">)– Receive an additional $1,250 and 3% financing over 15 years if your householdmakes less than $147,680</font></div>
<br /><br /></div>No Impact Experiment Week Starts Sunday!https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/no-impact-experiment-week2011-04-17T17:07:41.000Z2011-04-17T17:07:41.000ZSustainable Contra Costahttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/SustainableContraCosta<div><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8095734467,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}8095734467,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" width="352" alt="8095734467?profile=original" /></a><br />
<p align="center"><b>No Impact Experiment</b></p>
<p align="center"><b>A One-Week Carbon Cleanse</b><b> </b></p>
<p align="center"><b>Sunday--Sunday</b></p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center">The No Impact Project is an International environmental, nonprofit project founded in the spring of 2009. It was inspired by the No Impact Man book, film and blog.</p>
<p align="center">The no impact project is a one -week experiment that shows you how to live a happier life that will result in a happier earth. Each day of this one-week program builds on the day before, so by Friday you are not shopping for new goods, not making trash, only traveling by sustainable transportation, eating locally, using less energy, and wasting less water.</p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center">Start Today!</p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;" align="center">Then download the “How To Manual” that guides you through this one-week experiment, giving you the tools to make a no impact lifestyle a reality.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;" align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.westintech.com/SCOCOWeb/docs/No-Impact-Experiment-How-To-Manual.pdf">Download the No Impact Experiment How To Manual here</a></p>
<a href="http://www.westintech.com/SCOCOWeb/docs/No-Impact-Experiment-How-To-Manual.pdf" target="_blank"></a></div>Honoring Past leadershttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/honoring-past-leaders2010-09-30T18:46:33.000Z2010-09-30T18:46:33.000ZAmy Erezhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/AmyErez<div>Last night I attended the SCOCO awards night. Having arranged a large number of events myself, I know how challenging a task it is. It was beautifully arranged with delectable food, like-minded people and a great private auction. Congratulations! <br /><br />I left, however, feeling disgruntled and have been examining my feelings since then. I am disappointed (as I was last year) to see that SCOCO is not making a point of honoring the amazing people who led the way 20 - 30 years ago when green wasn't a buzz word and living sustainably was over the edge. People like Dennis the owner of Good Nature Grocery in Walnut Creek, Helen and her husband the owners of Harvest House in Concord, the owner of Turnaround (about?) Products in Martinez, the original owner of Natural Life Foods in Pleasant Hill, Rick and Kristie Knoll of Knoll Farms in Brentwood, Jim Ocean the founder of the Off the Couch Movement at the Musician's Coffeehouse in Walnut Creek, Nancy of the American School of Massage in Walnut Creek, the Natural Foods Coop in Walnut Creek, Tai Chi teacher Jan Diepersloot, Diane Valentine of the Yoga and Movement Center, Sylvia Nachlinger - acupressurist, herbalist, shaman, astrologer and more, Unity Center of Walnut Creek and Antioch, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Walnut Creek, the founders of local schools (parent-based cooperative pre-schools, Waldorf, Montessori, Sudbury) based on spirituality, freedom and respect for our children, John F. Kennedy University and all of the holistic professionals who were on the fringe and diligently working one by one to educate people of the profound benefits of this different lifestyle.<br /><br />These leaders learned early on that they were not a welcome part of the mainstream business engine and continued to quietly do their work. Or after working hard for many years, have been bought out by corporate businesses like Whole Foods (who is controversial in their commitment at best). Having been around all those years ago, I know that it was not possibleto be very visible while blazing the trail. Many of us didn't have goodbusiness skills. Our overwhelming passion and fierce determination kept us alive and flourishingas we told those few who would listen about our inspired ideas.Personally, my work was hidden from officials all those years ago and Ifound that I had to succeed outside of the political/business arena thatmost people used to become successful. It was quite daunting. As aresult many people have had to move on from their passions as theirbusinesses failed to support them financially.<br /><br />I know I could nominate these people for the awards night, but I don't think that putting them in competition with current leaders is appropriate. I don't expect these people to show up and receive an award. Rather, I feel that some research needs to be done to identify who these leaders were, how they planted the seeds that are now beginning to grow, and to acknowledge how difficult it was so many years ago to live outside of the mainstream and stay committed to controversial values while modeling to others the inherent value of this unusual way. And to say a meaningful "THANK YOU" to all of them for leading the way!