SCOCO Insights Newsletter - Forum - SCOCO Network2024-03-29T01:07:28Zhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/feed/category/SCOCO+Insights+NewsletterInspiring Change: Let's Start A Conversationhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/inspiring-change2024-03-02T04:52:36.000Z2024-03-02T04:52:36.000ZSarah Nephttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/SarahNep<div><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12391902090,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12391902090,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12391902090?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
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<p style="font-weight:400;"><span class="rTNyH RZQOk BYUog">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@linkedinsalesnavigator?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">LinkedIn Sales Solutions</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-in-black-jacket-sitting-beside-woman-in-white-blazer-IjkIOe-2fF4?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a></span></p>
<div>More and more the conversation is not about if climate change is happening – it is what can we do about it. This is a subtle but important shift. More people are realizing we need to change our behaviors and many people wonder how can they help. You have likely started making changes in your own homes and lifestyles.</div>
<p style="font-weight:400;">One way we can help others is to lead by example. We can’t make people change but we can inspire change by demonstrating the positive actions we have taken and sharing the benefits these changes have had on our lives. These changes can be large or small. Small positive changes multiplied by many will have a significant impact. Consider the ripple effect across communities, our nation, and our planet.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">Let’s start here! <strong>Post a reply below and share the top 3 changes you have made that you feel are contributing to a more sustainable future.</strong> Maybe you have reduced your carbon footprint by reducing single use plastic, purchased a hybrid or electric vehicle, or e-bike. Have you started shopping at the local farmer's market, or replaced your lawn with native plants or taken time to write a letter? <em>(NOTE: You'll need to join the SCOCO Network to post a comment, but it's fast, free and easy!)</em></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">There are so many things we can do. Share your contributing changes in the reply. Change begins with us and we can lead from where we are.</span></p></div>The Unwholesomeness of Cheerios and Quaker Oatshttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/the-unwholesomeness-of-cheerios-and-quaker-oats2024-03-01T22:56:33.000Z2024-03-01T22:56:33.000ZAlison Claryhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/AlisonClary<div><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12391842092,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12391842092,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12391842092?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="363" height="242" /></a></p><p style="font-weight:400;">How about a little pesticide with your breakfast? If you regularly eat Cheerios or Quaker Oats products, there are some things you should know, especially if you are feeding these seemingly wholesome foods to your children and assuming they are part of a healthy diet for growing bodies. Let’s focus on two pesticides that may be in our bodies currently: the more familiar glyphosate, and a newbie called chlormequat.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Glyphosate</strong></p><p style="font-weight:400;">Remember glyphosate, the main ingredient in the weed killer spray Roundup? Farmers spray this herbicide directly onto crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat and oats. California state scientists, the World Health Organization (WHO), and world-renowned cancer research center The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) determined in 2015 that glyphosate was a probable human carcinogen, and in 2018 plaintiff Dewayne Johnson won $289 million in damages due to cancer caused by glyphosate. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/aug/11/one-mans-suffering-exposed-monsantos-secrets-to-the-world" target="_blank">The Guardian</a> noted there are residues of glyphosate in food, water, soil, air, and even rainfall around the globe. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control found glyphosate in more than 80% of children and adults tested.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">In 2018, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) commissioned independent laboratory tests and found glyphosate in all but two out of 45 samples of products made with conventionally grown oats. Almost three-fourths of the samples had glyphosate levels higher than what EWG scientists consider protective of children’s health, allowing for an adequate margin of safety. </p><p style="font-weight:400;">About one-third of the 16 samples made with organically grown oats, <a href="https://www.ewg.org/research/breakfast-dose-roundup" target="_blank">including Bob's Red Mill Organic Oats,</a> also had traces of glyphosate, albeit significantly less than non-organic ones, and at levels well below EWG’s health benchmark. (If you’re wondering how organic crops get tainted, particles of pesticide can drift from nearby fields of conventionally grown, pesticide sprayed crops. Also, cross-contamination can occur later at a facility that handles non-organic crops.)</p><p style="font-weight:400;">SCOCO has published previous articles like <a href="https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/action-of-the-month-ditch-the-pesticides" target="_blank">"Ditch The Pesticides"</a> and <a href="https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/weeds-and-bees" target="_blank">"Weeds and Bees"</a> about how glyphosate not only harms our health but negatively impacts vital pollinators like bees and butterflies.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Why Isn’t Glyphosate Banned?</strong></p><p style="font-weight:400;">The United States does not have a universal ban on Roundup or products containing glyphosate because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency <a href="https://foe.org/blog/why-is-roundup-still-being-sold/#:~:text=Glyphosate%20will%20continue%20to%20be,But%20we%20know%20the%20truth" target="_blank">claims</a> “There are no risks to public health when glyphosate is used in accordance with its current label.” Luckily, certain states and counties have <a href="https://www.carlsonattorneys.com/news-and-update/banning-roundup" target="_blank">discontinued or restricted its use</a>, including Contra Costa County and many other counties in California. We must remember, however, that most of the cereals and processed foods we purchase do not come from locally grown crops.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">To complicate matters, there’s a new kid in town.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Chlormequat</strong></p><p style="font-weight:400;">Just last month, the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology published <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41370-024-00643-4#Sec8" target="_blank">a shocking new study</a> that found that 80% of Americans tested over several years had a lesser known chemical called chlormequat chloride in their urine, and concentrations have been increasing.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">This agricultural chemical was intended for ornamental plants grown in greenhouses and nurseries for the purpose of decreasing stem height and preventing crops from bending over, which can make harvesting more difficult. Animal studies show that the chemical can damage the reproductive system, affect fertility, decrease testosterone, and disrupt fetal growth. This plant “growth regulator” is not approved for edible crops in the United States, however, starting in 2018 it was allowed to enter the country through imported foods from the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Canada, particularly wheat, oats, and barley.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Cheerios and Quaker Oats: It’s Not What’s for Breakfast Anymore</strong></p><p style="font-weight:400;">In May 2023, another report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) detected Chlormequat in 92% of traditional oat-based foods and 22% of conventional wheat-based products. The chemical was found in many General Mills products, including Cheerios, Honey Nut Cheerios, Cheerios Oat Crunch Oats n' Honey, and Frosted Cheerios, as well as Quaker Old Fashioned Oats, Quaker Instant Oatmeal Maple & Brown Sugar, and oat-based bars like Quaker Chewy Dark Chocolate Chunk. These iconic brands have been at the core of American breakfasts for years. Cheerios are a particularly popular first finger food among children, and Quaker Oats are a favorite for parents introducing their toddlers to solid food. Some generic store-brand granola and cereals sold at Walmart and Target also contained the chemical.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">Mollie Wulff, a spokesperson for General Mills, said: "All our products adhere to all regulatory requirements. Food safety is always our top priority at General Mills, and we take care to ensure our food is prepared and packaged in the safest way possible." General Mills also issued a statement that said, “Our products are safe and without question they meet regulatory safety levels. The EPA has researched this issue and has set rules that we follow as do farmers who grow crops including wheat and oats. We continue to work closely with farmers, our suppliers, and conservation organizations to minimize the use of pesticides on the crops and ingredients we use in our foods.” Quaker Oats told People Magazine: “We stand by the safety and quality of our products. We have a comprehensive food safety management system in place. We adhere to all regulatory guidelines to ensure the safest, highest quality products for our consumers."</p><p style="font-weight:400;">According to the EPA, the chemical is "currently undergoing registration review.” To learn more about chlormequat and add your name to EWG's petition calling on the EPA to get chlormequat out of our food, go <a href="https://www.ewg.org/research/ewg-investigation-dangerous-agricultural-chemical-chlormequat-found-popular-oat-based" target="_blank">HERE.</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>What Else Can We Do? </strong></p><p style="font-weight:400;">The <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/multimedia/infographics/pesticide_exposure.html" target="_blank">CDC provides some solutions here.</a> To state the obvious, we can minimize our overall exposure to pesticides by avoiding toxic products and choosing <a href="https://foe.org/blog/why-is-roundup-still-being-sold/#:~:text=Glyphosate%20will%20continue%20to%20be,But%20we%20know%20the%20truth" target="_blank">alternative pest control measures.</a> If you have to use pesticides, don’t apply more than needed and follow directions on the label. Keep pesticides away from children, pets, and wildlife. Older adults are more vulnerable to pesticides because of thinner skin and less efficient liver and kidney function. Wear protective clothing and wash face, hands, and clothing after handling any pesticide. But what about the food we eat? Most of us have pesticides in our bodies from years of eating products tainted with pesticides. Unless and until federal regulators act to get chlormequat out of our food, buying organic can help reduce potential exposure to the chemical. One peer-reviewed study by Friends of the Earth found that <a href="https://foe.org/organic-for-all/" target="_blank">levels of glyphosate dropped 71%</a> after just one week of being on an organic diet. Even though some samples of organic food contain pesticides, the levels are much lower than conventionally grown food, and any decrease in exposure is better than nothing.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">For an updated 2023 list of the “Dirty Dozen” and the “Clean Fifteen” in produce, check out <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary.php" target="_blank">EWG's 2023 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce</a>.</span></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>For sources and more information:</strong></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.carlsonattorneys.com/news-and-update/banning-roundup">https://www.carlsonattorneys.com/news-and-update/banning-roundup</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.ewg.org/research/breakfast-dose-roundup">https://www.ewg.org/research/breakfast-dose-roundup</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary.php">https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary.php</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/aug/11/one-mans-suffering-exposed-monsantos-secrets-to-the-world">https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/aug/11/one-mans-suffering-exposed-monsantos-secrets-to-the-world</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://foe.org/blog/why-is-roundup-still-being-sold/#:~:text=Glyphosate%20will%20continue%20to%20be,But%20we%20know%20the%20truth">https://foe.org/blog/why-is-roundup-still-being-sold/#:~:text=Glyphosate%20will%20continue%20to%20be,But%20we%20know%20the%20truth</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2023/05/chlormequat-what-you-need-know-about-problematic-pesticide">https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2023/05/chlormequat-what-you-need-know-about-problematic-pesticide</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.ewg.org/research/ewg-investigation-dangerous-agricultural-chemical-chlormequat-found-popular-oat-based">https://www.ewg.org/research/ewg-investigation-dangerous-agricultural-chemical-chlormequat-found-popular-oat-based</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2024/02/16/what-is-chlormequat-chemical-pesticide-cheerios-quaker-oats/72627355007/">https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2024/02/16/what-is-chlormequat-chemical-pesticide-cheerios-quaker-oats/72627355007/</a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12391841899,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><br /> </a><a href="https://people.com/chemical-chlormequat-infertility-puberty-found-cheerios-quaker-oats-8583154#:~:text=">https://people.com/chemical-chlormequat-infertility-puberty-found-cheerios-quaker-oats-8583154#:~:text=“We%20detected%20the%20chemical%20in,EWG%20on%20the%20study%20says.&text=The%20list%20included%20regular%20Cheerios,%27%20Honey%2C%20and%20Frosted%20Cheerios</a>.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/chlormequat-chemical-oats-health-fertility/">https://www.cbsnews.com/news/chlormequat-chemical-oats-health-fertility/#</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/chlormequat-chemical-found-cheerios-quaker-oats">https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/chlormequat-chemical-found-cheerios-quaker-oats</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.ewg.org/research/breakfast-dose-roundup">https://www.ewg.org/research/breakfast-dose-roundup</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary.php">https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary.php</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://detoxproject.org/certification/glyphosate-residue-free/certified-products/">https://detoxproject.org/certification/glyphosate-residue-free/certified-products/</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://schoolyardsnacks.com/blogs/blog/glyphosate-in-cereal">https://schoolyardsnacks.com/blogs/blog/glyphosate-in-cereal</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"> </p><p style="font-weight:400;"> </p><p style="font-weight:400;"> </p><p style="font-weight:400;"> </p><p style="font-weight:400;"> </p></div>Up In the Airhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/up-in-the-air2024-02-29T22:54:45.000Z2024-02-29T22:54:45.000ZJim Gunshinanhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/JimGunshinan<div><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12391566099,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" style="padding:5px;" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12391566099,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12391566099?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="607" height="458" /></a>Our house in Orinda has been “up in the air” since November. It’s jacked up because the foundation had partially collapsed. It didn’t happen all at once. The house was built in the early 1950s, and we think the foundation was exposed to water that undermined the un-reinforced concrete. When we started the remodel, we noticed that one corner of the house was 4 inches below the rest of the house. That was our first clue that there would be some twists and turns in our project to create an energy-efficient, solar-ready, durable, all-electric house that will last another hundred years.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">My wife, Michele, inherited this house from her mother several years ago. It’s where she and her sister grew up, and it holds many memories. During her mother’s final years, Michele, already working remotely, moved her office into her Mom’s spare bedroom. She was able to have lunch with her mother every day and often prepared and served her dinner at the end of her workday. We were so happy that she could live out her final years, up to her mid-nineties, in her own house, which was her sanctuary, surrounded by her daughters and friends. After her Mom’s death, Michele and I wanted the house to be our own. We aren’t adding square feet to the house but have other priorities: We want to age in place and have a home that is easy to get around using a walker or wheelchair; we want to make a broader connection between inside and outside the home and better use the space inside; and we want a low-maintenance, simple, healthy, and beautiful place to live.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">We started remodeling last Fall. We talked with several contractors and designers before settling on a family-run builder and remodeler in San Leandro. We plan to open the kitchen, add a guest bathroom, and install a <a href="https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/heat-pump-water-heaters">heat pump water heater</a>and <a href="https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/heat-pump-systems">heat pump</a> air cooling and heating system. We have already purchased an induction cooktop and other Energy Star-rated appliances. We’ve also purchased low-flow toilets and other plumbing fixtures. Here’s the hard part: confessing that we are keeping a gas fireplace that we don’t plan to use that often. It replaces a wood-burning stove that Michele’s family used as a heat source in their living room.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">We want to add solar and eventually buy electric cars, but those will have to wait. The concrete tile roof is at least 40 years old but does not leak. We can plan for a new roof and solar panels in a few years. The reason for going (almost) all-electric is to prepare for when all our electricity will come from wind, solar, and hydro sources and not gas, which is highly polluting.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">The Energy Star appliances were easy to find, as well as the induction cooktop. Heat pumps are getting more and more popular in California and elsewhere. We’re looking into the rebates and tax breaks offered for heat pumps and heat pump water heaters. So far, this is what we’ve come up with.</p>
<ul>
<li>$1,000 TECH <a href="https://techcleanca.com/incentives/single-family-incentives/">Clean California HVAC/HP Credit</a></li>
<li>$2,000 <a href="https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal-tax-credits/air-source-heat-pumps">Federal Tax Credit</a></li>
<li>$400 <a href="https://www.bayren.org/rebates-financing">BayREN Home Upgrade Credit</a></li>
</ul>
<p style="font-weight:400;">Here is something I didn’t know when we started: Heat pumps work well now in most, if not all, climates. Heat pumps draw heat from the air and move it inside or outside a building, depending on the need for heating or cooling. The newest heat pumps can draw heat from outside air, even at freezing temperatures. So far, it’s a no-brainer. The systems are very efficient and costly. However, the evidence is that there is a significant cost benefit over the appliance’s life. Hopefully, once we have lived in the house, I’ll do the calculations to see if this bears out.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">Our contractor showed us around the job site this week and explained how, very soon, our house would be lowered onto a mostly brand-new foundation. Then comes the rough framing, electrical, and HVAC installations.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">To be continued...</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><em>Photo by Jim Gunshinan.</em></p></div>Are Prop 65 Labels Still Relevant?https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/are-prop-65-labels-still-relevant2024-01-31T23:23:06.000Z2024-01-31T23:23:06.000ZAlison Claryhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/AlisonClary<div><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12369504061,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12369504061,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12369504061?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="282" height="423" /></a></strong><strong>What is Prop 65? </strong>In the state of California, <strong><a href="https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65" target="_blank">Prop 65</a> </strong>warning labels on products inform consumers that it is known to cause cancer or reproductive harm in humans or laboratory animals. Products include apparel, textiles, jewelry, accessories, home products, food, buildings, and more. The label is mandated in California but also crosses state lines in e-commerce sites such as Amazon. The Prop 65 warning label has become so ubiquitous that it’s easy for consumers to become blasé about the dire omens, but should we still be concerned?</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Why and When Did Prop 65 Start? </strong>Officially known as the “Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986,” Prop 65 was a ballot initiative in November 1986 that was voted into state law in reaction to drinking water sources being contaminated with chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. When the law went into effect, about 235 chemicals were on the list but that number is now over 900 and growing, although the label did not specifically identify the chemical in the item, provide information on how a person might be exposed to the chemical, or how they could reduce or eliminate their exposure.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">Prop 65 does not ban or restrict the sale of chemicals on the list but rather is intended to help Californians make informed decisions about their exposure. These <a href="https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/proposition-65-list" target="_blank">chemicals can be viewed HERE</a> and extend far beyond drinking water, including additives or ingredients found in pesticides, common household products, food, drugs, dyes, and solvents.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Who Decides?</strong> The proposition also requires the state to maintain and update the list of chemicals as identified by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The list of chemicals is updated annually by several authoritative bodies that set standards for safe consumption of chemicals, including the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Food and Drug Administration. Prop 65 goes above and beyond federal standards so that even if a product doesn’t contain a huge amount of a concerning chemical, it still gets a label.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>New Prop 65 Labels</strong> <a href="https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/businesses/new-proposition-65-warnings" target="_blank">New Prop 65 warnings</a> went into effect in 2018 and say the product can “expose you to” a chemical rather than “contain a chemical,” and also specifies what the chemical is, which provides the public with more meaningful and useful information. For example, the old Prop 65 label stated, “WARNING: This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer,” whereas the new Prop 65 label contains a yellow triangle with an exclamation point and might say: </p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">“<strong>⚠</strong><strong>️WARNING</strong>: This product can expose you to chemicals including arsenic, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to <a href="https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/businesses/new-proposition-65-warnings" target="_blank">www.P65Warnings.ca.gov."</a> Companies can be liable for fines for failure to comply; in 2018 there were 829 settlements totaling over $35 million.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Should We Avoid Products With Prop 65 Labels? </strong>“Safe harbor levels,” which include No Significant Risk Levels and Maximum Allowable Dose Levels, have been established for many chemicals listed under Prop 65 according to the <u><a href="https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/general-info/current-proposition-65-no-significant-risk-levels-nsrls-maximum" target="_blank">California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.</a></u> Ellen Wells, a Public Health professor at Purdue University, points out that the label was a result of forward thinking in the 1980s, when there was a large push for right-to-know laws that focused on giving the public information. Coke and Pepsi even changed their recipe to avoid having to put the warning label on their products due to the potential carcinogen found in the original caramel food coloring. But Wells maintains that just because you see a Prop 65 warning label doesn’t mean the product will automatically harm you. “The lowest level that would trigger a warning wouldn’t necessarily affect most people. But if a person is especially susceptible to reproductive harms or birth defects or cancer, they might want to avoid that.” This likely includes children, women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, people who are immunosuppressed, the elderly, those battling cancer, and others.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">Dr. Otis Brawley, the associate director of community outreach and engagement at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Medicine, notes that products with the label such as alcohol and cigarettes increase cancer risk significantly. <a href="https://www.leafscore.com/grocery/should-you-pay-attention-to-californias-prop-65-cancer-warnings/#:~:text=Since%20it%20was%20passed%20into,avoid%20exposure%20to%20problematic%20chemicals." target="_blank">Leafscore.com</a> points out that Prop 65 has helped raise awareness of the dangers of alcohol in pregnancy, trichloroethylene in correction fluids, and toluene in nail care products. Air quality has also improved since the adoption of Prop 65, with significant reductions in emissions of ethylene oxide, hexavalent chromium, and chloroform. Newer formulation of paint strippers are now mostly free from the carcinogen methylene chloride, and the lead content of <a href="https://www.leafscore.com/eco-friendly-kitchen-products/best-eco-friendly-non-toxic-ceramic-cookware-sets/" target="_blank">ceramic</a> tableware and foil wine caps is now significantly reduced or non-existent, thanks to Prop 65.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/what-is-prop-65/#" target="_blank">A New York Times article from 2020</a> conceded that there are so many items in the world that DON’T have a warning label but are full of toxins, and “you may be in less danger with a clearly labeled item than you would be with unlabeled products.” This article also said “The Prop 65 label is like a noisy alarm that rings equally loudly about smaller amounts of low-risk substances and huge amounts of potentially harmful chemicals. The labels don’t say how much of the chemical is present, or how much it would really take to make a person sick.” There’s also the argument that we have to live our lives and it isn’t realistic to have warning labels on every single dangerous activity or product, from driving on the freeway to eating potato chips due to acrylamide. But others take the view that any poison or toxin is too much, no matter how small, and we have every right to know what we are being exposed to and should get to decide what risks we want to take.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Weighing the Risks and Benefits </strong>Ironically, many energy saving appliances sold in California, including refrigerators, stoves, and ranges as well as household items such as hairdryers, toasters, and Christmas lights, carry the label because they contain lead in the PVC insulation around their electrical wiring and cords to make them more flexible so they don’t crack. Lead also acts as a fire retardant. If appliances are otherwise eco-friendly and you aren’t handling the wiring often, they are probably not of concern; however, if the cords are disintegrating, you should replace them, and if you are handling the cords regularly, be sure to wash your hands well afterwards. Remember, if a product isn’t sold in California, it isn’t required to carry the Prop 65 label and is not necessarily free of lead or any other toxin.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">If you have a choice of an item with the Prop 65 label and a similar item without, the choice is easy, especially if you are in a vulnerable category. But even for those of us who are young, hale, and hardy, it's still never a bad idea to arm ourselves with all the facts and weigh the risks before making logical and informed decisions to protect the long-term health of ourselves, our families, and our planet. Please visit <a href="https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/places" target="_blank">this</a><u><a href="https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/places" target="_blank"> list of products and places that use the Prop 65 label.</a></u></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>For Resources and Further Reading:</strong></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><strong><a href="https://www.leafscore.com/grocery/should-you-pay-attention-to-californias-prop-65-cancer-warnings/#:~:text=Since%20it%20was%20passed%20into,avoid%20exposure%20to%20problematic%20chemicals">https://www.leafscore.com/grocery/should-you-pay-attention-to-californias-prop-65-cancer-warnings/#:~:text=Since%20it%20was%20passed%20into,avoid%20exposure%20to%20problematic%20chemicals</a></strong></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/places">https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/places</a></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/warning-label-california-65_l_642b3245e4b00c95175390a1#:~:text=Just%20because%20you%20see%20a,might%20want%20to%20avoid%20that">https://www.huffpost.com/entry/warning-label-california-65_l_642b3245e4b00c95175390a1#:~:text=Just%20because%20you%20see%20a,might%20want%20to%20avoid%20that</a></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/what-is-prop-65/">https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/what-is-prop-65/#</a></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/toxic-chemicals-substances/why-california-thinks-your-couch-will-cause-cancer-prop-65-a5957101345/">https://www.consumerreports.org/toxic-chemicals-substances/why-california-thinks-your-couch-will-cause-cancer-prop-65-a5957101345/</a></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.leafscore.com/grocery/should-you-pay-attention-to-californias-prop-65-cancer-warnings/">https://www.leafscore.com/grocery/should-you-pay-attention-to-californias-prop-65-cancer-warnings/</a></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@maeva_vgr?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Maëva Vigier</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/a-warning-sign-on-a-fence-post-in-the-snow-4AKgWX-YSOU?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"> </p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"> </p></div>Solving the Concrete Problemhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/solving-the-concrete-problem2024-01-31T20:37:28.000Z2024-01-31T20:37:28.000ZJim Gunshinanhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/JimGunshinan<div><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12369426086,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" style="padding:5px;" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12369426086,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12369426086?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="284" height="374" /></a></p><p style="font-weight:400;">Concrete is everywhere. It is popular for buildings and infrastructure because of its compressive strength. Add rebar, and you add tensile strength—resulting in a material that can carry weight without cracking and resist bending or being pulled apart.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>It Started With the Romans</strong></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://news.mit.edu/2023/roman-concrete-durability-lime-casts-0106">The ancient Romans</a> used lime, volcanic rock, and stone aggregate to produce underwater structures that remained intact after over 2,000 years. The magnificent dome of the Pantheon in Rome was built with concrete, unreinforced. That's a testament to both the material used and the design.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">We usually see concrete in the form of building foundations, highway surfaces, and bridges. A few decades ago, there was a worldwide shortage of cement—the binder in concrete that holds the aggregate together—because of a building boom in China. Making cement is a highly energy-intensive process. Lime has to be heated to a very high temperature to create a material that, when mixed with water, creates a tight bond that cures quickly and maintains its strength over a long period.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Build Better</strong></p><p style="font-weight:400;">Estimates vary, but most sources say cement production produces about 10% of global greenhouse emissions. Global temperatures rise due to carbon emissions, leading to more storms, flooding, and drought. Global temperature rise has contributed to the extinction of hundreds of species and is the driving force behind much of the migration we are seeing worldwide. It takes a global village built with green concrete to mitigate the problems and improve future generations' lives.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">There are two ways to improve the carbon footprint of concrete. 1) Use renewable energy to make it, and 2) use different, less energy-intensive materials. In other words, make greener concrete.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">MIT reports on a startup, <a href="https://dmse.mit.edu/research-impact/application-impact/breaking-ground-with-green-cement/#:~:text=Sublime%20has%20put%20an%20eco,has%20been%20used%20for%20millennia.">Sublime Systems</a>, that uses electrochemistry and renewable energy rather than fossil fuels in the concrete-making process. The company facility in Massachusetts can make nearly 250 tons of concrete a year and is on a path to produce 100 tons per day.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">A recent story in the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2023/07/13/green-concrete-cement-climate-brimstone/">Washington Post</a> describes one startup's solution to the concrete problem. "Brimstone, a 35-person startup, has developed a different cement-making method. Instead of baking limestone, it starts with carbon-free silicate rock. Chemically extracting calcium oxide from silicate does not release carbon dioxide. A byproduct of the process is magnesium that can absorb CO2 from the atmosphere."</p><p style="font-weight:400;">"<a href="https://www.treehugger.com/hempcrete-house-5113218">Hempcrete</a>," or concrete made with hemp, also shows promise as a much less energy-intensive way to make concrete. It doesn't require heat to manufacture, and the hemp plant is a fast-growing, hardy, and abundant plant that is a renewable resource. Hemp is a good insulator as well. It is gradually working its way into the mainstream, and its use is included in the <a href="https://www.treehugger.com/hempcrete-approved-for-us-residential-building-codes-6834583">U.S. building code</a> and international residential building codes.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">A startup that is building a demonstration project in Oahu called Yummet wants to take ocean water and solid waste to produce clean water, hydrogen, and biochar, a product used as a soil amendment and in Yummet’s green concrete product. The company claims that its concrete is “<a href="https://www.yummet.com/green-concrete">negative carbon producing</a>” because of how it is manufactured and the materials used. Tests show the concrete to be more than twice as strong as traditional concrete.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">All of this may be like drops in a concrete bucket, but to make a difference and make a profit, companies have to scale to solve the problem of substantial greenhouse gas emissions. To measure the scale of the problem, globally, we use about 30 billion tonnes of concrete and 4 billion tonnes of cement per year.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Shop Locally</strong></p><p style="font-weight:400;">Locally, Contra Costa County publishes a <a href="https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2378/Material-Resource-List?bidId=">Green Building Materials Resource List</a> that is very helpful for finding local sources of green concrete and other green building materials. The <a href="https://www.cccrecycle.org/223/Green-Building">Contra Costa County Solid Waste & Recycling</a> site also shows photos of various green building materials on its website and a demonstration display. You can look before you buy!</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><em>Photo: Dome of the Pantheon in Rome. Photo by Jim Gunshinan.</em></p></div>Let’s get moving!https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/let-s-get-moving2023-12-30T01:13:02.000Z2023-12-30T01:13:02.000ZSarah Nephttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/SarahNep<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12342648852,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12342648852,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12342648852?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="600" /></a></span><span style="font-size:12pt;">Climate change can feel overwhelming and you may be thinking about what else you can do. One simple action to take this year is to increase your physical activity. Let’s face it, life’s better when you’re healthy and it’s the same with our environment. Every year, many resolutions revolve around better health — losing weight, getting in shape, being in better spirits. This year consider incorporating your physical activity into actions that help you and our planet enjoy better health.<br /> <strong><br /> Benefits</strong><br /> Regular physical activity can help fight chronic diseases; lower the risk of high blood pressure and stroke, improve mental health and cognitive function, prevent weight gain and reduce arthritis symptoms. Physical activity like gardening and walking can connect you with nature and help lift your spirits. According to the CDC, only half of adults get the physical activity they need.<br /> <br /> <strong>Recommended minimum</strong><br /> Health professionals recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week for healthy adults. You can shoot for 30 minutes a day most days, and remember even 10 or 15 minutes of exercise counts towards your overall goal. Gradually adding small amounts of exercise can help build your strength and stamina.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Leave your car at home</strong></span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">With a little planning, you can start to incorporate your activity into energy saving activities such as walking, biking, carpooling, and taking public transportation to help reduce our carbon footprint and air pollution. According to <a href="http://CoolCalifornia.gov" target="_blank">CoolCalifornia.gov</a> transportation is California’s largest source of carbon dioxide gas and the primary contributor to climate change. Cars and trucks create approximately 38% of total climate change emissions.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Oh, the places you’ll go</strong></span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Consider where can you walk or bike to. Maybe walk or bike to the local library, farmers market, park, or coffee shop to meet with a friend. Perhaps you walk to the market to buy a couple of things or even do your weekly shopping with a wheeled cart. Walking with a friend can also support social needs.</span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><br /> <strong>Overcoming obstacles</strong></span><br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">If you haven’t cycled since you were a kid or need a little help, consider peddling an e-bike. Enjoy some fresh air, exercise, and get where you are going with ease. To lighten your load, take advantage of tools like cargo bags, bike trailers and baskets. If you’re not able to walk long distances, consider grouping tasks into a single car trip and knock out multiple errands, which will save save time, energy, and fuel.</span></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>The time is now</strong><br /> <strong>This month, make a commitment to try one new activity or join the</strong> <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgX4Y3oOxgKzLst75_FFXiIzK7g0GIoYjH6zyYR33jV7dQiw/viewform" target="_blank">2024 Sustainable Movement Challenge</a>. Take the Challenge anytime before March 31, 2024 and be entered in a drawing for a $50 Sports Basement Gift Card. Just start where you are now and build up slowly <strong>—</strong> you will soon be enjoying the benefits of moving more.</span></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">While increasing your physical activity may seem like a small change, it is something that each of us can do. Multiplied by many, it can make a difference in helping us be a healthier, happier community. So, grab your sneakers, your bike and your helmet, or your Clipper card and see where you can go.</span></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:8pt;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@naassomz1?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Naassom Azevedo</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/people-running-on-grassfield-under-blue-skies-at-daytime-AcWC8WuCQ_k?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a></span></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Resources:</span></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://countyconnection.com/routes/" target="_blank">County Connection</a>: bus routes, schedules, and fees</span></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://511.org/biking/access/transit" target="_blank">Bikes on Transit</a>: tips for taking your bike on trains and buses</span></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://511contracosta.org/biking/" target="_blank">Biking in Contra Costa County</a>: general tips, incentives, and resources:</span></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://511contracosta.org/biking/electric-bicycle-rebate/" target="_blank">E-Bike rebate program</a>: cash rebate of $150 to $500</span></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://511contracosta.org/biking/bike-maps/" target="_blank">511 Contra Costa</a>: bike maps and trails. Check out their <a href="https://511contracosta.org/walk/winter-walk-challenge/" target="_blank">Winter Walk Challenge</a>.</span></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://www.bart.gov/" target="_blank">BART</a>: schedules, maps, fares, trip planner</span></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">References:</span></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495" target="_blank">https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495</a></span></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a href="https://coolcalifornia.arb.ca.gov/article/drive-less-and-drive-clean#:~:text=Transportation%20is%20California%27s%20largest%20source,and%20reduces%20greenhouse%20gas%20emissions" target="_blank">https://coolcalifornia.arb.ca.gov/article/drive-less-and-drive-clean#:~:text=Transportation%20is%20California%27s%20largest%20source,and%20reduces%20greenhouse%20gas%20emissions</a></span></p></div>Five Planet-Friendly New Year's Resolutions for 2024https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/five-eco-friendly-new-year-s-resolutions-for-20242023-12-29T21:02:09.000Z2023-12-29T21:02:09.000ZAlison Claryhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/AlisonClary<div><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12342448476,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12342448476,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12342448476?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="500" height="333" /></a></p><p style="font-weight:400;">If you’re thinking about New Year’s resolutions for 2024, here are five suggestions that will conserve natural resources, save energy, and help you start out the new year on a positive note while helping the planet!</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;">1) Reduce Landfill Waste </span></strong>There are so many great “R” words associated with keeping waste out of landfill: rethink, refuse, reuse, reduce, and recycle. But what’s so bad about landfill? Landfills generate greenhouse gas emissions like methane and carbon dioxide -- as much as 10% globally by 2025! Garbage in landfills often contains heavy metals like lead and mercury, which affect air, water, and soil. These toxins contaminate nearby communities and reduce property values. Gases and chemicals from landfill can also cause fires and explosions. The constant supply of rotting food dumped at landfills has even been known to alter bird feeding behaviors and disrupt migration patterns.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Keep Beauty Product Waste From Getting Ugly</strong> While most of us dutifully use bins for compost, landfill, and recycling, and we may be vigilant about making drop-offs to our household hazardous waste stations, there are some categories of garbage that defy recycling and get tossed into the trash. One such category is beauty waste from toiletries and cosmetics. The combination of paper, plastic, and metal in most make-up products creates a baffling conundrum for disposal.<a href="https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/terracycle-difference" target="_blank">TerraCycle</a> is an international leader in finding solutions for recycling hard-to-recycle products that can’t go into your curbside recycle bin. There are programs for cities, corporations, and government agencies, but for people like you and me there are countless solutions that reduce our impact on the planet.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">One example mentioned on the TerraCycle website is <a href="https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades/nordstrom#@40.77027075200147:-95.93705549677736zoom:4" target="_blank">local BEAUTYCYCLE bins at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack</a><a href="https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades/nordstrom#@38.06778250642777:-121.92985846781737zoom:9/">.</a> These bins accept those pesky pump caps, hair spray triggers, mirrored compacts, lipstick cases, eyeliner pencils, and mascara tubes with wands. The program will take empty, reasonably clean and dry beauty products and packaging from all make-up brands, not just ones bought from Nordstrom, and at no cost! The program does not accept aerosol or pressurized cans, electronic items such as blow dryers, perfume bottles, nail polish bottles or removers, wooden eyeliner pencils, bio-medical/ bio-hazardous waste, or partially full and full packaging. Check out this fascinating <a href="https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/pages/how-terracycle-recycles-beauty-products" target="_blank">3-minute video</a> on how TerraCycle recycles beauty products.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">Look for a future article on toiletry refill stores in Contra Costa County!</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>2) Get Medieval On Eliminating Single-Use Plastics </strong></span>Swear off drinking water from single-use water bottles once and for all. According to the EPA, each week, Americans buy enough water bottles to circle the earth five times! Buy a nifty reusable water bottle in your favorite color and design and take it everywhere every time you leave the house along with your wallet or purse, sunglasses, phone, and keys. Commit to using it, even if that means going thirsty until you can find a drinking fountain or place that can provide a glass of water. Even if those corrugated cardboard sleeves and plastic lids from take-out coffee cups make them <a href="https://earth911.com/recycling-guide/how-to-recycle-paper-cups/" target="_blank">partially recyclable</a>, the paper cups themselves have a thin coating of plastic to keep them waterproof, which makes them not easily recyclable (and recycle bins are often nowhere in sight). Consider keeping a second, designated mug or insulated bottle in your car as back-up.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">Speaking of plastic bottles, replace those bottles of toxic cleansers that are cluttering up your cupboard with one or two homemade cleaners. All you need is a few inexpensive ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice, which are better for the environment and safer for your health. <a href="https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/pages/how-terracycle-recycles-beauty-products" target="_blank">Check out these simple recipes.</a> You can also eliminate those big plastic jugs of laundry detergent (and save space) by using <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sheets-Laundry-Club-Detergent-Eco-Friendly/dp/B088G1J9FV/ref=asc_df_B088G1J9FV/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459704589333&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10461320883169158613&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031997&hvtargid=pla-979668569480&psc=1&mcid=e200beda6987381695d2fd6413c36cf9&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIi9D2heWwgwMVXs3CBB3A6gf4EAQYBSABEgIR1_D_BwE" target="_blank">laundry sheets.</a> They look like a small sheet of paper infused with detergent and are easy to use, effective, and packaged in a recyclable cardboard box.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong>Plastic bags</strong></span> made from petroleum can take up to 400 years to break down, and other plastic items just break down into smaller and smaller pieces that never degrade entirely. Swear off plastic or paper shopping bags forever (or at least until recycling and compost operations start accepting plant-based plastics) and leave reusable bags in the car. There are also super thin bags that fit in your purse or backpack for quick drugstore trips. If you forget to bring bags into the store, just leave loose, store-bought items in your cart and waltz out to your car, then load everything into the bags later. The more you remember to bring reusable bags, the more it will become a habit. You can always reuse excess plastic bags and mailers for cleaning out kitty litter or collecting dog poop.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Other single-use items</strong> that get used briefly and then tossed include Ziploc bags, plastic cutlery, plastic straws, and paper napkins. Every time you buy these items, manufacturers make more, which utilizes fossil fuels and harms the environment. Invest in glass containers for leftovers. (Get extra green points for taking them with you when eating out!) Keep bamboo or metal cutlery and metal drinking straws in your car, purse, and backpack so they’re readily available for fast food. Keep a note on your dashboard to remind you to ask your friendly drive-through attendant for “no straw, sporks, or forks, please!” Trade out paper napkins for cloth napkins you can launder and reuse often at home. Even if you still use a few paper napkins from time to time, using cloth napkins regularly will greatly reduce the need for them. Boycott paper plates and plastic cups when entertaining. Avoiding plastics will also reduce your exposure to PFAS and toxic chemicals.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>3) Buy Less Food (especially beef) and Clean Out Your Fridge Before Buying More </strong></span>You’ve heard the statistic that we waste about 30% of the food we buy. "Scavengers" resolve to reduce food waste by buying and preparing just enough food to begin with and then making more meals out of leftovers or whatever is available in your fridge before buying more. You can make frittatas, fried rice, and countless other recipes <a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipes/14503/everyday-cooking/everyday-leftovers/" target="_blank">like THESE</a> out of leftover meat, cheese, rice, and veggies. Incidentally, according to studies by the University of Michigan, if you eat a vegetarian meal just once a week, you can save the equivalent energy of driving a gas powered car 1,160 miles. If you replaced all beef consumption with chicken for a year, you would reduce your carbon footprint by 882 pounds of carbon! Ordering more realistic portions from restaurants also reduces packaging for sending home leftovers and generates less waste when you don't eat the extra portion later.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;">4) Eliminate Phantom Energy In Your Home or Office</span> </strong>“Phantom Energy,” also known as “vampire energy,” is energy used by electronic devices that keep drawing power even when they are “off,” on “standby,” or “instant on.” When dozens of devices in your home are turned “off” but are really on standby mode, it wastes energy. While your refrigerator must stay on 24/7, your washer and drier don’t need to. Neither does your phone charger, your computer when it’s on sleep mode, or your television. According to the Department of Energy, phantom energy from dozens of devices in the average household can use up to 10% of its monthly electric bill. Smart power strips save both money and energy. <a href="https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy14osti/60461.pdf" target="_blank">Advanced Power Strips (APS)</a> can prevent electronics from continuing to draw power when not in use by using an automatically timed off switch, and will also protect sensitive devices during power surges. You can buy chargers that stop drawing energy when the device’s battery is full. Check <a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/action/install-smart-power-strips" target="_blank">HERE</a> for information on Smart Power Strips from the <a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org" target="_blank">Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge.</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;">5) Boycott Fast Fashion And Buy Used Clothing</span> </strong>We’ve talked about fast fashion before and how it is one of the biggest drivers of global pollution to the air, soil, and water. Sustainable fashion brands that support “slow fashion” use innovative materials, practice fair labor practices, and generate less greenhouse emissions.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">Go one step further and shop for used clothing. It can save you money, too. Whether you are buying or selling a used item, you are extending its life and saving resources because the resources have already been used and aren’t depleting any more. Used clothing might not sound very glamorous, but actually you can find high quality, one-of-a-kind items made of sustainable materials. Amazingly, 85% of clothing winds up in landfill; buying used clothing keeps them in circulation. Plastic microfibers from polyester clothing get into waterways during production, consumer laundering, and after disposal into landfill, which causes pollution as well as danger to wildlife and marine life. Check out <a href="https://greenthatlife.com/best-places-to-sell-used-clothing-online/" target="_blank">15 Best Places To Sell Used Clothing Online.