<br /><br />I hope I'm not the only one thinking these thoughts. Thank you for listening, I'd love to hear yours.<br /></div>Toxic Cosmeticshttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/toxic-cosmetics2010-08-18T15:36:46.000Z2010-08-18T15:36:46.000ZSustainable Contra Costahttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/SustainableContraCosta<div><p>Okay, I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I have always been kind of a "girlie-girl." No, I don't wear pink frills or false eyelashes. But I do use lots of products that are supposed to enhance my appearance etc. But...what about the ingredients in all thoses products that I buy at the local "big-box" store? Ugh...not so good, for me or the environment. I'm not someone that is on a big rid-my-body-of-toxins campaign, because I have always been fairly healthy. What I am more concerned about is the effect that buying, using, and disposing of these products are having on the environment. Things you don't think about...nail polish, hair spray, hair dye. Not good at all. I think that I have to start making more connections about my personal choices and the poor little creatures that are suffering and dying because of them. So, with that said I wanted to pass on the link for this video by Annie Leonard about the cosmetics industry. It just as entertaining as the rest of her videos. So, watch it, laugh a little, think a little and pass it on to others.</p>
<p><a href="http://storyofstuff.org/cosmetics/">http://storyofstuff.org/cosmetics/</a></p></div>Certified Sustainability Advisors & SEEDshttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/certified-sustainability2010-04-27T05:06:16.000Z2010-04-27T05:06:16.000ZMark Westwindhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/MarkWestwind<div><div><br /></div><div>As we look for ways to maximize SCOCO's long-term ability to affect change toward more energy efficient lifestyles, there is clearly a need to educate the public. It troubles me that Bay Area radio commentators on KSFO and KGO are actively deriding PG&E's SmartMeter Program and discounting the need for and value of conserving energy. What we need is to provide the public with good solid objective information. </div><div><br /></div><div>I like Tina's idea re: Energy Ambassadors. Thinking about how to implement such a program, I recommend that we follow the very successful model of the UC Cooperative Extension's Master Gardeners Program for our Energy Ambassadors. The model is 120 hours of training in exchange for a commitment to do 80 hours of volunteer work in the community ... answering calls, doing info tables at events, etc. This is a well-established model with a long track record of success. I worked for the Extension when the Master Gardeners Program was established ... I recruited several MG's as key volunteers for launching the PH and WC farmers markets, helping create Homestead Park and creating a demonstration foodscape. The cache of a certificate and a plastic name tag goes a very long way!! </div><div><div><br /></div><div>I can envision SCOCO setting up this type of program, then have our Ambassadors be out in the community ... at events, at workshops co-sponsored by Home Depot, at the Farmers Markets, etc. And, our Ambassadors could staff an Energy Hotline at the SCOCO office. I was sceptical that people would be willing to sit at a phone for a 3 hour shift at the Extension office, but people did willingly. People really liked going out to events and workshops. </div><div><br /></div><div>THIS is a fundable idea with SCOCO serving as the training and coordinating body. SCOCO could partner with the Contra Costa SBDC to cover the business sector. </div><div><br /></div></div></div>Wellness Challenge - Healthy Eating Guidelines 101https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/wellness-challenge-healthy2010-04-09T18:12:25.000Z2010-04-09T18:12:25.000ZSheila Hillhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/SheilaHill<div><p>When thinking of Health and Wellness, I always think about Cindy Gershen, chef and owner of the delicious Sunrise Bistro in Walnut Creek. She is one of the most amazing and inspiring people I have ever met and she has accomplished so much, including losing 100 pounds and keeping it off!. She began her Wellness City Challenge locally right here in Walnut Creek, took it to a county level in 2009 with the Mayor's Challenge, and she's still going strong! Visit the website at <a href="http://www.wellnesscitychallenge.com">www.wellnesscitychallenge.com</a> for simple Eating Healthy Guidelines 101 and Reading Labels 101. </p></div>Good Summary of Health Care Reform Billhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/good-summary-of-health-care2010-03-27T16:12:21.000Z2010-03-27T16:12:21.000ZTina King Neuhauselhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/TinaKingNeuhausel<div>Here's a good non-partisan summary of the health care reform compliments of Peter Foy Associates insurance. <br /><br /><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8095733478,original{{/staticFileLink}}">Health Care Reform Summary-1.pdf</a><br /></div>