</a> These include thredUP, Poshmark, Vinted, Varage Style, eBay, and Depop. Also sell or buy used clothing via social media platforms like Facebook Sale Groups and Instagram. Luxury brands are sold on The RealReal, Vestiaire Collective, Tradesy, and Fashionphile.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">Keep an eye out for hundreds of more tips from this monthly newsletter, and have a very Happy (and Eco-Friendly) New Year!</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Sources and Further Reading:</strong></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://mindfulofthehome.com/secondhand-clothing-benefits-environment/">https://mindfulofthehome.com/secondhand-clothing-benefits-environment/</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://mindfulofthehome.com/why-buy-secondhand-clothing/">https://mindfulofthehome.com/why-buy-secondhand-clothing/</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/04/26/fending-and-other-terms-for-fridge-foraging-dinners">https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/04/26/fending-and-other-terms-for-fridge-foraging-dinners</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/environment/eco-friendly-new-years-resolution/">https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/environment/eco-friendly-new-years-resolution/</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.centerforecotechnology.org/10-easy-green-new-years-resolutions/">https://www.centerforecotechnology.org/10-easy-green-new-years-resolutions/</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://greencitizen.com/blog/phantom-energy/">https://greencitizen.com/blog/phantom-energy/</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://greenthatlife.com/best-places-to-sell-used-clothing-online/">https://greenthatlife.com/best-places-to-sell-used-clothing-online/</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://greenthatlife.com/green-new-year/#:~:text=Make%20it%20a%20green%20new,list%20is%2C%20sadly%2C%20endless">https://greenthatlife.com/green-new-year/#:~:text=Make%20it%20a%20green%20new,list%20is%2C%20sadly%2C%20endless</a>!</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.minimalismmadesimple.com/home/going-green/">https://www.minimalismmadesimple.com/home/going-green/</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.greenamerica.org/green-living/10-habits-highly-sustainable-people">https://www.greenamerica.org/green-living/10-habits-highly-sustainable-people</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/home-cooking">https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/home-cooking</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.activesustainability.com/environment/landfills-serious-problem-environment/?_adin=02021864894">https://www.activesustainability.com/environment/landfills-serious-problem-environment/?_adin=02021864894</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@kellysikkema?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Kelly Sikkema</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/happy-new-year-signage-RCpEWDyC5sQ?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"> </p><p style="font-weight:400;"> </p></div>Less is More – Holiday Stylehttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/scoco-insights-newsletter2023-12-04T02:59:55.000Z2023-12-04T02:59:55.000ZSarah Nephttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/SarahNep<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12308242465,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12308242465,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12308242465?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@swetameininger?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Sweta Meininger</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/white-ceramic-house-miniature-on-top-of-table-NzQknDofRpc?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">In our quest for a magical holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in a frenzy of shopping, wrapping, and generally doing too much. Instead of being a warm and wonderful experience, holidays can become overwhelming, stressful, and draining. This takes a toll on our mental, physical, and financial wellbeing, and it’s not so great for our planet either.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">Society encourages us to spend, buy, and consume. It’s time to rethink some of our holiday traditions and reconnect with what’s meaningful. We only have so many resources – just like our planet. The holidays have become a time to ignore limitations for the sake of celebration.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">Taking a simplified approach can help reduce stress and bring more joy. Take some time to reflect on which traditions are meaningful and enjoyable and which ones have outlived their usefulness. Let go of what doesn’t work anymore.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">This year spend more quality time with the people you care about, and make gratitude and appreciation the centerpiece of your celebrations. Look for ways to reduce the mental, physical, and financial stress this holiday season.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Say no</strong></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">Set boundaries to protect your energy and reduce stress levels. Rethink your options and prioritize holiday events and activities. Say no to obligations that drain your energy or enthusiasm. You can only do so much. </p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Buy less stuff</strong></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">Simplify gift giving. Consider drawing names to reduce the number of gifts you purchase. Reducing the number of gifts gives you more time and money. With less to shop for, wrap, and worry about, you free yourself to enjoy more of what is important. Consider gifts of time spent together or other eco-friendly gifts (see links below). </p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Manage expectations</strong></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">How much is enough? Outdated expectations can take a mental or physical toll. Let go of some traditions that may be causing your stress like holiday cards, decorations, piles of presents, platters of cookies, or excessive activities. Where can you simplify?</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Less is more</strong></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">We all like presents but they come with a cost: time shopping, financial burden, wrapping, shipping, and items that get tossed in the landfill. The burden of excessive purchasing isn’t only hard on our mental and financial health, it is also harmful for our planet.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Decorating</strong></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">Forgo purchasing new decorations that will need to be packed up and stored until next year or tossed. Adding some simple greenery that can later be placed in the green bin brings nature inside and can create a calming effect.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Sensible eating</strong></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">Holiday meals can be time consuming, expensive, and packed with fats and sugars. Save time, energy, and calories by reducing the number of dishes, scaling back on the expensive cuts of meat, or offering a plant-based meal.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Self-Care</strong></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">With all the holiday hustle and bustle, taking time for yourself may seem impossible. Caring for yourself isn’t selfish. A healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and getting outside to enjoy nature can help give you the energy to make the holiday season merry and bright. </p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Start Small</strong></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">Change doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start where you are and implement small changes you feel comfortable with. Focus on gratitude, kindness, and compassion. Remember, less stress might be just what you and your loved ones want most.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Happy Holidays! </strong></p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">Wishing you a happy holiday season filled with love and laughter. For more eco-friendly gift ideas, check out <a href="https://www.positive.news/lifestyle/sustainable-christmas-ideas-how-to-make-yuletide-greener/" target="_blank">13 Ways to Make the Festive Season Greener</a> from Positive.News, and these past SCOCO articles: <a href="https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/make-it-a-greener-holiday">Greener Holidays </a> and <a href="https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/green-friday-the-sustainable-alternative-to-black-friday">Green Friday</a></p></div>Artificial Intelligence (AI) Is Not Energy Smart, Yethttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/artificial-intelligence-ai-is-not-energy-smart-yet2023-12-01T22:03:03.000Z2023-12-01T22:03:03.000ZJim Gunshinanhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/JimGunshinan<div><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12306307099,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" style="padding:5px;" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12306307099,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12306307099?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="425" height="286" /></a>Dr. Geoffrey Hinton helped Google develop it’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities. He quit Google when he began to worry about the unintended consequences of using the technology. “I’m afraid of self-censoring,” he told Jeff Bennett and the <a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/godfather-of-ai-discusses-dangers-the-developing-technologies-pose-to-society">PBS Newshour</a> last May. He praises what AI can do for medicine. “Would you rather meet with a doctor who has seen a thousand patients with your condition, or millions?” He was clear to point out that AI can help doctors, but not take responsibility for the care of individual patients.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">AI has it’s uses and may be an indispensable tool in creating an efficient global energy distribution grid. A truly smart grid continually matches supply and demand and integrates solar, wind, and hydro sources of energy, so that utilities can decrease the need for dirty and inefficient “peaker” plants that need to be fired up in order to meet a peak load for a few hours a day. Add energy storage devices, like batteries or capacitors to the grid and AI will teach us how to use energy as wisely as possible, without interruptions.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">But new technology is often a step back from our goal to use less fossil fuel energy. Technology itself is morally neutral. It’s how we use it that benefits or diminishes all of our lives over time. It does both, like a two-edged sword, and regulators are needed with the authority to set realistic goals for emissions reduction.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">“Biological intelligence has evolved to use very little power, so we only use 30 watts,” says Hinton. “And we have huge numbers of connections, like 100 trillion connections between neurons. And learning consists of changing the strength of those connections. The digital intelligence we have been creating uses a lot of power, like a megawatt when you're training it.” AI can store a lot more data than a brain, and has it available at its fingertips, so to speak, but it processes that data in a much more energy intensive way compared to the human brain.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">According to the International <a href="https://cc-techgroup.com/data-center-energy-consumption/">Energy Agency</a> (IEA): “AI also uses more energy than other forms of computing – a crucial consideration as the world seeks to build a more efficient energy system. Training a single model uses more electricity than <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-09/how-much-energy-do-ai-and-chatgpt-use-no-one-knows-for-sure">100 US homes consume</a> in an entire year.”</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">As a nation trying to minimize its carbon emissions, we’ve faced this troubling relationship between technology and energy before. For example, Steven Gonzalez Monserrate, who works in MIT’s Program in History, Anthropology, and Science, Technology, and Society, studied the cost of Cloud computing and the data centers, i.e., server farms, that Cloud computing depends on. In his report, “<a href="https://mit-serc.pubpub.org/pub/the-cloud-is-material/release/2">The Cloud Is Material: On the Environmental Impacts of Computation and Data Storage</a>,” from 2022 but updated this November, Monserrate writes, “The Cloud now has a greater carbon footprint than the airline industry. A single data center can consume the equivalent electricity of 50-thousand homes.” (See also, “<a href="https://cc-techgroup.com/data-center-energy-consumption/">Understanding Data Center Energy Consumption</a>.”)</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">Another energy hog is the Bitcoin economy. The computing power behind bitcoin calculations can use as much energy as a small country (see, “<a href="https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/is-bitcoin-an-energy-bomb">Is Bitcoin An Energy Bomb</a>?”)</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">The energy to power 100 U.S. homes for a year; the electricity to run 50-thousand homes; the energy of a small country: add this up and you get some serious energy use and emissions from fossil fuels.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">But there are ways to lessen our emissions while still benefiting from the latest technology. Cutting back on the energy use of data centers gets at the problem associated with the Cloud, Bitcoin, and AI energy use. Data centers produce a lot of heat energy and require air-conditioning to cool them in order for the centers to operate efficiency. So how about putting data centers in Nordic countries with cold claims much of the year? You need less energy for cooling and you might use the heat energy to keep the neighborhood toasty warm. Also, creating large data centers allows for the benefit of scale and savings on air-conditioning energy use.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">The companies who run the largest data centers, such as Google, Meta, and Apple, are committed to mitigating the energy use of their technology, especially data centers, by finding ways to use less energy and by investing more in renewable energy as an offset.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">What can you do at home? <a href="https://sustainablecoco.org/take-action/">Here</a> are some options from the SCOCO website. Or simply replace burnt out light bulbs with LEDs, turn off the lights when you are not in the room, replace worn out appliances with Energy Star certified models, and either unplug electronic devices, like computers, when not in use or invest in a “smart power strip” that will automatically cut the cord on <a href="https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/3-easy-tips-reduce-your-standby-power-loads">standby power</a>.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;">Coming up: Big tax benefits and rich rebates for <a href="https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/heat-pumps/these-new-double-duty-heat-pumps-can-warm-both-air-and-water">heat pumps and heat pump water heaters</a>. The IRS is actually <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/energy-efficient-home-improvement-credit#:~:text=Heat%20pumps%20and%20biomass%20stoves%20and%20boilers%20with%20a%20thermal,or%20natural%20gas%20heat%20pumps">here to help</a>. So is the White House and the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/">Inflation Reduction Ac</a>t of 2022. California is still figuring out how to <a href="https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/inflation-reduction-act-residential-energy-rebate-programs-california">fairly distribute</a> all those federal funds.</p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"> </p>
<p style="font-weight:400;"><em>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@wocintechchat?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Christina @ wocintechchat.com</a></em><em> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-in-black-top-using-surface-laptop-glRqyWJgUeY?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a>.</em></p></div>Fun Holiday Experienceshttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/fun-holiday-experiences2023-12-01T19:42:39.000Z2023-12-01T19:42:39.000ZLiza Kirbyhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/LizaKirby<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12306260079,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12306260079,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12306260079?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="499" height="375" /></a></p>
<p>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@aaronburden?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Aaron Burden</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/closeup-photo-of-lantern-lamp-Mu_9w7l1koI?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a></p>
<p>The holidays are here, and that means kids are home from school, guests are coming for a visit, and you need some ideas for outdoor fun during this festive season. Whether you want to get some exercise, breathe some fresh air, or experience nature, the East Bay has plenty of options for you and your family to enjoy. In this article, we’ll share some festive holiday events, outdoor light displays, ice skating rinks, nature walks, and animal activities to enjoy this month. A shared experience is among the best gifts you can give your loved ones.</p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12306260095,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12306260095?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="397" height="595" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Holiday Events</strong></span></p>
<p>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@mougrapher?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Mourad Saadi</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/christmas-tree-with-string-lights-ZXbeOqF1NFQ?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a></p>
<p>Holiday festivities commenced right after Thanksgiving with tree lightings, parades, and festivals in numerous towns. Here are some upcoming events for the remainder of December:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Dec 9:</strong> Pittsburg Holiday Parade - Join the community for a colorful and lively parade featuring floats, bands, dancers, and more. The parade starts at 11 a.m. at Railroad Avenue and 10th Street and ends at City Hall. For more information, <a href="https://www.pittsburgca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/8795/17?curm=12&cury=2023" target="_blank">click here</a>.</li>
<li><strong>Dec 9:</strong> Merry Makers Winter Faire in Concord - Celebrate the season with arts and crafts, music, and food at this family-friendly event. The faire runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the at Todos Santos Plaza in Downtown Concord. For more information, <a href="https://allevents.in/concord/merry-maker%E2%80%99s-winter-faire/10000765310683857" target="_blank">click here</a>.</li>
<li><strong>Dec 9:</strong> Heer’s Sip n’ Shop Holiday Family Fun Day in Oakley -- Take a picture with Santa, enjoy live music and tasty food, as well as holiday crafts and shopping. The event runs from 12:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Brownstone Gardens in Oakley. For more information, <a href="https://heerssocials.com/event/sip-n-shop-social-2/" target="_blank">click here</a>.</li>
<li><strong>Dec 10:</strong> Hanukkah Festival & Menorah Lighting -Celebrate the Festival of Lights with two events in Contra Costa County:
<ul>
<li>East Contra Costa Hanukkah Festival. This event features crafts, games, music, and a giant menorah lighting. The festival starts at 4:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center. For more information, <a href="http://tinyurl.com/cc-hanukkah" target="_blank">click here</a>.</li>
<li>Grand Menorah Lighting. This event features live music, latkes, doughnuts, and spectacular menorah lighting. The event starts at 4 p.m. at 1275 Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek. For more information, <a href="https://www.jewishcontracosta.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/6166377/jewish/4th-Night-Broadway-Plaza.htm" target="_blank">click here</a>.</li>
<li><strong>Dec 31:</strong> Kwanzaa & Noon Year’s Eve, Chase Center SF. Celebrate Kwanzaa, and ring in the new year with this cultural and educational event featuring music, dance, storytelling, and crafts. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chase Center in San Francisco. For more information, <a href="https://chasecenter.com/thrive-city-winter-wonderland-2023" target="_blank">click here</a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Check Contra Costa News Event <a href="https://contracosta.news/events/" target="_blank">page</a> for more upcoming events.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12306261054,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12306261054,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12306261054?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="369" height="308" /></a></p>
<p> <span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Outdoor Light Displays</strong></span></p>
<p>Nothing says holiday cheer like a dazzling display of lights. East Bay has an array of brilliant and creative light shows. Here are two much loved light shows that the whole family will enjoy:</p>
<ul>
<li>Garden D’Lights at Ruth Bancroft Gardens. This botanical wonderland transforms into a magical LED light show across three acres of cacti and other plants that will transport you to a realm of wonder and awe. The show runs in the evenings, four to six days a week, until January 6th. For more information, <a href="https://www.ruthbancroftgarden.org/garden-of-dlights/" target="_blank">click here</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p> Photo: Ruth Bancroft Gardens </p>
<ul>
<li>Glowfari at Oakland Zoo. This wildly popular, family-friendly experience is back with hundreds of all new, larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Zoo. Each lantern tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, the importance of every species on our planet, and Oakland Zoo’s commitment to conservation. The show runs every evening until Jan 28. For more information, <a href="https://www.oaklandzoo.org/programs-and-events/glowfari" target="_blank">click here</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p> <iframe title="Glowfari at Oakland Zoo 2023/24" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HHheWJXXUbs" width="910" height="511" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12306261862,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12306261862,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12306261862?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="309" height="463" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Ice Skating Rinks</strong></span></p>
<p>If you’re looking for some cool, winter fun, here are some of the ice-skating rinks to try:</p>
<ul>
<li>Ice at the Veranda (Concord). This outdoor ice rink in Concord is open daily until Feb 14. For more information, <a href="https://shoptheveranda.com/ice/" target="_blank">click here</a>.</li>
<li>Brentwood on Ice. This outdoor rink is located near Brentwood City Hall. It is open daily through January 8<sup>th</sup>. For more information, <a href="https://contracosta.news/2023/11/16/brentwood-on-ice-opens-november-17/" target="_blank">click here</a>.</li>
<li>Walnut Creek on Ice. This outdoor ice rink in Walnut Creek is in downtown Walnut Creek. The rink is open from daily from December 15 through January 15. For more information, visit <a href="https://walnutcreekonice.com/" target="_blank">click here</a>.</li>
<li>Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink in City Center Bishop Ranch, San Ramon. The rink is open from daily through Jan 7. For more information, visit <a href="https://citycenterbishopranch.ticketspice.com/city-center-bishop-ranch-2023" target="_blank">click here</a>.</li>
<li>3Crosses Christmas Village. This seasonal festival in Castro Valley includes a large, beautifully lit ice-skating rink, Santa photos, train rides, food trucks, and live music. The rink opens in the afternoons on select dates until January 7. For more information, <a href="https://www.3crosseschristmasvillage.com/" target="_blank">click here</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@designecologist?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">DESIGNECOLOGIST</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-in-brown-coat-standing-near-white-metal-fence-during-daytime-VDDkHlwsSNI?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12306262068,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12306262068,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12306262068?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="294" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Nature Walks and Exploring</strong></span></p>
<p>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@rxbn?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Robin S</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/forest-photo-during-daytime-0QfE5gLA8RY?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a></p>
<p>For more fresh air and natural beauty, try hiking, birdwatching, stargazing, or playing in the snow. Here are some of the fun activities and exploring that you can do:</p>
<ul>
<li>Bay Nature’s 2023 Holiday Activity Guide. This guide features twelve activities that you can do in the Bay Area during the holiday season, such as visiting a redwood forest, exploring a salt marsh, or watching the winter solstice. The guide also includes tips, maps, and resources to help you plan your adventure. For more information, <a href="https://baynature.org/2023/11/19/bay-natures-2023-holiday-activity-guide/" target="_blank">click here</a>.</li>
<li>East Bay Parks December Activities. This calendar features a variety of activities that you can do in the East Bay Regional Parks during December, such as hiking, biking, birding, fishing, or stargazing. The calendar also includes special events, such as holiday crafts, scavenger hunts, or winter survival skills. For more information, <a href="https://www.ebparks.org/calendar/month/202312" target="_blank">click here</a>.</li>
<li>Hiking and Snow Play – Check out this <a href="https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/enjoying-the-great-outdoors" target="_blank">article</a> for East Bay hiking suggestions at Briones Regional Park and Mount Diablo State Park. While Mount Diablo may receive the occasional snow dusting, it may be easier sledding to head out to one of these nearby <a href="https://www.510families.com/5-snow-play-for-bay-area-families/" target="_blank">snow play areas</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p> We hope you enjoyed this article and found some inspiration for your family holiday fun. Have a wonderful and safe holiday season! Leave a comment below with additional suggestions for fun holiday experiences.</p></div>Are Christmas Tree Farms Sustainable?https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/are-christmas-tree-farms-sustainable2023-11-29T18:29:13.000Z2023-11-29T18:29:13.000ZAlison Claryhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/AlisonClary<div><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12305335256,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12305335256,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12305335256?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="418" height="278" /></a>We’ve posted many articles on <a href="https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/make-it-a-greener-holiday" target="_blank">how to make Christmas greener</a>, and these discussions invariably address the dilemma of choosing an <a href="https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/christmas-trees-real-vs-artificial" target="_blank">artificial tree vs. a real tree.</a> Whether you are religious, spiritual, or secular, the Christmas tree is a popular symbol of the holiday, and making the most environmental choice is a thoughtful decision. </p><p><strong>The Upside of Christmas Tree Farms </strong>Christmas trees are not naturally growing trees, and chopping them down is not akin to deforestation of old growth forests. Christmas tree farms are monoculture plantations that produce one or a few species of evergreen conifers such as fir, spruce, or pine trees on a ten-year rotation cycle. While they may not provide extensive ecosystem services like forests, Christmas tree farms can support bird biodiversity, bees, and other wildlife. Unlike monocultures such as sugar cane or palm oil that supplant forests, Christmas trees are often grown on barren, empty land that is unsuitable for other crops, such as steep hillsides. Unfortunately, these remote locations make them more inclined to use fertilizers, pesticides, and imported water. Christmas tree farmers will point out that for every tree harvested for sale, one to three new seedling plants are planted in its place. In this way, Christmas tree farms may be considered a renewable resource.</p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Christmas trees also capture carbon dioxide through their branches, needles, and roots. Over one year, one acre of Douglas fir trees can absorb as much as 11,300 pounds of carbon dioxide. They also produce oxygen. Every acre of Christmas tree farms meets the daily requirement of oxygen for 18 people. These “greenbelts” provide habitat for birds, owls, ravens, deer, weasels, rabbits, fox, and coyote, and they protect the land from being used for more nefarious purposes</span><strong>. </strong></p><p><strong>The Downside Of Christmas Tree Farms </strong>Like all agricultural sectors, Christmas tree farms have an environmental impact. To protect growing crops, Christmas tree farmers often use fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides (usually Round Up) to control growth that competes with seedlings and crowd walkways between rows of trees. Scientists consider these chemicals carcinogenic to humans and detrimental to land, wildlife, and water supplies, although some tree farmers maintain they use these chemicals sparingly and don't spray them directly on trees. Long after harvest, a sprayed tree will dry out inside your home, and pesticide residue can become part of the air and dust you breathe.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">Apparently, it is difficult for Christmas tree farmers to make a profit while refraining from using pesticides altogether as well as maintain organic certification, so it is challenging to find an organic Christmas tree. If you are determined to find a pesticide-free tree and don’t mind leaving Contra Costa County, you can find some <a href="https://www.sonomasass.org/post/is-your-christmas-tree-pesticide-free#:~:text=Tree%20farms%20commonly%20use%20insecticides,that%20do%20not%20use%20pesticides" target="_blank">no-spray trees in Sonoma County HERE.</a> Also, check <a href="https://cunyfarms.com/christmas-trees/?https://cunyfarms.com/&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIl9PE2OPnggMVgmBHAR33pQYsEAAYAiAAEgIbI_D_BwE" target="_blank">THIS link for local organic Christmas trees in Walnut Creek and Pittsburg.</a> </p><p><strong>Water Usage</strong><span style="font-weight:400;"> Christmas trees are plants that need water to grow until they are harvested. Just how much depends on where they are grown. Farmers in North Carolina can rely on natural rainfall, while farmers in California need to use drip irrigation. For comparison, Christmas tree plants require more water than vineyards but less water than fruit trees (and way less water than almond trees).</span></p><p><strong>Transportation </strong><span style="font-weight:400;">The majority of trees, about 79%, come from Oregon and North Carolina, while others hail from Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. When trees are cut down and then transported great distances to stores via trucks or helicopters, the fuel produces greenhouse gas emissions.</span></p><p><strong>What About Artificial Trees? </strong>Artificial trees leave a carbon footprint that includes the manufacturing of polyvinyl chloride (PVC plastic), steel and aluminum, plus cardboard for packaging, and these generate gas emissions and other pollutants. Many artificial trees are shipped all the way from China, Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, requiring additional fuel. On the plus side, fake tree advocates say the energy used to make one artificial tree is roughly equivalent to the energy needed to grow six real trees, so if you make a commitment to use your artificial tree for at least six to nine years, it appears to outrank real trees in saving energy.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>The Importance of Christmas Tree Disposal </strong>The way a real or fake tree is disposed of after use is a much bigger environmental concern than where it was grown or manufactured or how you got it home. Fake trees are not recyclable or biodegradable when discarded. Even if they are used for many years and then eventually donated to Goodwill or nursing homes, their ultimate destination will still be landfill.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">Sending your real Christmas tree to landfill leaves a considerable carbon footprint because during its decomposition it releases methane, a greenhouse gas that is 30 times more potent than CO2. Real trees are completely biodegradable and can be used for lumber, turned into mulch and used by other flora and fauna, donated to restoration projects, composted and used to fertilize next year’s crop, fed to goats (check with your grower to ensure no chemicals were used), and more. <a href="https://www.northjersey.com/story/entertainment/2020/12/23/renew-your-christmas-tree-and-you-renew-hope/3940084001/" target="_blank">HERE are more options for disposal.</a> Check out <a href="https://www.republicservices.com/cms/documents/municipality/ca/contra-costa-county/Unincorporated-CCC-Holiday-Insert-2024.pdf" target="_blank">this document from our local Republic Services</a> on Christmas tree collection for compost. Just remember that flocked trees are not compostable. It also bears mentioning that if used trees are burned, they release carbon, as does decomposing mulch.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Other Options </strong>A potted trees is the most sustainable option if you keep it alive and breathing so it can continue to absorb CO2 and release oxygen, but you need to be committed to taking care of it and making sure it doesn't outgrow its pot. Keeping a potted tree that normally lives outside on your deck on a wheeled platform makes it easier to roll indoors for the holidays. You can even rent a potted Christmas tree for the season and then return it so it can continue to grow and be used again by you or someone else the following year, although there don’t seem to be tree rental businesses in Contra Costa County.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Conclusion </strong>It’s difficult to ascertain a definitive green winner between real or fake Christmas trees, and there are many studies weighing the negative and positive impacts on the environment, such as <a href="https://agronomag.com/impact-christmas-trees-environment/" target="_blank">this one.</a> We want to be mindful of these and other decisions that affect our planet around the holiday season, such as increased flight travel, resources required for giving gifts, plastic and paper packaging, and the aftermath of waste.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">So, the battle between real and fake Christmas trees rages on, and we must decide for ourselves which choice best suits our lifestyle, family traditions, and philosophy on how best to be green for the holidays. Whatever you decide, enjoy your choice and have a Happy Holiday!</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Sources and further reading:</strong></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/yardandgardenreport/2020-12-03/a-greener-christmas-tree#:~:text=Christmas%20tree%20farms%20have%20negative,the%20atmosphere%20as%20they%20grow">https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/yardandgardenreport/2020-12-03/a-greener-christmas-tree#:~:text=Christmas%20tree%20farms%20have%20negative,the%20atmosphere%20as%20they%20grow</a>.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://onetreeplanted.org/blogs/stories/real-vs-artificial-christmas-trees#:~:text=It%20takes%20around%207%20years,new%20seedling%20trees%20are%20planted">https://onetreeplanted.org/blogs/stories/real-vs-artificial-christmas-trees#:~:text=It%20takes%20around%207%20years,new%20seedling%20trees%20are%20planted</a>.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.zurich.com/en/media/magazine/2022/real-vs-artificial-what-is-the-most-sustainable-type-of-christmas-tree#:~:text=">https://www.zurich.com/en/media/magazine/2022/real-vs-artificial-what-is-the-most-sustainable-type-of-christmas-tree#:~:text=“The%20best%20thing%20you%20can,Sustainability%20at%20Zurich%20Insurance%20Group</a>.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.salon.com/2021/12/06/why-christmas-tree-farming-is-actually-sometimes-eco-friendly/">https://www.salon.com/2021/12/06/why-christmas-tree-farming-is-actually-sometimes-eco-friendly/</a>:</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.popsci.com/story/environment/christmas-tree-environmental-impact/#:~:text=Bottom%20line%2C%20says%20Wunderlich%3A%20">https://www.popsci.com/story/environment/christmas-tree-environmental-impact/#:~:text=Bottom%20line%2C%20says%20Wunderlich%3A%20“,than%20almonds%2C”%20Wunderlich%20says</a>.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.ehso.com/ChristmasTrees-real-or-fake-better.php">https://www.ehso.com/ChristmasTrees-real-or-fake-better.php</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.zurich.com/en/media/magazine/2022/real-vs-artificial-what-is-the-most-sustainable-type-of-christmas-tree#:~:text=">https://www.zurich.com/en/media/magazine/2022/real-vs-artificial-what-is-the-most-sustainable-type-of-christmas-tree#:~:text=</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.ehso.com/ChristmasTrees-real-or-fake-better.php">https://www.ehso.com/ChristmasTrees-real-or-fake-better.php</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/yardandgardenreport/2020-12-03/a-greener-christmas-tree#:~:text=Christmas%20tree%20farms%20have%20negative,the%20atmosphere%20as%20they%20grow">https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/yardandgardenreport/2020-12-03/a-greener-christmas-tree#:~:text=Christmas%20tree%20farms%20have%20negative,the%20atmosphere%20as%20they%20grow</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.sonomasass.org/post/is-your-christmas-tree-pesticide-free#:~:text=Tree%20farms%20commonly%20use%20insecticides,that%20do%20not%20use%20pesticides">https://www.sonomasass.org/post/is-your-christmas-tree-pesticide-free#:~:text=Tree%20farms%20commonly%20use%20insecticides,that%20do%20not%20use%20pesticides</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.zurich.com/en/media/magazine/2022/real-vs-artificial-what-is-the-most-sustainable-type-of-christmas-tree#:~:text=">https://www.zurich.com/en/media/magazine/2022/real-vs-artificial-what-is-the-most-sustainable-type-of-christmas-tree#:~:text=</a> </p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.greenbiz.com/article/christmas-trees-fun-holiday-tradition-or-selfish-ritualized-eco-terrorism#:~:text=Christmas%20trees%20are%20often%20grown,ecosystem%20services%20that%20forests%20do">https://www.greenbiz.com/article/christmas-trees-fun-holiday-tradition-or-selfish-ritualized-eco-terrorism#:~:text=Christmas%20trees%20are%20often%20grown,ecosystem%20services%20that%20forests%20do</a>.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.carbontrust.com/news-and-insights/news/the-carbon-trusts-tips-for-a-more-sustainable-christmas">https://www.carbontrust.com/news-and-insights/news/the-carbon-trusts-tips-for-a-more-sustainable-christmas</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://onetreeplanted.org/blogs/stories/real-vs-artificial-christmas-%20trees#:~:text=It%20takes%20around%207%20years,new%20seedling%20trees%20are%20planted">https://onetreeplanted.org/blogs/stories/real-vs-artificial-christmas-trees#:~:text=It%20takes%20around%207%20years,new%20seedling%20trees%20are%20planted</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@jtbean?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Josh Bean</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/top-view-of-green-trees-and-hill-ygyjg5YtvSk?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a></p></div>"Green Friday": the Sustainable Alternative to Black Fridayhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/green-friday-the-sustainable-alternative-to-black-friday2023-11-01T23:54:23.000Z2023-11-01T23:54:23.000ZKimberly Lamhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/KimberlyLam886<div><p>Black Friday - the day after Thanksgiving - has traditionally been all about shopping. However, people and companies are increasingly questioning the effects of the one-day buying frenzy on businesses and the planet. </p>
<p>Over the last few years, the movement of anti-consumerism has become more popular as we become more aware of climate change and its effects on our direct environment. Is green the new black?</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12281773086,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12281773086,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12281773086?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="319" height="426" /></a></p>
<p>2 Ways to Celebrate "Green Friday":</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Support local and sustainable</strong> - check out this <a href="https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/fabulous-and-fun-sustainable-gift-ideas" target="_blank">amazing gift guide</a> and <a href="https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/make-it-a-greener-holiday" target="_blank">experiential gift ideas</a> we put together from last year! Some fun ideas:
<ul>
<li>
<p>Homemade food gifts 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.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Plants, bulbs, and seeds 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.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Handmade art, ornaments, and framed photos reflecting your passion and connection with the special people in your life are among the most cherished gifts. Hand-knitted scarves, hats, and socks 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.</p>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Get Outside!</strong> Recognize the value of time spent outside and the impacts it has on our well-being. Friday, November 24 is F<a href="https://www.ebparks.org/we-celebrate/green-friday" target="_blank">ree Park Day</a> at all the East Bay Regional Parks - what better way to appreciate our environment than hiking off that turkey! We've put together our top parks for <a href="https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/enjoying-the-great-outdoors" target="_blank">local hikes in this article</a>.
<p><br />You don’t have to be a rigorous athlete or own a bunch of fancy equipment to spend some quality time outside. Spending time in nature has many health benefits beyond a workout. For example, time in nature helps reduce stress, improve mood, and increase energy level. Try some of these ways to experience the great outdoors:</p>
<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12281773656,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12281773656,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12281773656?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="365" height="194" /></a>
<ul>
<li>Listen to natural sounds - streams flowing, leaves crunching, rustling in the underbrush; you might be surprised at how many sounds you hear when you take a minute to just listen. Close your eyes and open your ears!</li>
<li>Watch wildlife - there is something awe-inspiring about watching animals in their natural homes. Keep your distance, so use binoculars or scopes for the optimal experience. You never know what you might see. </li>
<li>Explore starry skies - looking at the stars has a surprisingly grounding effect, making you feel more connected to the Earth and the life around you. Bring some hot chocolate in a reusable thermos for a cozy experience. </li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sources:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.ebparks.org/we-celebrate/green-friday">https://www.ebparks.org/we-celebrate/green-friday</a></li>
<li><a href="https://medium.com/proofofimpact/forget-black-friday-enter-the-era-of-green-friday-a80eca00a83e#id_token=eyJhbGciOiJSUzI1NiIsImtpZCI6ImY1ZjRiZjQ2ZTUyYjMxZDliNjI0OWY3MzA5YWQwMzM4NDAwNjgwY2QiLCJ0eXAiOiJKV1QifQ.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.SOi0mSAZYbVlh9plMJL3CTKUCrQmy9o5IrAIVNfztFXdcI1NPoB4m-OZAbsy-izc2lAMqrdDVPjDJ9EOsBWx8ru2vdEUPbWDlwFRVWfJoIisBRCzUMdti7kkFONnYG8dQH6UiTUbzlpuzSTYWZLTIQuMv5GJItzoJHB99pAzmD3k0JKfig0at8u3tdntRI0AGQGFGqT7dutNXdwmCUEA_l0inCSd0w99tnKPun6DCS-0Cv9ABp7wZ0I2t9wumFBub6UI9XaXIb0r0XIzs7nwW4TR8_KUEWRdts7l1ChtHAJA1Az9jkOzetYcC1ZGpbvGIKyQhKzowX0UG_V27NVsFA" target="_blank">"Forget Black Friday; enter the era of Green Friday" - Medium.com</a></li>
<li><a href="https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/fabulous-and-fun-sustainable-gift-ideas">https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/fabulous-and-fun-sustainable-gift-ideas</a></li>
<li><a href="https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/make-it-a-greener-holiday">https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/make-it-a-greener-holiday</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/optoutside.htm%C2%A0">https://www.nps.gov/articles/optoutside.htm </a></li>
</ul></div>Giving Thanks for a Zero Waste Thanksgivinghttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/giving-thanks-for-a-zero-waste-thanksgiving2023-11-01T19:37:42.000Z2023-11-01T19:37:42.000ZEliana Batrezhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/ElianaBatrez<div><p><span style="font-weight:400;">As we gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving, we can also take a moment to appreciate and protect the environment by hosting a zero waste Thanksgiving. Embracing this eco-conscious approach not only reduces our ecological footprint but also fosters a sense of gratitude for the planet that sustains us. In this article, we'll explore the concept of a zero waste Thanksgiving and offer some practical tips to help you host an environmentally friendly feast.</span></p>
<p><strong>What is Zero Waste Thanksgiving?</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Zero waste Thanksgiving is an effort to minimize waste, conserve resources, and make sustainable choices throughout your holiday celebration. The idea is to reduce or eliminate single-use items and opt for reusable, recyclable, or compostable alternatives. The aim is to divert as much waste as possible from landfills, and instead, repurpose or recycle materials. </span></p>
<p><strong>8 Tips for a Zero Waste Thanksgiving: </strong></p>
<p><strong>Menu Planning</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">1. Confirm Your Guest List and Take Inventory of Your Kitchen: Before shopping, verify your guest list to ensure you have enough food. Also, assess your kitchen to see what you already have. Many Thanksgiving items are used just once a year.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">2. Plan Your Menu Carefully (Determine Portions and Create a Shopping List): Base your meal on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to </span><a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/action/eat-lower-down-carbon-chain"><span style="font-weight:400;">reduce the carbon footprint</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">. Choose recipes that maximize every ingredient, minimizing food waste. Once your guest list is finalized and you know what others are bringing, plan your full meal and create a shopping list. The Natural Resources Defense Council’s </span><a href="https://savethefood.com/guestimator" target="_blank">Guestimator tool</a><span style="font-weight:400;"> can help you estimate quantities based on the total number of guests.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Thinking Ahead: While planning and researching recipes for your Thanksgiving meal, keep leftovers in mind. This will allow you to gauge which items should be frozen immediately after Thanksgiving and plan for consuming others that need to be used quickly.</span></p>
<p><strong>Decor</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">3. Homemade and </span><a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/action/make-it-last" target="_blank">Reusable</a><span style="font-weight:400;"> Decorations: For festive and beautiful decor, keep it simple by using natural materials like leaves, pinecones, gourds, or add local flowers and foliage to create a seasonal and stunning table setting. Instead of purchasing single-use centerpieces, invest in reusable items such as glass vases or candle holders that can be used for various occasions. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Remember, it's perfectly fine to skip decorations altogether. The real star of the show is the food. When in doubt, make room for an extra pie (or two).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">4. Ditch the Disposables: If you need additional tableware, consider borrowing or renting from friends and family.</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;">Avoid Disposable Dinnerware: Opt for real plates, glasses, and </span><a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/action/ditch-plastics-mealtime" target="_blank">silverware</a><span style="font-weight:400;"> instead of disposable alternatives. If disposable options are necessary, choose biodegradable or compostable ones.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;">Cloth Napkins: </span><a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/action/go-paperless" target="_blank">Go paperless</a><span style="font-weight:400;"> by replacing paper towels and napkins with cloth napkins. Not only do they look elegant, but they are also more eco-friendly since they can be reused for years.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-weight:400;">Ask Guests to Bring Their Own Place Settings: Consider requesting that guests bring their own plates, glasses, cutlery, and napkins. The variety of styles can contribute to a festive table and add to the convivial atmosphere.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Bonus: Save yourself some time by using glass or ceramic serving dishes with lids, and label guests' glasses to avoid ending up with a huge pile of dishes to wash at the end of the meal. If you have a dishwasher, <a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/action/fill-dishwasher" target="_blank">aim for a full load</a>, as it's more water-efficient. </span></p>
<p><strong>Cooking</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">5. Multitask Ingredients: Elaborate holiday recipes often require ingredients outside our usual rotation, such as buttermilk or pumpkin puree. Try finding ways to incorporate these ingredients into other dishes. This is where </span><a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/action/make-meal-plan" target="_blank">meal planning</a><span style="font-weight:400;"> ahead of time becomes particularly useful if you've taken inventory of your kitchen and made an effort to use up what you already have in your pantry and fridge.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">6. Skip Time-Savers: If possible, avoid pre-cubed, spiralized, and shredded produce that comes in non-recyclable plastic bags and clamshells. Opt for imperfect or </span><a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/action/choose-wonky-fruit" target="_blank">wonky produce</a><span style="font-weight:400;"> instead. Preparing produce from scratch does require more effort and time than buying pre-packaged varieties, but it often tastes better (without preservatives) and helps </span><a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/action/skip-packaging" target="_blank">reduce packaging waste</a><span style="font-weight:400;">. However, if bagged produce is your only option or it's more affordable, do what works best for you. You might want to consider transferring produce that comes in bags and clamshells into a cloth storage bag or a glass container at home. Produce stays fresher and crisper in breathable cotton rather than plastic.</span></p>
<p><strong>Leftovers- </strong><span style="font-weight:400;">Encourage guests to </span><a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/action/store-it-serve-it-and-share-it" target="_blank">bring their own containers</a><span style="font-weight:400;"> or provide reusable containers for them to take food home. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">7. Save Food Scraps for </span><a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/action/compost" target="_blank">Composting</a><span style="font-weight:400;">: Be sure to collect leftover vegetable ends, peels, and scraps from your cooking process in a reusable silicone bag or a large glass container. If you have access to a compost bin or service, this also makes it easy for guests to compost food scraps after the meal. It's helpful to assign a family member to empty the container periodically to prevent overflowing and avoid sending organic waste to the landfill.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">8. Freeze Leftovers: One of the best ways to reduce food waste during Thanksgiving is to keep things simple. For any leftovers you have, refrigerate a few days' worth and freeze the rest. While leftovers are one of the best parts of Thanksgiving, eating turkey sandwiches day after day can become tiresome. Be sure to send your guests home with leftovers as well!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">By following these tips, you can significantly reduce waste and environmental impact while enjoying a wonderful Thanksgiving feast. It's a small step towards a more sustainable future, and it can inspire your loved ones to make eco-conscious choices in their own lives as well.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">A zero waste Thanksgiving is a beautiful way to express gratitude for the Earth's generosity while reducing your impact on the environment. By planning your menu thoughtfully, avoiding disposable items, and encouraging recycling and composting, you can host a memorable celebration that leaves a positive mark on the planet. This Thanksgiving, let's gather with family and friends, share delicious food, and give thanks for our beautiful world by embracing a zero waste mindset.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Check out our past Thanksgiving newsletter articles for more tips and ideas: </span><a href="https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/15-tips-for-a-sustainable-thanksgiving" target="_blank">15 Tips for a Sustainable Thanksgiving</a><span style="font-weight:400;"> and </span><a href="https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/a-just-enough-thanksgiving" target="_blank">A "Just Enough" Thanksgiving</a><span style="font-weight:400;"> or find the actions mentioned above (and many more!), along with location specific resources, by logging into your </span><a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/" target="_blank">Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge</a><span style="font-weight:400;"> account. </span></p></div>How Sustainable Is Cotton?https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/how-sustainable-is-cotton2023-10-27T20:55:55.000Z2023-10-27T20:55:55.000ZAlison Claryhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/AlisonClary<div><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12269958899,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12269958899,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12269958899?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="504" height="336" /></a>The fashion industry places a heavy burden on the planet. It is responsible for 10 percent of global greenhouse emissions and is the second largest consumer of the world’s water supply. The huge number of resources required to manufacture clothing include oil, land, water, pesticides, dyes, and other chemicals. Even the final disposal of clothing depletes resources. What about natural fibers like cotton, or even organic cotton? Let’s review the sustainability of various fabrics.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Cotton</strong></p><p style="font-weight:400;">As much as we love the idea of cotton being a soft, breathable, all-natural fabric, it is not yet fully sustainable. Cotton uses about 2.4 percent of cultivated land but accounts for 5.7 percent of pesticide use to defend against pests like bugs, spider mites, and disease. The manufacturing of pesticides involves potent greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, which not only pollute the air but also deplete the soil, resulting in a loss of biodiversity. Cotton is a water intensive crop, and the runoff from artificial irrigation can pollute surrounding waterways, which poisons fish and other wildlife. Pesticides affect humans as well. According to the <a href="https://the-ethos.co/regenerative-organic-cotton-india/" target="_blank">BMC Public Health journal</a>, more than 40% of farmers are poisoned by pesticides, resulting in chronic diseases, cancer, infertility and birth defects.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>What about organic cotton?</strong></p><p style="font-weight:400;">There is a growing demand for organic cotton. In 2018, 36 major brands, including Adidas, ASOS, H&M, and Burberry, pledged to use 100% sustainable cotton by 2025.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">Organic cotton that is really organic has a smaller environmental impact than conventional cotton and uses 91 percent less water. It also uses non-GMO seeds, supports soil fertility, and is free of pesticides. However, supply chains are messy and convoluted, and unfortunately, they are not as transparent as they should be. A <a href="https://the-ethos.co/regenerative-organic-cotton-india/" target="_blank">New York Times investigation</a> discovered that companies like Control Union, EcoCert, and OneCert, which provide organic certification systems in India (the biggest producer of cotton in the world), were prone to fraudulent activity, so “organic cotton” may not really be organic at all. A <em>Times </em>expert asserted that as much as 80% of Indian cotton was not organic cotton, and most of the supply chain was implicated in “smoke and mirrors.” The EU no longer accepts “certified organic cotton” from the companies above.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">There are also human rights issues. According to <a href="https://www.drapersonline.com/insight/analysis/are-you-selling-chinas-slave-cotton" target="_blank">Draper's</a>, a fashion industry news source, around 200,000 children aged 14 or under work on cotton farms. Other reports have surfaced that thousands of Uyghur Muslims and other ethnic minorities in China, which produces 20 percent of the world’s cotton, were being forced to pick the crop by hand. </p><p style="font-weight:400;">According to the <a href="https://apparelcoalition.org/the-higg-index/" target="_blank">Higg Materials Sustainability Index</a>, <strong>recycled cotton</strong> is a better alternative to conventional cotton and organic cotton because it uses post-industrial and post-consumer cotton waste, which helps reduce water and energy consumption and keeps cotton clothes out of landfills.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">The <u><a href="https://apparelcoalition.org" target="_blank">Sustainable Apparel Coalition,</a></u> which includes brands like Allbirds and ASOS, recently launched an Organic Cotton Accelerator in India and Pakistan to create lasting, necessary change in the industry.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">Nonprofits like the California based Regenerative Organic Alliance, founded by brands including Patagonia and Dr. Bronner’s, along with the organic agriculture research pioneer the Rodale Institute, are working to create ethical and transparent supply chains. The ROA has a stringent certification program, and farmers must demonstrate that they aren’t using pesticides, depleting the soil, or exploiting people or animals.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">The Better Cotton Initiative, the world’s leading sustainability initiative for the cotton industry, works with nearly three million farmers across 26 countries to produce cotton under its Better Cotton Standard, which strives to utilize sustainable and ethical farming practices to protect soil health, water management, and ethical good working conditions.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">While cotton is touted as all-natural, clean, breathable fabric, it cannot be considered truly fully sustainable just yet, but it is getting there. In the meantime, there are more sustainable choices.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>More Sustainable Fabrics Than Cotton:</strong></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Hemp,</strong> which is derived from the stem of the hemp plant, tops the list of sustainable fabrics. It requires no pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides and is naturally pest-resistant, antimicrobial, and UV-resistant. It needs a relatively small amount of land and water to grow, can thrive almost anywhere, and cleans air and soil. Hemp fabric has a high oxygen content, which prevents anaerobic bacteria from settling in, and it is eight times stronger and four times more durable than cotton fiber.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Linen,</strong> which is made from the stem of the flax plant, requires minimal water, no pesticides, and can grow in poor-quality soil. It is breathable, moth resistant, and grows stronger after every wash. Just be sure to buy organic linen with eco-friendly dyes so it is truly sustainable and bio-degradable.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Tencel</strong> is a cellulose fabric that is made by dissolving wood pulp. It is touted as being 50 percent more absorbent than cotton and requires less energy and water to produce. Tencel is created by Lenzing, the giant Austrian textile corporation, and is produced in a closed-loop system, so 99 percent of the chemicals used to break down the wood pulp are recycled, with minimal waste and low emissions.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Bamboo</strong> is considered a renewable resource because it grows back quickly after being chopped down. This sustainable crop sequesters (absorbs) carbon dioxide and produces 35 percent more oxygen than trees. The caveat is that as the industry grows, deforestation takes root, which leads to the creation of <a href="https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/chinas-appetite-bamboo-damaging-forests" target="_blank">monoculture forests.</a> Monoculture occurs when a farmer plants just one species of tree, such as bamboo, and this affects biodiversity and soil health. Bambu Batu, a platform that educates the world about bamboo, asserts that the industry can avoid going the same destructive route as palm oil plantations have in part by effectively managing the crop and mixing it with other species such as cacao trees. This practice is apparently more common in bamboo plantations in Indonesia (the third largest bamboo producer in the world) and other plantations in Southeast Asia, but less common in China.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Fruit leather</strong> is a truly futuristic textile. Check <strong><u><a href="https://biofilico.com/news/sustainable-materials-fruit" target="_blank">THIS</a></u></strong> out to learn how pineapple leaf fiber and other byproducts of fruit can sustainably produce high-end textiles.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>What can you do?</strong></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Avoid synthetic fabrics</strong> made from petroleum, which include polyester, spandex, rayon, nylon, and acrylic. Manufacturing nylon, for example, creates nitrous oxide, which is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Synthetic clothing also sheds microplastics every time they are washed and take hundreds of years to biodegrade. Last year, SCOCO published an article on the dubious sustainability of making <a href="https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/should-we-buy-clothes-made-from-recycled-plastic-bottles" target="_blank">clothes from recycled water bottles.</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;">Avoid buying clothes with “easy care,” “wrinkle-resistant,” or “stain-free” labels because that indicates they have been chemically treated. Ideally, we should opt for naturally dyed fabrics that come from fruits, vegetables, tree bark and roots. Unbleached, undyed clothes also conserve resources, prevent pollution, and are environmentally safer.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">Whenever you buy clothing, sheets, towels, or other fabrics, look for legitimate certification labels that ensure the fabric is free of toxic chemicals, including National Organic Program, Fairtrade, Organic Content Standards, Global Organic Textile Standard certification, Soil Association, and Oeko-Tex. </p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Sources and further reading:</strong></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://goodonyou.eco/how-sustainable-is-cotton/" target="_blank">https://goodonyou.eco/how-sustainable-is-cotton/</a><strong> </strong></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://goodmakertales.com/is-linen-more-eco-friendly-than-cotton/#:~:text=are%20hugely%20important.-,So%2C%20Is%20Linen%20More%20Eco%20Friendly%20Than%20Cotton%3F,chemical%20inputs%20compared%20to%20cotton" target="_blank">https://goodmakertales.com/is-linen-more-eco-friendly-than-cotton/#:~:text=are%20hugely%20important.-,So%2C%20Is%20Linen%20More%20Eco%20Friendly%20Than%20Cotton%3F,chemical%20inputs%20compared%20to%20cotton</a>.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://the-ethos.co/is-cotton-fabric-sustainable/" target="_blank">https://the-ethos.co/is-cotton-fabric-sustainable/</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.drapersonline.com/insight/analysis/are-you-selling-chinas-slave-cotton/" target="_blank">https://www.drapersonline.com/insight/analysis/are-you-selling-chinas-slave-cotton/</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://the-ethos.co/regenerative-organic-cotton-india/" target="_blank">https://the-ethos.co/regenerative-organic-cotton-india/</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://the-ethos.co/sustainable-materials-guide/" target="_blank">https://the-ethos.co/sustainable-materials-guide/</a> </p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/chinas-appetite-bamboo-damaging-forests" target="_blank">https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/chinas-appetite-bamboo-damaging-forests</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://the-ethos.co/bamboo-fabric-sustainable/" target="_blank">https://the-ethos.co/bamboo-fabric-sustainable/</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@tgdwinos?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash" target="_blank">Trisha Downing</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/field-of-cotton-trees-pyud8ZaVq4I?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash" target="_blank">Unsplash</a></p></div>Enjoy the Great Outdoors!https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/enjoying-the-great-outdoors2023-10-27T16:54:23.000Z2023-10-27T16:54:23.000ZLiza Kirbyhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/LizaKirby<div><p><a href="https://www.holidaycalendar.io/holiday/national-hiking-day" target="_blank">National Hiking Day</a> is just around the corner, on November 17, and what better way to celebrate than by exploring the beautiful hiking trails that the East Bay has to offer? Autumn is a magical time for hiking, with crisp air, vibrant foliage, and an opportunity to spend quality time with people you love in the great outdoors. As the Thanksgiving weekend approaches, you can also participate in the <a href="https://www.rei.com/opt-outside" target="_blank">#OptOutside movement</a>, choosing nature over the hustle and bustle of shopping. Outdoor time also helps <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CyOWfkiuD8R/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng%3D%3D" target="_blank">support your mental health</a> with improved mood, reduced stress, enhanced memory, physical activity, and social interaction.</p><p>In this article, we'll explore some popular East Bay hiking places that are perfect for family adventures, exercise, recreation, and observing the changing leaf colors and wildlife. Let's take a peak at some terrific hiking spots in the East Bay and make the most of this incredible season.</p><p><strong>Hiking Essentials</strong></p><p>Before embarking on your adventure, remember to pack essential items for a safe and enjoyable hiking experience. Bring plenty of water, snacks, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a fully charged cell phone. Additionally, it's a good practice to carry a basic first aid kit and a map of the trail you'll be hiking. Dress in layers as temperatures are quite cool in the early mornings and evenings, yet warm up substantial by midday. Check each trail's specific requirements and regulations regarding dogs, bicycles, as well as whether trail passes or parking fees are applicable. This map provides an overview of the regional, municipal, and state parks in Contra Costa County.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12269883453,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12269883453,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12269883453?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="626" /></a></p><p>Map: <a href="https://www.ebparks.org/sites/default/files/maps/District-Map-GeneralBro-Eng-Pg3-20211211_0.pdf">https://www.ebparks.org/sites/default/files/maps/District-Map-GeneralBro-Eng-Pg3-20211211_0.pdf</a></p><p>Here is a closer look at some of the county’s notable parks and recreation areas.</p><p>BRIONES REGIONAL PARK</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12269883493,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12269883493,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12269883493?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="627" /></a></p><p>Photo: <a href="http://www.eastbaytrails.com/trail-notes/2011/12/19/sunrise-trail-loop-hike-briones-regional-park.html" target="_blank">http://www.eastbaytrails.com/trail-notes/2011/12/19/sunrise-trail-loop-hike-briones-regional-park.html</a></p><p>Briones Regional Park is 6,255 acres of rolling hills situated between Martinez, Lafayette, Pleasant Hill, Concord, and Walnut Creek. On a clear day, Briones Peak and the higher trails offer expansive views of Mount Diablo, the Sacramento River, Mount Tamalpais, and Las Trampas Regional Wilderness from the top of the peak. This park is home to many animals and birds that forage on the grasslands or find shelter among the oaks and bays. You may see black-tailed deer, coyotes, squirrels, red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures, and other creatures. There are several staging areas for accessing the park: </p><ul><li>Alhambra Creek Staging Area: 273-181 Brookwood Dr, Martinez, CA</li><li>Lafayette Ridge staging area (across Pleasant Hill Rd. from Acalanes High School)</li><li>Bear Creek Staging Area: 1611 Bear Creek Road, Lafayette, CA</li><li>Reliez Valley Staging Area: 1956 Reliez Valley Road, Lafayette, CA </li></ul><p><a href="https://www.ebparks.org/parks/briones" target="_blank">Briones Regional Park (EB Parks) website</a></p><p>West of Briones Regional Park is the Briones Reservoir. It covers 725 acres and is part of the EBMUD northern watershed. There is a hiking trail around the perimeter of the reservoir and trails also link Briones and San Pablo Reservoirs. The EBMUD Bear Creek Staging Area is off Bear Creek Road. Before you go, you will need to obtain an EBMUD trail use permit (purchase on <a href="https://www.ebmud.com/recreation/east-bay/east-bay-trails" target="_blank">EBMUD website</a>). $3/day or $10/year for a person and their family and 3 guests.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12270243678,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12270243678,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12270243678?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="624" /></a></p><p>Photo: <a href="https://blog.renae.org/2016/10/01/briones-reservoir/" target="_blank">https://blog.renae.org/2016/10/01/briones-reservoir/</a></p><p>MOUNT DIABLO STATE PARK<br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12282230265,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12282230265,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12282230265?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="630" height="417" /></a></p><p>Photo: Wayne Hsieh</p><p>Mount Diablo State Park is 20,000 acres situated between Walnut Creek, Concord, Clayton, Alamo, Danville, and San Ramon. The challenging and rewarding Mount Diablo Summit Trail offers stunning panoramic views. On a clear day from the 3,849 foot peak, it is possible to view parts of 40 California counties, spread over 8,539 square miles. The best viewing is often the day after a winter storm. </p><p>You can also drive up to the summit from the north or south gates and then walk the moderate level 0.8-mile Mary Bowerman Loop around the summit.</p><p>Rock City is located off South Gate Road approximately one mile north of South Gate Kiosk. Features include the Wind Caves, Elephant Rock, Sentinel Rock, Artist Point and Fossil Ridge. Native American grinding rocks are located near Grotto. It is a great place for a picnic.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12269884457,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12269884457,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12269884457?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="631" /></a></p><p>On the east side, starting at the Mitchell Canyon Staging area, the trail along Mitchell Creek is a moderate level of difficulty. Hikers can discover a variety of birds and native plants. </p><p>Another east side trail is the popular Donner Canyon, Middle Trail and Falls Trail that is 5.3 miles long with an elevation gain of 1,171 ft. <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/california/mount-diablo-state-park" target="_blank">Alltrails</a> has profiles for most of the 92 Mt Diablo trails, including distance, elevation gain, and level of difficulty.</p><p>Mt Diablo park can be accessed from numerous staging areas, including the following:</p><ul><li>Macedo Ranch Staging Area<br /> Location: 3756 Green Valley Road, Alamo (no vehicle access to the Summit)</li><li>Mitchell Canyon Staging Area<br /> Location: 96 Mitchell Canyon Road, Clayton (no vehicle access to the Summit)</li><li>North Gate Road Entrance<br /> Location: 1300 North Gate Road, Walnut Creek</li><li>South Gate Road Entrance<br /> Location: 2675 Mt. Diablo Scenic Boulevard, Blackhawk</li></ul><p><a href="https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=517" target="_blank">Mt Diablo State Park website</a></p><p>According to the non-profit <a href="https://savemountdiablo.org/about/our-history/" target="_blank">Save Mount Diablo</a>, there are now more than 120,000 acres of various types of protected lands on and around Mount Diablo. These include 50 preserves, such as nearby city open spaces, regional parks, and watersheds that are buffered in some areas with private lands that have been protected by conservation easements.</p><p> LAS TRAMPAS WILDERNESS REGIONAL PRESERVE<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12269884667,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12269884667,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12269884667?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="629" height="419" /></a></p><p>Photo: <a href="https://lonelyhiker.weebly.com/trails/devils-hole-at-las-trampas-regional-park" target="_blank">https://lonelyhiker.weebly.com/trails/devils-hole-at-las-trampas-regional-park</a></p><p>Las Trampas is 5,778 acres in San Ramon. Hikers can experience two of the Bay Area’s major fault lines as they explore the park’s fascinating geological formations. This large peaceful preserve provides an escape from the urban hustle and bustle. Carry plenty of drinking water for yourself and your animals. The park's water supply is inconsistent, and water may be unavailable at any time of year. The Bollinger Staging Area is adjacent to Bollinger Canyon Road.</p><p><a href="https://www.ebparks.org/parks/las-trampas" target="_blank">Las Trampas Regional Preserve website</a></p><p> LIME RIDGE OPEN SPACE</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12269884475,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12269884475,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12269884475?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="629" height="354" /></a></p><p>Photo: Liza Kirby</p><p>Lime Ridge spans 1,226 acres and boasts 25 miles of trails. It is located near Walnut Creek, Concord, and Clayton, along the eastern portion of Ygnacio Valley Road. Named after the limestone found nearby, this park is home to some of Walnut Creek’s last chaparral, among other local foliage and wildlife. The cooler fall temperatures make for an enjoyable autumn hike in this wide-open space. This is a popular spot among plein air painters and photographers capturing the sweeping views of the surrounding landscape from both the foothills as well as the higher elevations.</p><p><a href="https://www.walnut-creek.org/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/12/664" target="_blank">Lime Ridge website</a> </p><p>BIG BREAK REGIONAL SHORELINE</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12269885095,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12269885095,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12269885095?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="628" height="298" /></a></p><p>Photo: <a href="https://sfbaywatertrail.org/trailhead/big-break-regional-shoreline/" target="_blank">https://sfbaywatertrail.org/trailhead/big-break-regional-shoreline/</a></p><p>Big Break Regional Shoreline is located in Oakley and is a part of the great 1150-square-mile Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. This “Inland Coast” creates the largest estuarine (fresh and salty water mixture) environment on the Pacific coast and is home to 70 species of birds as well as several species of mammals. It's an excellent place for a peaceful, waterside hike or kayaking. </p><p>The Big Break Regional Trail, which runs along the southern edge of Big Break, provides access for hikers and bicyclists. The trail can be accessed from Oakley, Brentwood, Antioch, Pittsburg, and Bay Point.</p><p><a href="https://www.ebparks.org/parks/big-break" target="_blank">Big Break Regional Shoreline website</a> </p><p>Looking for more adventures? Check out Antioch’s Black Diamond Mine Regional Preserve, Oakland’s Sibley and Redwood Parks, Walnut Creek’s Shell Ridge Open Space and Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area (EBRPD), Point Pinole Shoreline, Lafayette Reservoir as well as the Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline in Martinez.</p><p><strong>Go Outdoors</strong></p><p>East Bay offers a plethora of hiking spots to explore this autumn. From tranquil open spaces, serene waterways, and trails to the majestic views from Mount Diablo and Briones Peak, the East Bay offers something for hikers of all levels. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your family, and head outdoors to celebrate the season's colors and the beauty of nature. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely stroll or tackling a challenging hike, these East Bay destinations promise unforgettable family adventures in the great outdoors. Remember that any <a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/action/bike-walk-skateboard-or-unicycle" target="_blank">walking or biking instead of driving</a> has a big influence on reducing your carbon emissions. Choose to opt outside this Thanksgiving weekend and make the most of the incredible East Bay hiking opportunities.</p><p>Share your favorite East Bay hikes in the comments below.</p></div>Climate Careers Chat Recap: Vertical Farming and Ecologyhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/climate-careers-chat-recap-vertical-farming-and-ecology2023-10-04T23:29:14.000Z2023-10-04T23:29:14.000ZEliana Batrezhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/ElianaBatrez<div><p dir="ltr">By: Nina Damiano</p>
<p dir="ltr">Ecology and its subfield, of vertical farming is key to today’s understanding of the environment and its modern applications. In September, SLIA hosted a Climate Careers Chat discussing just this. The virtual webinar featured two experts: Rebecca Nelson, a PhD student at UC Davis studying ecology, and Jim Pantaleo, a business coordinator in the vertical farming industry. Here’s a recap of the conversation about their education and career pathways as well as their advice for anyone looking to learn more about these fields!</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12239650270,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12239650270,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12239650270?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="355" height="266" /></a>Rebecca Nelson</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">Rebecca Nelson started her journey in ecology just out of high school as an undergraduate at Stanford University, where she got a Bachelor's degree in Biology before moving on to University of California, Davis, to get a Masters degree in Ecology. Currently, she is a PhD candidate in ecology doing lab work at UC Davis. In her work there, Rebecca combines fieldwork with data collection to research how climate change’s impacts to the environment affect the relationship between the plants and pollinators of California grasslands. Her goal is to inform climate-resilient ecological restoration and pollinator conservation and she has spread her influence on these issues outside the lab as a board member for Northern California Botanists and the chair of the California Invasive Plant Council Student Section working with other environmental NGOs!</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Fun Fact:</strong> She is also a freelance science writer and poet!</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>What is ecology?</em> Ecology is a branch of biology that studies the relationship between organisms and their environment. </p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12239649892,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12239649892,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12239649892?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="404" height="275" /></a>Jim Pantaleo</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">Jim Pantaleo’s career in vertical farming wasn’t clear from the beginning- he originally got a degree in International Relations before spending 20 years in the technology industry. Deciding that this path wasn’t right for him, he switched his career track to become a pioneer in indoor vertical farming for food production, landing a job at the landmark indoor vertical farm company, Urban Produce- Southern California’s first large-scale indoor vertical farm. He later worked at Oasis Biotech- an advanced indoor vertical farm in Las Vegas, engaging them with universities and the government as well as helping with seed trials- tests on seeds that would be used in vertical farms. Like Rebecca, he eventually ended up in UC Davis, where he is currently the Business Development Coordinator at the Artificial Intelligence Institute for Next Generation Food Systems.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Fun Fact:</strong> The researchers he works with are primarily data scientists!</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>What is vertical farming?</em> Vertical farming is the practice of growing crops in layers stacked vertically. Usually, variables such as temperature, growth medium, and light are controlled in order to fully maximize plant growth.</p></div>10 Fall Gardening Tipshttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/10-fall-gardening-tips2023-10-02T16:00:12.000Z2023-10-02T16:00:12.000ZLiza Kirbyhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/LizaKirby<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12238162079,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12238162079,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12238162079?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a>Photo: Summerwindnursery.com</p>
<p>The autumn season is upon us, and it's time to embrace the vibrant tapestry of colors, the crisp cool air, and the bountiful harvest that comes with it. While many think of spring as the prime gardening season, but fall in the Bay Area offers gardeners a second growing season. So, grab your gardening gloves and get ready to fall in love with fall gardening! In this article, we'll explore some valuable tips and tricks to help you make the most of your fall garden.</p>
<p><strong>1. Plan Ahead for a Colorful Display</strong></p>
<p>Fall is the perfect time to plant bulbs for spring blooms. Tulips, daffodils, and crocuses are ideal choices. Plant them now, and when spring rolls around, you'll be greeted by a riot of vibrant colors that will make your heart sing.</p>
<p><strong>2. Make Friends with Mums</strong></p>
<p>Chrysanthemums are the unofficial mascots of fall, and for a good reason. These hardy perennials come in an array of autumnal hues, from fiery reds to rich yellows. Plant them in pots or in your garden beds for an instant pop of fall color. They're not only beautiful but also low maintenance.</p>
<p><strong>3. Fortify Plants and Soils</strong></p>
<p>With sunny days and cooler nights, Fall is a great time to amend soil with nutrients and feed your plants. Sloat Garden Center recommends top-dressing perennial beds with mulch and fertilizer to improve flower bud quality, promote cold hardiness and disease resistance, as well as improve root structure. Prepare planting beds for winter crops by clearing weeds and rocks, tilling soil, and adding soil amendments for vegetables or mulch.</p>
<p><strong>4. Embrace Leaf Mulch</strong></p>
<p>Fallen leaves are a treasure trove of nutrients for your garden. Instead of raking them up and tossing them away, consider using them as mulch. Leaves make excellent mulch, helping to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and enrich the soil as they decompose. Ash, cherry, elm, linden, maple, poplar, and willow leaves are ideal, as they decompose in about a year. Avoid mulching black walnut, eucalyptus, citrus, pine, spruce, juniper, and arborvitae debris.</p>
<p><strong>5. Veg Out</strong></p>
<p>Don't let your vegetable garden hibernate for the winter. The fall season is relatively mild, making it the perfect time to grow a variety of vegetables. Plant cool-season crops like kale, spinach, carrots, and radishes. These hardy veggies thrive in the cooler temperatures and will provide you with a fresh, homegrown harvest.</p>
<p><strong>6. Get Creative with Containers</strong></p>
<p>Fall is an excellent time to refresh your container gardens. Swap out tired summer annuals for fall favorites like pansies, violas, and ornamental cabbage. Mix and match colors and textures to create eye-catching displays that will brighten up your outdoor space.</p>
<p><strong>7. Plant Trees and Shrubs</strong></p>
<p>Fall is the perfect time to add some new trees and shrubs to your garden. The cooler weather allows them to establish their root systems without the stress of summer heat. Look for native species to support local wildlife and conserve water.</p>
<p><strong>8. Divide and Conquer</strong></p>
<p>Fall is an excellent time to divide and transplant perennials, such as iris, agapanthus, and achillea. By doing this, you can rejuvenate your garden, prevent overcrowding, and share your favorite plants with friends and neighbors. Plus, it's a fantastic way to keep your garden looking tidy and well-maintained.</p>
<p><strong>9. Prune with Purpose</strong></p>
<p>Pruning is an essential part of fall garden maintenance. Trim back dead or diseased branches to encourage healthy growth and improve the overall appearance of your garden. Be sure to research the specific needs of your plants, as not all of them should be pruned in the fall.</p>
<p><strong>10. Embrace Zero Emissions Landscaping Equipment</strong></p>
<p>Switching to Zero Emissions Landscaping Equipment is a smart choice for reducing emissions and improving the gardening experience. Electric or battery-powered tools offer several advantages over gas-powered equipment: they are eco-friendly, quieter, cost-effective, and require less maintenance. Consider alternatives such as electric lawn mowers, battery-powered leaf blowers, and electric hedge trimmers for a greener, more sustainable approach to fall gardening. Additionally, look for local landscaping professionals who have adopted zero-emission equipment, contributing to a cleaner and quieter environment in your community. Making this transition not only benefits your garden but also the overall health and beauty of Contra Costa County.</p>
<p><strong>Reflect and Relax</strong></p>
<p>Finally, as you putter around your garden, take some time to reflect on the season. The fall garden has a unique charm, with the sun casting long shadows, the leaves rustling in the breeze, and the scent of earth in the air. It's a time to appreciate the beauty of nature and the joy of gardening. So, pour yourself a warm cup of tea, sit back, and soak it all in.</p>
<p>In conclusion, fall gardening offers a wealth of opportunities to express your creativity, nurture your green thumb, and enjoy the beauty of the season. By harvesting, taking care of your plants, planning ahead, and planting seasonal crops, you can ensure that your garden remains a delightful oasis throughout the autumn months. So, get out there and let your fall garden shine! Happy gardening!</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Handy References:</strong></p>
<p>Sloat Garden Center Monthly Gardening <a href="https://sloatgardens.com/learn/to-do-in-the-garden/" target="_blank">Guide</a></p>
<p>Sloat Garden Center Vegetable Planting <a href="https://sloatgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vegetable-planting-chart_NEW.pdf" target="_blank">Calendar</a></p>
<p>Summer Winds Nursery <a href="https://www.summerwindsnursery.com/ca/inspire/blog/what-to-plant-in-fall-silicon-valley/" target="_blank">Guide</a> </p>
<p>California Grown <a href="https://californiagrown.org/blog/how-to-plant-a-california-fall-garden/" target="_blank">Guide</a> </p>
<p>SF Bay Gardening <a href="https://sfbaygardening.com/resources/bay-area-planting-calendar/" target="_blank">Calendar</a> </p>
<p>Leaf Composting <a href="https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/tips-for-composting-leaves/" target="_blank">Guide</a></p>
<p>Professional Landscapers Zero Emission Equipment <a href="https://californiacore.org/resources-professional-landscape/" target="_blank">Guide</a></p></div>Tips For Keeping Halloween Scary But Sustainablehttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/tips-for-keeping-halloween-scary-while-sustainable2023-09-29T21:39:53.000Z2023-09-29T21:39:53.000ZAlison Claryhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/AlisonClary<div><p style="font-weight:400;"> </p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12236352872,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12236352872,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12236352872?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="354" height="443" /></a>Halloween is one of the spookiest times of the year for the environment. Mass-produced fast fashion composed of cheap, one-use polyester costumes; plastic candy wrappers and packaging; throwaway porch and party decorations; and pumpkins left to rot in overloaded landfills are a few examples. Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate these wicked offenders while still having fun. With fears of pandemic dangers receding, revelers are dying to get out and enjoy some ghoulish fun, and they are happy to dig deep into their pocketbooks. Surveys by The National Retail Federation state that this Halloween, spending is expected to exceed $12.2 billion on costumes, candy, decorations, and greeting cards. That may be a boost to the economy, but not to our planet. Here are some greener options.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>COSTUMES</strong></p><p style="font-weight:400;">Did you know that every year seven million Halloween costumes are thrown out? That’s equivalent to 83 million plastic bottles. When these synthetic materials decompose, they release toxic chemicals into the environment. According to the environmental charity Hubbub, 83% of Halloween clothing is made of oil-based plastic. Plastic based products also include synthetic wigs, masks, trick-or-treat buckets, and even outfits for dogs. All this waste is hair-raising, but the good news is the best costume is the one you already own or can easily whip up. It’ll save you money, too!</p><p style="font-weight:400;">Resist the urge to buy a throwaway store-bought costume and invest in a few pieces that aren’t made of polyester. You can rotate them every few years or even exchange costumes with friends or family. Over the years you can swap out accessories and props like scarves, hats, a kitchen broom, or jewelry to create new combinations. Repurpose a black or white graduation robe and use it as a base for your witch, ghoul, vampire, Harry Potter character, angel, or zombie graduate student costume, to name a few.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">Baby boomers may recall “shopping their closet” before it was a thing and made do with their own wardrobe pieces to magically transform into princesses, pirates, Frankenstein, brides, ghosts, and more. <a href="https://www.brit.co/80s-halloween-costumes/" target="_blank">Costume ideas from the eighties</a> might include members of the Brat Pack, Madonna, or garden variety hippies or punks. Flannel shirts, bell-bottom pants, leather jackets, and Hawaiian shirts are easy to find and can work wonders. With a few prop twists, you can transform fairly ordinary clothes you already own, such as jeans, vests, or boots, into characters from pop culture series like Star Wars, The Simpsons or Stranger Things. An easy, on-trend costume could be Pedro Pascal’s character, Joel, in “The Last of Us.” His basic outfit consists of jeans, a plaid shirt, denim jacket, boots, glasses, and backpack. Clothes from secondhand shops or vintage stores provide a treasure trove of ideas. Barbie should be popular this year, and incarnations of the famous doll can include something relatively simple in bright pink or lime green, with maybe a handkerchief or cowboy hat. If all else fails, you can always find an old sheet and cut out random holes for a Charlie Brown style ghost! Don’t forget to forego plastic treat buckets and opt for fabric bags, baskets, or pillow cases instead.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>DECORATIONS, especially pumpkins!</strong></p><p style="font-weight:400;">As with costumes, investing in long-lasting non-plastic decorations you can bring out year after year is the way to go. Here are some <a href="https://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/6-diy-eco-friendly-halloween-decor/" target="_blank">DIY decorating ideas.</a><u></u> Decorating from nature is ideal. Pumpkins, gourds, maize cornstalks, hay bales, leaves, branches with berries, and other natural materials make beautiful seasonal displays and can last through Thanksgiving. If you’re interested in the huge selection of colorful varieties of pumpkins out there, <a href="https://www.thespruce.com/guide-to-best-types-of-pumpkins-4092354" target="_blank">check THIS out!</a> </p><p style="font-weight:400;">Over 1.9 billion pumpkins are produced every year, and 8 million of those wind up in landfill. Plus, the water, energy, and other resources consumed to grow them make a big environmental impact. Once pumpkins have fulfilled their seasonal mission, be sure to consume them! Remember, shopping locally for organic pumpkins at farmers’ markets is better than getting them from big box stores, where pumpkins are likely inundated with pesticides, especially if you plan on eating them later! Saving seeds will provide you with a nutritious and delicious snack full of fiber, zinc and magnesium. Try these recipes for <a href="https://www.thechunkychef.com/spiced-honey-roasted-pumpkin-seeds/" target="_blank">honey roasted pumpkin seeds</a> and <a href="https://gooddinnermom.com/turmeric-roasted-pumpkin-seeds/" target="_blank">turmeric roasted pumpkin seeds</a>. You can also simply rinse seeds, toss with oil, sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning, or salt and pepper, or cinnamon sugar, and roast at 350 degrees for about half an hour until crisp and brown. Some people buy sugar pumpkins specifically for making puree for pumpkin pies. You can even use pumpkin puree for a <a href="https://www.prevention.com/beauty/skin-care/a34744269/diy-pumpkin-face-mask-recipe/" target="_blank">DIY Enzyme Face Mask!</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;">Used jack-o-lanterns can be given as a <a href="https://www.thespruce.com/pumpkin-seeds-for-birds-4104651#:~:text=Offer%20It%20to%20the%20Birds&text=Scrape%20out%20the%20flesh%20and,Travis%20Audubon%20in%20Central%20Texas.&text=The%20flesh%20of%20the%20pumpkin,snack%20for%20birds%20as%20well" target="_blank">special treat for wildlife,</a> whether it’s for birds or squirrels in your own backyard or critters from local farms or zoos. Watch for NextDoor posts from people who raise chickens or pigs that would be happy to take leftover pumpkin flesh and seeds off your hands. Speaking of animals, those <a href="https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/the-buzz/fake-spider-webs-are-nightmares-for-wildlife/" target="_blank">fake outdoor spiderwebs</a> look cool, but they can ensnare owls and birds, especially hummingbirds, as well as insects and other wildlife. This is especially a problem in the fall, during peak migration season.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">Finally, be sure to compost any pumpkin remnants instead of tossing them into bins that are landfill bound, where the methane gas they emit is 25 times more harmful than carbon dioxide. </p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>CANDY<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12236353652,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12236353652,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12236353652?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="462" height="308" /></a></strong></p><p style="font-weight:400;">Americans purchase <a href="https://www.thespruce.com/guide-to-best-types-of-pumpkins-4092354" target="_blank">600 million pounds of candy every year</a> for Halloween, according to the Huffington Post, and most of that candy is packaged in individual plastic wrappers and sold in plastic bags. Some people forego handing out candy altogether and come up with creative alternatives, like greeting their trick or treaters with a tray of paper Dixie cups filled with cider. Others distribute their own homemade treats such as popcorn balls, caramel apples, or trail mix wrapped in more earth-friendly aluminum foil or paper, especially if they anticipate having a small number of trick-or-treaters. If you go this route, it helps if you are already known to neighbors for being friendly and trustworthy. Here are some <a href="https://www.brit.co/homemade-candy-recipes/" target="_blank">tasty and cool looking DIY treats.</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;">If you don’t feel like channeling your inner Martha Stewart or aren’t comfortable with making your own Halloween treats, you can still be a little more discerning in your choices of store-bought candy. Candy like Junior Mints, pixie sticks, and Nerds come in paper packaging or tiny cardboard boxes. Hardcore eco warriors may decide to fill their candy bowls with organic treats or Fair Trade ethical chocolate, including Theo chocolate, Loving Earth, Divine Chocolate, Fran’s, and Equal Exchange. All these adjustments make a difference, especially when so many citizens celebrate Halloween -- over 190 million people in the U.S. in 2022!</p><p style="font-weight:400;">If you’re interested in the lore and history of Halloween, be sure to check out <a href="https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/history-of-halloween#" target="_blank">THIS</a> and <a href="https://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/halloweenhistory.php" target="_blank">THIS!</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;">Happy All Hallows' Eve!</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:8pt;">Photo of witch girl by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@behrouzsasani?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">behrouz sasani</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/VCuSJtj_wi4?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash.</a></span></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:8pt;">Photo of Trick or Treat sign by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@jannerboy62?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Nick Fewings</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/oPVNGh0hzdI?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash.</a></span></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Sources and further reading:</strong></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.saveyourwardrobe.com/blog/scary-halloween-sustainability-facts/#:~:text=Did%20you%20know%3F,will%20end%20up%20in%20landfill">https://www.saveyourwardrobe.com/blog/scary-halloween-sustainability-facts/#:~:text=Did%20you%20know%3F,will%20end%20up%20in%20landfill</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://terrathread.com/blogs/news/tips-for-green-halloween">https://terrathread.com/blogs/news/tips-for-green-halloween#</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://nrf.com/research-insights/holiday-data-and-trends/halloween">https://nrf.com/research-insights/holiday-data-and-trends/halloween</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://goodonyou.eco/ultimate-guide-green-halloween/">https://goodonyou.eco/ultimate-guide-green-halloween/</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.gourmetgiftbaskets.com/Blog/post/halloween-candy.aspx#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Huffington%20Post,trillion%20individual%20candy%20corn%20kernels">https://www.gourmetgiftbaskets.com/Blog/post/halloween-candy.aspx#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Huffington%20Post,trillion%20individual%20candy%20corn%20kernels</a>!</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.hrsd.com/halloween-doesnt-have-be-scary-environment-tips-eco-friendly-halloween#:~:text=Some%20scary%20things%20about%20Halloween,that%20fill%20already%20overloaded%20landfills">https://www.hrsd.com/halloween-doesnt-have-be-scary-environment-tips-eco-friendly-halloween#:~:text=Some%20scary%20things%20about%20Halloween,that%20fill%20already%20overloaded%20landfills</a>.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/g2750/easy-last-minute-halloween-costumes-diy/?slide=63">https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/g2750/easy-last-minute-halloween-costumes-diy/?slide=63</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://themomiverse.com/food-and-recipes/5-ways-to-eat-more-pumpkins-and-a-few-easy-recipes/">https://themomiverse.com/food-and-recipes/5-ways-to-eat-more-pumpkins-and-a-few-easy-recipes/</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"> </p></div>Start School in Stylehttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/start-school-in-style2023-08-09T02:01:43.000Z2023-08-09T02:01:43.000ZSustainable Contra Costahttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/SustainableContraCosta<div><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12183681690,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12183681690,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12183681690?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="378" /></a>Start School in Style</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">As summer vacation slips away, the excitement of a new school year kicks in. Whether you're a student, a parent, or not in school anymore, this time of year offers a great chance to make a positive impact on both our personal lives and the environment. Think of it as a fresh start with the potential for real change.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">By incorporating sustainable practices into our everyday lives, we can make sure that going back to school isn't just efficient, but also as eco-friendly as possible. Here are some practical and easy-to-follow tips to help you start the academic year on the right foot:</span></p>
<p><strong>Make the Most of What You Have: Borrow, Thrift, or Get Creative!</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Before you rush out to buy new stuff, take a look at what you already have. Can you </span><a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/action/make-it-last" target="_blank">reuse anything from last year</a><span style="font-weight:400;">? Is there something a sibling can use? Check your art supplies, rifle through kitchen drawers, peek under beds, or try your hand at a DIY project.</span></p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Upcycled Fashion: </span></em><a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/action/shop-smart-buy-less" target="_blank">Shop Your Closet</a><em><span style="font-weight:400;"> for School Style</span></em></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Before you hit the back-to-school stores, take a peek into your own wardrobe for a dose of creativity. Experiment with mixing and matching your outfits to create new and exciting looks. Another option is to swap clothes with your friends – it's not only fun but also reduces the demand for fast fashion and cuts down on textile waste.</span></p>
<p><strong>Eco-Friendly School Supplies: Choose Wisely for a Greener Year</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">When it comes to school supplies, ditch the usual plastic-based options in favor of environmentally friendly alternatives. Opt for reusable and refillable items to cut down on single-use plastic waste. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">For a more eco-conscious approach, consider purchasing your supplies in bulk or go for second-hand options. Alternatively, support companies that prioritize sustainability by using natural ingredients and thoughtful packaging. Keep an eye out for products made from recycled materials like notebooks, pens, and binders – every little step counts.</span></p>
<p><strong>Pack an Eco-Friendly Lunch</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Revamp your lunch routine by choosing reusable containers and a refillable water bottle to cut down on waste. Say goodbye to disposable plastic bags and wraps. Instead, try alternatives like silicone bags (dishwasher safe!), cloth bags, compostable paper, and beeswax wraps for your sandwiches and snacks. For packaging, eco-friendly ice packs, glass containers, and Thermos containers are reliable choices for any time of the year.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">When it comes to food, </span><a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/action/buy-local-buy-organic" target="_blank">try to shop local and buy organic</a><span style="font-weight:400;"> when available to support local farmers and reduce your food's carbon footprint. Consider buying dried fruit in bulk, making homemade granola bars, and preparing fresh fruits and veggies. Or, challenge yourself to create a meal using the ingredients you already have in your fridge.</span></p>
<p><strong>Eco-Conscious Commuting: Greener Travel Alternatives</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Make your daily commute more environmentally friendly by walking, biking, or using public transportation to reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion. If your school is far away, think about </span><a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/action/carpool" target="_blank">carpooling</a><span style="font-weight:400;"> with classmates who live nearby. This not only helps the environment but also allows quality time with your community members.</span></p>
<p><strong>Participate in Green Initiatives like </strong><a href="https://linktr.ee/slia" target="_blank">Sustainable Leaders in Action (SLIA)</a><strong>, SCOCO’s very own youth-led team! </strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">For those of us who are already incorporating sustainable practices into our daily routines, there's a meaningful opportunity to continue reducing our carbon footprint and contribute positively to our own well-being and the well-being of our planet. And if you're on the lookout for innovative sustainable ideas, the </span><a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/" target="_blank">Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge</a><span style="font-weight:400;"> is always a valuable resource to explore!</span></p></div>Five No-Cook Recipes for Summerhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/five-no-cook-recipes-for-summer2023-08-08T07:14:26.000Z2023-08-08T07:14:26.000ZKimberly Lamhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/KimberlyLam886<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12178613456,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12178613456,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12178613456?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="289" height="282" /></a></p>
<p>Some days are just too hot to think, too hot to move, and certainly too hot to cook. For those sticky, sweaty, sweltering days, make one of these no-cook summer dishes. </p>
<p>Not only will you be keeping the temperature down in your home as you make your summer meals, but you’ll also most likely use less energy to make these meals too, since you won't have to turn on the stove or oven. </p>
<p> <a href="https://therecipewell.com/quinoa-chickpea-salad/" target="_blank">Quinoa Chickpea Salad with Lemon Dill Dressing</a></p>
<p>This quinoa chickpea salad is like summer in a bowl and comes together in less than 30 minutes. Quinoa and chickpeas are tossed with fresh cucumbers, crisp bell peppers and crunchy carrots, then drizzled with a light lemon dill dressing. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/tangy-cilantro-lime-confetti-salad/" target="_blank">Tangy Cilantro Lime Confetti Salad</a></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12178613479,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12178613479,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12178613479?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="213" height="206" /></a></p>
<p>Sweet orange bell peppers cherry tomatoes, corn, red onion and ripe avocados are the basis for this bright and colorful dish - and best of all you should be able to find most of these at your local farmers' market in late summer!</p>
<p><a href="https://www.acouplecooks.com/watermelon-salad-with-feta-cucumber/" target="_blank">Watermelon Cucumber Salad</a></p>
<p>Easy & refreshing! Sweet melon with salty feta are a genius pairing, topped with cucumber, fresh basil and lemon zest.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.healthyseasonalrecipes.com/no-cook-zucchini-noodles-pesto/" target="_blank">No-Cook Zucchini Noodles with Pesto</a></p>
<p>If your garden is overflowing with zucchini, this recipe is for you. "The trick to this recipe is to soften the raw zucchini noodles ("zoodles!") with a little salt and let the excess moisture drain out of them. Then just rinse them and squeeze out any moisture - they will be perfectly tender, and no cooking is necessary!"</p>
<p><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/strawberry-blackberry-summer-trifle-recipe-1928394" target="_blank">Strawberry-Blackberry Summer Trifle</a></p>
<p>"Trifles are a classic British summer dessert; they're light, sweet, and full of juicy fruit." Prep time for this dessert is only 15 minutes! After a chill time of 3 hours, you'll have a berry sweet and easy dessert to share. </p>
<p>If you do end up cooking on a warm day, you could consider a slow-cooker or Instant Pot recipe to keep the heat contained so you aren't heating up your home. When you do cook, you could prepare a big batch to meal prep for the week. </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12178613283,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12178613283,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12178613283?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="171" height="219" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sources:</p>
<p><a href="https://food52.com/blog/22518-no-cook-recipes-for-summer">https://food52.com/blog/22518-no-cook-recipes-for-summer</a></p>
<p><a href="https://therecipewell.com/quinoa-chickpea-salad/">https://therecipewell.com/quinoa-chickpea-salad/</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.acouplecooks.com/watermelon-salad-with-feta-cucumber/">https://www.acouplecooks.com/watermelon-salad-with-feta-cucumber/</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/strawberry-blackberry-summer-trifle-recipe-1928394">https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/strawberry-blackberry-summer-trifle-recipe-1928394</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.healthyseasonalrecipes.com/no-cook-zucchini-noodles-pesto/">https://www.healthyseasonalrecipes.com/no-cook-zucchini-noodles-pesto/</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/tangy-cilantro-lime-confetti-salad/">https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/tangy-cilantro-lime-confetti-salad/</a></p>
<p> </p></div>Beating the Heat: Tips for Staying Cool and Healthy in Hot Weatherhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/beating-the-heat-tips-for-staying-cool-and-healthy-in-hot-weather2023-07-19T22:30:11.000Z2023-07-19T22:30:11.000ZLiza Kirbyhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/LizaKirby<div><p> </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12150980258,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12150980258,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12150980258?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Photo: Dalton Heating and Cooling</p>
<p>As global temperatures continue to rise, we are experiencing soaring heatwaves and record-breaking temperatures across the globe. Following June’s mild temperatures in the Bay Area, July turned up the heat, and hotter temps will likely continue through the next few months. High temperatures take a toll on our health and energy levels. In this article, we will explore the impact of heat on our well-being and provide useful tips to stay cool and mitigate the effects of extreme heat.</p>
<p><strong>Heat and Health Impacts</strong></p>
<p>When exposed to high temperatures, our bodies undergo various physiological changes that can leave us mentally and physically drained. The blazing sun and soaring temperatures affect our skin, heart, and muscles, leading to decreased energy levels. Factors like temperature, humidity, and radiant heat from the sun's electromagnetic waves impact our body temperature, triggering processes such as sweating, widening of blood vessels, increased heart rate, reduced blood flow to muscles, and brain fatigue. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can result in symptoms like headaches, dizziness, cramps, nausea, respiratory problems, and heat stroke. Dehydration, often caused by excessive heat, can also lead to seizures if the body lacks the right balance of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and calcium).</p>
<p><strong>Simple Remedies for Reducing High Body Temperatures </strong></p>
<p>To combat the symptoms caused by high body temperatures, there are several quick and effective cooling measures you can take:</p>
<ul>
<li>Stay hydrated by sipping ice water or enjoying a refreshing popsicle. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.</li>
<li>Place a cold-water towel on your forehead or neck to help cool down.</li>
<li>Splash cool water on your face for instant relief.</li>
<li>Soak your feet in a bucket of cool water or ice for a refreshing cooldown.</li>
<li>Use a personal fan mister (battery operated) to create a cool breeze.</li>
<li>Opt for light meals such as salads and no-cook foods to avoid generating excess body heat.</li>
<li>Engage in physical work or exercise in the cooler morning hours.</li>
<li>During the hottest part of the day, try to stay in air-conditioned spaces, at home with your A/C set between 75-80, or at your local library, shopping mall, or community center. Find a <a href="https://www.caloes.ca.gov/cal-oes/active-incidents/cooling-centers/">cooling center</a>.</li>
<li>Consider taking a rest or siesta in the afternoon when temperatures are the hottest.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Cool Ways to Beat the Heat at Home </strong></p>
<p>To keep your home cool and comfortable during hot weather, consider implementing these tips:</p>
<ul>
<li>Close windows, shades, blinds, or drapes to block the heat-generating sunlight from entering your home during the day. Open them up at night to let in the cool breezes. Blinds and curtains that are white on the side facing the window are most effective. Multi-cell window shades are always white on the side facing the window.</li>
<li>Add window shades, such as awnings, to windows (especially those that are south and west facing) to reduce the amount of heat penetrating indoors. Retractable awnings are a plus, as they offer more shade than fixed awnings, but can be retracted in winter to let the sun in when it's desired.</li>
<li>Turn off lights when not in use, and run appliances early in the morning to avoid generating additional heat during the hottest hours of the day.</li>
<li>Utilize microwave ovens, toaster ovens, and pressure cookers for quick warming without heating up the cooktop or oven.</li>
<li>Opt for air-drying clothes by hanging them in the shower or outside.</li>
<li>Keep air circulating in your home by using fans (even better with a mister!), allowing you to raise the thermostat a few degrees while remaining comfortable and reducing air conditioning costs. Many central heating systems include a "whole house" fan setting, where the fan can be used without using heating or cooling. When it's warm outside, try the whole house fan before turning on the AC system. You may find that the fan alone provides enough comfort.</li>
<li>Heating & cooling system air filters should be changed at least once a year - more often if you use your system often - in order to improve energy efficiency (and air cleaning).</li>
<li>Use LED lights, as they use the least wattage per quantity of light produced - thus creating less heat (and lowering your energy bill).</li>
<li>Ensure that the outdoor unit of your air conditioner, known as the condenser, has enough space to circulate air freely. Trimming bushes that are growing close to the unit can help.</li>
<li> In addition to preventing unwanted solar heat gain (as mentioned above), you can lower the amount of AC needed by: a) Adding house insulation to under-insulated areas (especially at roof/ceiling areas), b) Replacing plain glass windows with Low-E glass windows, c) Checking for leaks in your air duct systems, and d) Plugging other leaks - especially around windows and outside doors. For more information, see the References & Resources section below.</li>
<li>Consider upgrading your air conditioning unit to a more energy-efficient model or installing a smart thermostat for better control over cooling. If you are considering upgrading your AC system, and you have a gas furnace, consider replacing the AC system with a heat pump - which provides both cooling and heating. Stopping the use of fossil fuels - such as gas for furnaces - can considerably reduce the amount of planet-warming greenhouse gases your home is responsible for.</li>
</ul>
<p>As temperatures continue to rise globally, it's crucial to prioritize our well-being and take necessary precautions to beat the heat. By staying hydrated, using simple cooling remedies, and implementing energy-efficient measures at home, we can keep ourselves cool, comfortable, and healthy during hot weather. Remember, it's essential to take care of ourselves and our environment to adapt to the changing climate.</p>
<p>References & Resources:</p>
<ol>
<li>Visual Capitalist - Charting the Global Temperature Records: <a href="https://www.visualcapitalist.com/charting-global-temperature-records/">Link</a></li>
<li>The Wall Street Journal - Why You Get Tired When It's Hot Outside: <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/sun-tired-hot-weather-heat-bb750670">Link</a></li>
<li>The Wall Street Journal – Extreme Heat Sends People to Hospitals: <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/to-treat-extreme-heat-ice-packed-body-bags-and-wet-gowns-7c35c5c9">Link</a></li>
<li>Los Angeles Times - As California Bakes, Newsom Launches $20-million Campaign to Warn of the Dangers of Extreme Heat: <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-07-11/newsom-launches-20m-campaign-on-the-dangers-of-extreme-heat">Link</a></li>
<li>California Heat Ready Resources: <a href="https://heatreadyca.com/">Link</a></li>
<li>CDC Extreme Heat Infographic: <a href="https://ephtracking.cdc.gov/assets/images/content/extremeheat.jpg">Link</a></li>
<li>PG&E Simple Ways to Save this Summer: <a href="https://www.pge.com/en_US/residential/save-energy-money/resources/summer-tips/summer-tips.page?WT.mc_id=Vanity_summer">Link</a></li>
<li>Tips for tightening up air seals, ducting, and insulation: <a href="https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/keep-cool-this-june?context=category-SCOCO+Insights+Newsletter">Link</a></li>
<li>BayREN: <a href="https://www.bayren.org/" target="_blank">Link</a></li>
<li>PG&E Home Energy Checkup: <a href="https://www.pge.com/en_US/residential/save-energy-money/analyze-your-usage/home-energy-checkup/home-energy-checkup.page?" target="_blank">Link</a> </li>
<li>Treehugger - The Best Fans to Keep You Cool: <a href="https://www.treehugger.com/best-fans-5092513">Link</a></li>
<li>Treehugger - The Best Air Conditioners for Your Home: <a href="https://www.treehugger.com/best-air-conditioners-5093784">Link</a></li>
<li>Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge: <a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/actions?filterCategory=65#allActions">Link</a></li>
<li>USA Today - How to Stay Cool During Hot Summer: <a href="12.%20https%3A//www.usatoday.com/story/money/reviewed/2023/07/18/heat-wave-2023-how-to-stay-cool-during-hot-summer/70424209007/" target="_blank">Link</a></li>
<li>Yahoo Finance - Heat Wave Hack Cool Body: <a href="13.%20https%3A//www.yahoo.com/finance/news/heat-wave-hack-cool-body-173827833.html" target="_blank">Link</a></li>
</ol>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12151333869,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12151333869,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12151333869?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="675" /></a></p></div>Plastic-Free July 2023!https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/plastic-free-july-20232023-07-02T22:57:05.000Z2023-07-02T22:57:05.000ZKimberly Lamhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/KimberlyLam886<div><p>This <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001yPSolRJ2r3W9njNashPL8csqUpi-vSmfX39Or2dT8VC6uc4vimBHlJTUCZsW-vqj0IqkX5rO95TNKwQlSUveG5QyWNupekusZoL7zFeYyIPhQWkhZw_oJpwcZJXqsPdIKVjA0tcWJJme-_g1miRhBidzzVD6LKIHJ8yijmhqDU5IXeqPwfRyUg==&c=fy4g1Us9AVRVA6Q4xM0tWGuEFAsq2ok43jzp6C9pFIAzhSbEvcwcmw==&ch=wD-FdFVnYDusZd0lPjB1uPwCSDZwnYm9WGbd1ZGOHN8E7ZRRrQQFfw==" target="_blank">Plastic Free July</a>, join millions of people reducing their plastic waste! This is a global movement that has inspired 100+ million participants in 190 countries. Your small changes will collectively make a massive difference to our communities. You may choose to refuse single-use plastics in July (and beyond!).</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12129756095,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12129756095,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12129756095?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="464" height="115" /></a></p>
<p>Plastics have become deeply intertwined in our daily lives, but their environmental and human health impacts are severe and undeniable. From polluting our oceans and harming wildlife to leaching harmful chemicals and contributing to the climate crisis, the problems with plastics are far-reaching and demand real solutions. Almost all plastic is made from petroleum. <a href="https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2019/08/how-plastics-contribute-to-climate-change/" target="_blank">Oil-based plastic has major global heating impacts</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Easy actions you can take – check out our <a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/actions" target="_blank">Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge</a> for more!</strong></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12129756663,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12129756663,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12129756663?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="255" height="181" /></a></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/action/skip-packaging" target="_blank">Skip the Packaging</a> - 40% of all the plastic produced each year is made for just one purpose: Single-use packaging. All those plastic containers, shrink wrap, bubble wrap... add up to a big impact.<strong>Buy in bulk.</strong> The more you buy at a time, the less packaging it uses. Some items to consider buying in bulk include things that have a longer shelf life like shampoo, cereal, and peanut butter. Buying in bulk also saves money!
<ul>
<li><strong>Bring your own container.</strong> Many stores now allow you to bring your own reusable containers to fill up with staples like olive oil, flour, rice, and even shampoo. Many stores, particularly health food markets, offer at least some bulk purchasing options.</li>
<li><strong>Choose items with less packaging.</strong> Before you buy something, notice how much plastic packaging it has. If two products are equally good, consider choosing the one with less plastic or less packaging in general.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/action/remember-your-reusable-bags" target="_blank">Remember your Reusable Bags</a> - Make sure you have your bags handy for your next shopping trip! After you use them, remember to put them back in your car, backpack, purse or briefcase (wherever you need them) so they are ready to go for next time.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li> <a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/action/ditch-plastics-mealtime" target="_blank">Ditch Plastics at Mealtime</a> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12129756896,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12129756896,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12129756896?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="297" height="235" /></a>
<ul>
<li><strong>Use reusable utensils.</strong> When you order takeout, tell the cashier that you don’t need any plastic utensils. If you are eating at home, use your own utensils, or if you are eating on the go, bring a set of reusable utensils with you! There are many great lightweight, travel-ready options for reusable utensils. They make great gifts! Buy one for a friend and spread the trend of ditching plastic utensils.</li>
<li><strong>Choose sustainable to-go containers.</strong> Notice what kind of packaging your favorite restaurants are using for your takeout - is it styrofoam or plastic containers, or compostable containers? If possible, choose the restaurant with the sustainable, compostable container or consider dining in instead of taking it to go. If it’s your favorite restaurant and you need to take it to go, talk with the manager and ask them to consider switching to better alternatives. </li>
<li><strong>Say no to plastic straws.</strong> Because of their shape and size, plastic straws are uniquely harmful to marine life. And they’re a major source of plastic waste - 500 million plastic straws are used every day in the United States alone! </li>
<li><strong>Go circular.</strong> Some restaurants are starting to offer takeout food and drinks in truly reusable containers that you can bring back to the restaurant for them to refill. This is an example of what’s known as a “Circular Economy.” If any cafés or restaurants in your area are trying this out, support them! </li>
<li><strong>Bring food from home in reusable containers</strong>. It’s simple - when you’re packing up your lunch for school or the office, choose a reusable container instead of a sandwich bag. Reusable plastic or glass containers will reduce your plastic waste and save you money over the long term since you’ll only have to buy a few. Many companies, like <a href="https://ecolunchboxes.com/pages/our-story/" target="_blank">Contra Costa-based Ecolunchbox</a>, make sturdy reusable containers for lunches and beyond.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type:none;">
<ul>
<li><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12129757064,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12129757064,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12129757064?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="211" height="184" /></a><a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/action/bring-reusable-water-bottle" target="_blank">Bring a Reusable Water Bottle</a> – Did you know that 25 million tons of plastic waste end up in the ocean every year? Plastic bottles make up a huge amount of this ocean trash, so let’s kick the single-use plastic bottle habit and protect our planet (and the fish!) from pollution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Choose a BPA-free bottle</strong>. Many cheap plastics (including single-use water bottles) contain the chemical BPA, which can cause fertility problems, heart disease and other health issues.</li>
<li><strong>Consider a water filter for your home</strong>. Some people drink bottled water because they don’t like tap water. If this is an issue for you, consider investing in a water filter. You can get low cost filters that fit directly onto your faucets or a filtered pitcher, so you’ll always have a supply of clean, fresh water.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12129757688,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12129757688,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12129757688?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="207" height="207" /></a><a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/action/bring-your-own-mug-0" target="_blank">Bring Your Own Mug</a> - Did you know that over 50 billion paper cups are tossed in the trash every year in the U.S.? That's a lot of trees! These cups are not recyclable or compostable because they are lined with plastic. The solution - a reusable mug!
<ul>
<li>Don’t forget it! Include it in the "keys-wallet-phone" check before leaving the house!</li>
<li>Once you’re at the cafe, all you have to do is tell the cashier you’d like to use your own reusable mug and give it to the barista to fill. Bonus - your drink will stay warm (or cold) for longer than a paper cup.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/get-involved/what-you-can-do/plastic-free-cleaning/" target="_blank">Plastic-Free Cleaning</a> – One of the most popular ways people reduce plastic waste is by using cleaning products without plastic packaging.
<ul>
<li>Bulk food stores often offer refillable cleaning products, including window cleaner, dishwashing liquid, and laundry powder/liquid. Farmers markets, chain supermarkets and even delivery trucks increasingly offer refills.</li>
<li>Buy eco-friendly cleaning products in bulk and share them with friends, family members and neighbors.</li>
<li>When it’s time to replace cleaning brushes and cloths, consider switching from synthetic to natural fibers for cleaning dishes that can be composted at the end of their lifespan.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12129757881,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12129757881,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12129757881?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="205" height="201" /></a></li>
<li>For in and around the home, consider reusing old socks or worn towels. Areas that require a bit of a scrub (such as the grout between tiles) will come up easily when homemade or bulk-bought cleaning products are scrubbed with an old toothbrush.</li>
<li>Storage can make a difference too. Cleaning and storing cloths and brushes in a dry place is more hygienic and makes them last longer.</li>
<li>For an even healthier home environment, vacuuming regularly and dusting with a damp mop will remove dust containing plastic particles and chemicals.</li>
<li>Make a simple all-purpose cleaner with equal parts of white vinegar and water (vinegar is a recommended product for mold removal), or make a water and bicarbonate soda paste for scrubbing. Adding a few drops of essential oil or a squeeze of citrus juice will make homemade cleaning options smell great too.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/action/shop-smart-buy-less" target="_blank">Shop Smart, Buy Less</a> – Everything we buy uses resources - energy and raw materials like trees, minerals and water… and plastic! Here are some ways to lessen your demand on new plastic goods:<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12129759662,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12129759662,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12129759662?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="228" height="224" /></a>
<ul>
<li><strong>Use what you have. </strong>Households around the world are reducing plastic waste by simply using what they already have on hand. Look around the house (in the fridge, pantry, bathroom, waste/recycling bin, garage, etc.) to see what items can be reused, upcycled or repurposed in some way. Popular ideas:
<p>💡𝐆𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐣𝐚𝐫𝐬 (e.g. good ol’ peanut butter jars)—for food storage (spices, leftovers), tas water bottles or coffee cups, organizing smaller items (buttons, paper clips), or holding items (toothbrushes, pencils).<br /> 💡𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀/𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀—to use as rags, make into shopping bags, produce bags, etc.<br /> 💡𝗕𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀/𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 (cleaning and personal care)—refill and reuse.<br /> 💡𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀—baking soda, vinegar, old toothbrushes, used sheet cut up into rags, etc.<br /> 💡𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗯𝗼𝘅𝗲𝘀—to use for moving, storage, play time for kids, carrying shopping items.<br /> 💡𝗢𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗹𝘀—to make a reusable kit, keep in a handbag or backpack, picnic basket, camping kit.</p>
<p>Reducing plastic doesn’t have to be fancy. The most sustainable items are the ones you already own. Do what you can with what you have!</p>
</li>
<li><strong>Buy used.</strong> When you buy used, you can save lots of money and end up with some unique finds! There are tons of places to find used items - neighborhood lists like Nextdoor, marketplaces like Ebay, yard sales, your local Facebook Buy Nothing Group, and consignment and thrift stores. Every time you buy used, you save all of the energy, resources and plastics that would have gone to making and packaging new stuff!</li>
<li><strong>Slow down on “fast fashion.”</strong> The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world, producing up to 10% of global carbon emissions each year. Two-thirds of our clothing contains a synthetic fiber (aka plastic!), making it a contributor of micro-plastics when we wash these fabrics, and rendering them extremely challenging for textile recycling at its end of life.</li>
<li><strong>Do your research and buy sustainable.</strong> This is becoming easier thanks to helpful apps like Good On You and browser plug-ins like Done Good that can inform you about a brand’s sustainability while you shop.</li>
<li><strong>Choose quality.</strong> Did you know that 90% of childrens’ toys are made of plastic that can’t be recycled? Toys made out of other materials will last longer and are more sustainable. It’s so fun to buy toys for children, but they often play with items a few times before losing interest. Look for toys that will stand the test of time and hold childrens’ interest for longer.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p> Been there, done that? Check out our related articles about plastic and plastic pollution to take it to the next level!</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/should-we-buy-clothes-made-from-recycled-plastic-bottles" target="_blank">Should We Buy Clothes Made from Recycled Plastic Bottles?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/it-s-tea-time-lemon-milk-or-plastic" target="_blank">It’s Tea Time! Lemon, Milk, or Plastic?</a> - American brands of tea bags that often contain plastic: Tazo, Teavana, Celestial Seasonings, Mighty Leaf Tea – yikes!</li>
<li><a href="https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/plastic-pollution-where-can-we-have-the-most-impact" target="_blank">Plastic Pollution – Where Can We Have the Most Impact?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/3-back-to-school-zero-waste-lunch-tips" target="_blank">3 Back-to-School Zero Waste Lunch Tips</a></li>
</ul>
<p>And check out Plastic Free July’s 31 Days of Plastic Free Choices for more inspiration:</p>
<p><a href="http://plasticfreejuly.org" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12129758270,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12129758270?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p></div>Saving Money, Improving Health: Energy Efficiency Tips for a Greener Homehttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/saving-money-improving-health-energy-efficiency-tips-for-a-greene2023-06-30T19:38:44.000Z2023-06-30T19:38:44.000ZEliana Batrezhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/ElianaBatrez<div><p><strong><a href="https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/ahorrar-dinero-mejorar-la-salud-consejos-de-eficiencia-energetica?edited=1" target="_blank">Haga clic aquí para leer este artículo en español.</a></strong><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12131283652,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12159272288,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12159272288?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="313" height="313" /></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">There are so many ways for people to save money through home energy efficiency improvements while improving indoor air quality and reducing utility bills at the same time. It's a win-win situation!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Did you know that all-electric kitchens make your home cleaner, safer, healthier, and more sustainable? Switching to </span><a href="https://www.bayren.org/articles-tools-tips/electrification"><span style="font-weight:400;">all-electric</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> appliances not only helps avoid the burning of natural gas but also significantly reduces the emission of </span><a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-health-risks-of-gas-stoves-explained/#:~:text=Do%20gas%20stoves%20produce%20emissions%20that%20are%20harmful%20to%20human%20health%3F"><span style="font-weight:400;">harmful pollutants</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> caused by cooking with a gas stove. Additionally, </span><a href="https://switchison.org/cooking/"><span style="font-weight:400;">electric appliances</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> can be powered by 100% renewable energy, which helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Induction cooktops are a renter friendly and cost-effective way to cook without gas while saving money and time compared to electric stovetops or gas ranges.You can </span><a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/action/try-portable-induction-cooktop"><span style="font-weight:400;">try a portable induction cooktop</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> through PG&E’s free induction cooktop lending program to see how well it works in your home. BayREN even offers a </span><a href="https://www.bayren.org/homeowners/induction-cooktops"><span style="font-weight:400;">$250 rebate</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> for those who replace their old natural gas range or cooktop with an induction cooktop or electric range (no hybrid).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Another energy-saving method for homeowners and renters alike to consider, especially as temperatures continue to rise and you head out on summer adventures, is adjusting your AC when you're away from home. Smart thermostats or plugs make it easy and offer additional benefits like a more comfortable living space and up to 15% savings on heating and cooling bills. The best part? Smart thermostats like the Google Nest Thermostat and ecobee3 lite Smart Thermostat are eligible for both </span><a href="https://goldenstaterebates.clearesult.com/smart-thermostat-energy-star-certified"><span style="font-weight:400;">the Golden State Rebate Program</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> and to participate in </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;">, a local money-saving program. By linking a smart home device to OhmConnect, you can earn money during energy-saving events when the electricity grid is overloaded. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Whether you're a renter or a homeowner, improving the health of your home and saving money are goals we can all support!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Contact Doug Bleakly (</span><a href="mailto:doug@sustainablecoco.org"><span style="font-weight:400;">doug@sustainablecoco.org</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">) for more information, or c</span><span style="font-weight:400;">heck out this awesome selection of general </span><a href="https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/9750/Sustainability-Resources"><span style="font-weight:400;">Sustainability Resources</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> available to Contra Costa County residents</span><span style="font-weight:400;">.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></p>
<p> </p></div>Keep Cool this Junehttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/keep-cool-this-june2023-05-31T23:33:51.000Z2023-05-31T23:33:51.000ZSustainable Contra Costahttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/SustainableContraCosta<div><p><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11215132468,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11215132468?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="500" /></p>
<p> <span style="font-weight:400;">Are you a homeowner looking to improve your home's energy efficiency and save money on utility bills? The </span><a href="https://www.bayren.org/rebates-financing/single-family-homeowners"><span style="font-weight:400;">Bay Area Regional Energy Network</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> (BayREN) offers a range of services and incentives to help you achieve just that.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">The BayREN Home+ program offers </span><a href="https://www.bayren.org/rebates-financing/single-family-homeowners"><span style="font-weight:400;">rebates and incentives</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> for energy-efficient upgrades in single-family homes such as air sealing, duct replacement, and insulation! By working with participating contractors, you can take advantage of these incentives and make the transition to energy efficiency more affordable.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Even when you don’t feel a draft, air leaks may be letting cooled air out of your home — and letting unwanted pollutants inside. Sealing leaks is an inexpensive, effective way to lower cooling costs this summer, increase comfort and improve durability. Check out BayREN’s </span><a href="https://www.bayren.org/homeowners/air-sealing"><span style="font-weight:400;">Air Sealing Rebate</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> and see if you qualify. Note: this rebate will need to be part of a “building shell” upgrade. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Did you know that improperly sized or leaking air ducts can cause your home to lose 30-100% of your cooled air before it even reaches you? Leakage also means that dirty air can get sucked into the duct system and distributed throughout the house, potentially causing poor indoor air quality. BayREN’S </span><a href="https://www.bayren.org/homeowners/ducts"><span style="font-weight:400;">Duct Replacement Rebate</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> is the perfect way to tackle this problem when newly sealed air ducts don’t make the cut. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Beat the heat and save some dough by upgrading your home’s </span><a href="https://www.bayren.org/insulation"><span style="font-weight:400;">insulation</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> for a breezy summer and impressive energy savings. By providing resistance to heat flow, insulation keeps cool air inside your house, and keeps the outside temperatures out. Insulation is a “building shell” upgrade.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">To qualify for BayREN rebates, you must work with a </span><a href="https://www.bayren.org/find-energy-professional"><span style="font-weight:400;">BayREN Participating Contractor</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">Not only can these contractors help you make recommended upgrades in your home, they have been vetted by BayREN to ensure they meet certain standards and can provide high-quality work.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Interested in what BayREN has to offer? </span><a href="https://www.bayren.org/get-started"><span style="font-weight:400;">Get started here</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> or contact Doug Bleakly (</span><a href="mailto:doug@sustainablecoco.org"><span style="font-weight:400;">doug@sustainablecoco.org</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">) for more information. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">BayREN also offers a multitude of other incentive programs. <a href="https://www.bayren.org/" target="_blank">Visit their website for more information</a>.</span></p></div>Is Sunscreen Safe?https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/is-sunscreen-safe2023-05-26T20:51:13.000Z2023-05-26T20:51:13.000ZAlison Claryhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/AlisonClary<div><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11150753699,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11150753699,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11150753699?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="312" height="470" /></a>Regardless of the season or amount of time spent at the beach, on the slopes, or retrieving the daily newspaper, our skin accumulates a lifetime of effects from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Sunscreen helps protect skin and prevent sunburn, the appearance of premature aging, and skin cancer. On May 23, 2023, the non-profit consumer advocacy group EWG (Environmental Working Group) published their <a href="https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/" target="_blank">"Guide to Sunscreen."</a> The report says only 25% of sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection without “troublesome ingredients.” So far, only three brands with <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/23/health/sunscreen-guide-2023-wellness/index.html" target="_blank">12 products</a> have passed the strict verification standards, but the list is expected to grow. One positive item in the report said that the use of oxybenzone, which has been linked to harm to human health, is declining. According to the highly regarded <a href="https://haereticus-lab.org/protect-land-sea-certification-3/" target="_blank">Haereticus Environmental Laboratory,</a> which suggests looking for the "Protect Land and Sea Certification Seal" on products, oxybenzone and a host of other chemicals cause the destruction of coral reefs. Let’s take a look at the categories of sunscreens and see if protecting skin while caring for the environmental is simultaneously possible.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Chemical sunscreen vs. physical sunscreen </strong></span></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Chemical sunscreens</strong> contain organic (carbon based) compounds like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and homosalate that work by absorbing and transforming UV rays into heat, which is then released from the skin. They are usually thinner than physical sunscreens, absorb more readily into the skin, and leave less residue. The UV filters in chemical sunscreen protect against longer UVA rays or shorter UVB rays but not both, whereas physical sunscreens block both. Chemical sunscreens should be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure and then reapplied frequently to be effective. The ingredients tend to be more irritating to the skin and eyes than physical sunscreens, but what’s more troubling is that some of the chemicals are photosensitizers, meaning they increase the body’s production of free radicals after sun exposure, and they are also implicated as hormone disruptors, which may affect the production of estrogen in the body. Some sunscreens will have labels that say "avobenzone-free" or "oxybenzone-free" and yet they contain octocrylene. <a href="https://tropicsport.com/blogs/posts/whats-wrong-with-sunscreens-containing-octocrylene" target="_blank">Octocrylene</a> breaks down into benzophenone, which is an endocrine disruptor. According to Haereticus Environmental Laboratory, benzophenone affects thyroid function causing anti-androgenic activity, delays testicular development and anatomic difficulties with female reproductive organs." Sunscreens with octocrylene have been banned in the U.S. Virgin Islands and other places, and the list is growing.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Physical sunscreens</strong>, also called mineral sunscreens, almost always contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, the only physical UV filters approved by the FDA. These naturally occurring ingredients are considered safe and work by blocking and reflecting UV radiation before it can penetrate the outer layer of the skin. Mineral sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection and are considered hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, so they are less likely to irritate the skin, making them a good choice for those with acne, sensitive skin, or rosacea. Traditional physical sunscreens have been used for decades but may give a trademark white “lifeguard nose” appearance because their bulkier particles reflect visible light. Modern formulations of mineral sunscreens use tiny nanoparticles to absorb and scatter visible light, rendering them more transparent on the skin. But are these nanoparticles safe?</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;">Size matters</span></strong></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Nanoparticles</strong> are microscopic particles that are 80,000 times smaller than the width of a hair, and there has been much debate on whether they do more harm or good to people and the environment. Some sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium oxide use nanotechnology. Since the molecules are small, they are more readily absorbed into the skin and can better protect from ultraviolet radiation. Scientists have been concerned about whether metal oxide nanoparticles have the ability to penetrate the epidermis, which could conceivably cause cell and DNA damage. They maintain that larger, non-nano particles are safer.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">Manufacturers are not obligated to label particle size on sunscreens, making it difficult for consumers to identify sunscreens that do contain nanoparticles. The only method of avoiding nanoparticle-containing sunscreens is to choose a chemical sunscreen. Although some sunscreen companies market clear zinc sunscreen as “non-nano” to quell any fears, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/small-world/2014/mar/13/nanotechnology-sunscreen-skin-cancer" target="_blank">more recent studies</a> indicate that consumers need not worry because zinc and titanium dioxide do not penetrate the skin, regardless of size, nano or not. RMIT University toxicology expert Paul Wright says, "There's a negligible penetration of sunscreen nanoparticles. They don't get past the outermost dead layer of human skin cells, of which millions are shed each day." Furthermore, the human immune system is equipped with cells that would collect and break down any nanoparticles that make it through the skin. Critics argue that although nanoparticles generally have low toxicity and are inert and biocompatible, more research is needed to ensure safe use. Either way, <a href="https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/nanoparticles-in-sunscreen/" target="_blank">EWG</a> firmly discourages <u>ingesting or inhaling</u> nanoparticles from spray sunscreens and cosmetic loose powders. In part, this is because lungs have trouble clearing out tiny particles of benzene and other cancer-causing ingredients in aerosolized products. On their website, the EWG also states that they “remain deeply concerned about the general lack of oversight of nanotechnology and associated risks to consumers, people with workplace exposures and the environment. Government regulators should…ensure that the production, use and disposal of nanomaterials does not harm workers and the environment.”</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>What About the Environment?</strong></span></p><p style="font-weight:400;">While humans need sunscreen to protect their skin from ultraviolet rays and prevent skin cancer, chemicals found in many commercial sunscreens, even those labelled “reef safe” may pose a threat to the environment. Sunscreen ends up in the ocean and other waterways after you swim or shower it off. Ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate (found in chemical sunscreens) as well as nano titanium dioxide and nano zinc oxide (found in physical sunscreens) can harm coral reef, algae, fish, sea urchins, and other aquatic organisms. Zinc oxide and titanium oxide that use nanotechnology can cause oxidative stress in sunlight (coral bleaching), which damages hard corals and their symbiotic algae. In 2018, Hawaii became the first state to <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/03/health/hawaii-sunscreen-ban/index.html" target="_blank">ban the sale</a> of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. So, is reef-safe sunscreen that is okay for the environment but also effective for protecting humans possible? According to some experts, further research is needed. <a href="https://earth.org/reef-safe-sunscreen/" target="_blank">Earth.org</a> postulates that “studies undertaken in lab environments may fail to capture conditions on the reef, where pollutants are quickly dispersed and diluted. However, while the concentrations of sunscreen ingredients used in some research may be higher than those in natural environments, the negative impact of these chemicals on aquatic organisms is unmistakable.” Products that contain mineral oil and petroleum should also be avoided because they are toxic to marine life and take a long time to break down.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Pointers:</strong></span></p><ul><li>For purists, the only truly environmental option for sun protection is to cover up with long sleeves, hats, and sunglasses, stay in the shade, and avoid being in the sun during peak UV radiation hours. At the same time, ultraviolet radiation is a proven human carcinogen, causing squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, which can develop into melanoma. Studies have proven that sunscreen reduces rates of non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers. Some people limit sunscreen use to the face, neck, and hands and are discerning about which sunscreens they buy. </li><li>What kind of sunscreen should we use? Many dermatologists feel that the best sunscreen is the one their patients will use consistently, but safer choices are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide based physical sunscreens. There is controversy over zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sunscreen that uses nanotechnology, which is not supposed to be harmful to humans but may be harmful to marine life. You may look for non-nano sunscreens (with particles above 150 nanometers in diameter) from transparent companies such as <a href="https://www.rawelementsusa.com/products/face-body-30-tin-plastic-free" target="_blank">Raw Elements</a> or <u><a href="https://www.badgerbalm.com" target="_blank">Badger Balm.</a></u> In response to a customer who asked if the company used non-nano zinc, Badger Balm replied: “Different agencies around the world have different parameters that define ‘nano’ or ‘non-nano,’ so we have opted not to use this language on our packaging of our sunscreens. The clear zinc particles in our sunscreens range from 5 to 90 times larger than 100nm. Nanoparticles are any particles smaller than 100nm, or 100 billionths of a meter. They contain no free nanoparticles. This is independently verified using light scatter analysis that is very effective at identifying free nanoparticles. Clear zinc oxide has the same outstanding safety and efficacy of standard non-nano zinc oxide. It won't absorb into your body, it won't harm the environment, and it provides excellent UVA and UVB protection.”</li><li>80% of all marine waste is plastic. Look for eco-friendly packaging alternatives like aluminum tins or biodegradable package options such as tubes and cardboard containers. <a href="https://attitudeliving.com/collections/sun-care" target="_blank">Attitude sunscreen</a> is EWG verified and comes in a cardboard tube, while some <a href="https://www.badgerbalm.com" target="_blank">Badger Balm</a> products come in tins.</li><li>Consult with <a href="https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/" target="_blank">EWG's excellent Sunscreen Guide for 2023</a> for more information.</li><li>Visit <a href="https://savethereef.org/about-reef-save-sunscreen.html" target="_blank">this Reef Safe Sunscreen Guide</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>Sources and further reading:</strong></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.trvst.world/environment/environmental-impact-of-sunscreen/">https://www.trvst.world/environment/environmental-impact-of-sunscreen/</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://earth.org/reef-safe-sunscreen/">https://earth.org/reef-safe-sunscreen/</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://thechoosychick.com/blogs/news/nanoparticles-the-good-the-bad-and-the-unknown">https://thechoosychick.com/blogs/news/nanoparticles-the-good-the-bad-and-the-unknown</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.treehugger.com/best-mineral-sunscreens-5075014">https://www.treehugger.com/best-mineral-sunscreens-5075014</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.prevention.com/beauty/a20478568/best-sunscreens-for-face/">https://www.prevention.com/beauty/a20478568/best-sunscreens-for-face/</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/nanoparticles-in-sunscreen/">https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/nanoparticles-in-sunscreen/</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.byrdie.com/is-chemical-sunscreen-bad-5192567#:~:text=Because%20chemical%20sunscreens%20are%20absorbed,which%20can%20cause%20skin%20irritations">https://www.byrdie.com/is-chemical-sunscreen-bad-5192567#:~:text=Because%20chemical%20sunscreens%20are%20absorbed,which%20can%20cause%20skin%20irritations</a>.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2016/june/the-safety-of-nanoparticles-in-sunscreens-an-updat#:~:text=discussion%20with%20patients.-,Discussion,in%20prevention%20should%20be%20encouraged">https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2016/june/the-safety-of-nanoparticles-in-sunscreens-an-updat#:~:text=discussion%20with%20patients.-,Discussion,in%20prevention%20should%20be%20encouraged</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.dermveda.com/articles/science-behind-nano-vs-non-nano-zinc-which-is-better">https://www.dermveda.com/articles/science-behind-nano-vs-non-nano-zinc-which-is-better</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.namitio2.com/page132.html?article_id=193&_l=en">https://www.namitio2.com/page132.html?article_id=193&_l=en</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.beautyanswered.com/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-nanoparticles-in-sunscreen.htm">https://www.beautyanswered.com/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-nanoparticles-in-sunscreen.htm</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/about-sunscreen/nanoparticles-and-sunscreen">https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/about-sunscreen/nanoparticles-and-sunscreen#</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/small-world/2014/mar/13/nanotechnology-sunscreen-skin-cancer#:~:text=Despite%20clumping%20together%20when%20mixed,them%20transparent%20on%20the%20skin">https://www.theguardian.com/science/small-world/2014/mar/13/nanotechnology-sunscreen-skin-cancer#:~:text=Despite%20clumping%20together%20when%20mixed,them%20transparent%20on%20the%20skin</a>.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.trvst.world/environment/environmental-impact-of-sunscreen/">https://www.trvst.world/environment/environmental-impact-of-sunscreen/</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://haereticus-lab.org/chemical-in-sunscreen-products-transforms-into-carcinogen/">https://haereticus-lab.org/chemical-in-sunscreen-products-transforms-into-carcinogen/</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://tropicsport.com/blogs/posts/whats-wrong-with-sunscreens-containing-octocrylene">https://tropicsport.com/blogs/posts/whats-wrong-with-sunscreens-containing-octocrylene</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@trafficart?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Juriel Majeed</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/lotion?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></p></div>5 Firewise Landscaping Tips for a Safer and Beautiful Yardhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/5-firewise-landscaping-tips-for-a-safer-and-beautiful-yard2023-05-25T23:07:38.000Z2023-05-25T23:07:38.000ZLiza Kirbyhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/LizaKirby<div><p> </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11148639663,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11148639663,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11148639663?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="500" /></a>With the California summer dry season approaching, ensuring your landscaping is both fire wise and drought tolerant is a top priority. Here are some helpful tips and resources for reducing outdoor fire hazards and choosing fire-resistant plants that are drought-tolerant and attractive.</p>
<p><strong>1. Clean-up existing landscaping</strong>.</p>
<p>Clean out dry brush, prune overgrown trees and bushes, trim tall grasses/weeds, and reduce combustible material around your home. Check with your local fire department for recommended wildfire hazard abatement guidelines. </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11148639888,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11148639888,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11148639888?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p>Guidelines are tiered, with the most conservative guidelines for the immediate zone within 0 to 5 feet of your home. Best practices include removing plants under windows, pruning other foliage so it does not touch the ground, as well as replacing wood chips and mulch with gravel or other non-combustible material. </p>
<p>In the mid-zone, 5 to 30 feet from your home, grass and weeds should be cut to 3 inches or less. Trees should be trimmed so that the tree canopy is 6 feet above ground and 10 feet from any structure. Water-efficient irrigation should be used to prevent vegetation from drying out in the hot summer. </p>
<p>In the outer zone, 30+ feet from your home, remove non-irrigated brush and plant debris near storage sheds and firewood piles. Trim trees so there is 6-12 feet between the tree canopies.</p>
<p>Here are two examples of fire department guidelines with more details. Depending on the jurisdiction, these are more than recommendations, they are requirements.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Preparing-homes-for-wildfire">https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Preparing-homes-for-wildfire</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.mofd.org/our-district/fuels-mitigation-fire-prevention/annual-abatement-requirements">https://www.mofd.org/our-district/fuels-mitigation-fire-prevention/annual-abatement-requirements</a></li>
</ul>
<p> <strong>2. Remove old and unhealthy plants</strong> that pose greater fire risk. <a href="https://www.mercuryinsurance.com/resources/weather/plants-and-fire-protection.html">Signs that a plant needs replacing</a> include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Older leaves, stems and limbs are dead</li>
<li>The living foliage is at the very end of the branches, instead of throughout the entire branch</li>
<li>During summer the plant drops more leaves than usual</li>
<li>The amount of living wood is less than 50% of the entire plant</li>
<li>A bud or disease infestation is difficult to control</li>
<li>A plant that is showing signs of decay, such as mushrooms at its base.</li>
</ul>
<p> <strong>3. Select less flammable plants</strong></p>
<p>While any plant can burn when subject to intense heat, plants with moist, supple leaves and a low amount of sap, resin, oil, or wax are less likely to catch fire. Here are more <a href="https://www.mercuryinsurance.com/resources/weather/plants-and-fire-protection.html">fire-resistant plant characteristics</a> to look for.</p>
<ul>
<li>Large and broad leaves rather than needle and blade-like leaves.</li>
<li>Moist and easily bent leaves instead of stiff and leather-like leaves.</li>
<li>Thick leaves instead of fine or thin leaves.</li>
<li>A low amount of litter rather than a lot of dry leaf litter that can fuel a fire</li>
<li>Sap that looks more like water opposed to thick, gummy or resinous sap.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://bayarea.calscape.org/">Calscape</a> has a helpful tool for selecting fire wise native plants that are drought tolerant and that satisfy other user-specified criteria about geography, sun exposure, landscape style, etc. More plant ideas can be found <a href="https://www.birdsandblooms.com/gardening/drought-tolerant-gardening/fire-resistant-plants-for-your-landscape/">here</a>. Plant trees in the appropriate zone and sufficiently far apart to minimize fire risk as they mature. See the guideline links mentioned in section 1 for more detailed specifications.</p>
<p><strong>4. Keep plants hydrated and healthy</strong></p>
<p>Plants in good condition are less of a fire risk than dry, unhealthy, or dying plants. Maintain a regular, water-wise irrigation schedule. Even <a href="https://www.sunset.com/home-garden/landscaping/low-water-garden-care-tips">low-water plants</a> need some extra water in the first year while they are getting established. Prune shrubs regularly so they don’t get overgrown or develop dry sections.</p>
<p><strong>5. Firewise outdoor structures</strong></p>
<p>In high fire risk areas, consider replacing wooden decks, fences, and boardwalks with nonflammable materials, particularly structures near the end of their useful life. Alternatives include stone or concrete patio, metal fencing, and pathways constructed from stepping stones and ground cover. A small pond fed by rain gardens or a rain barrel can also serve as aesthetically pleasing fire breaks.</p>
<p>Following these five smart landscaping tips will help reduce fire risk, and make your outdoor space safer and more enjoyable. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Further reading:</p>
<p><a href="https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/how-to-protect-your-home-this-fire-season-how-to-get-started">https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/how-to-protect-your-home-this-fire-season-how-to-get-started</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Preparing-homes-for-wildfire">https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Preparing-homes-for-wildfire</a> </p>
<p><a href="https://www.mofd.org/our-district/fuels-mitigation-fire-prevention/annual-abatement-requirements">https://www.mofd.org/our-district/fuels-mitigation-fire-prevention/annual-abatement-requirements</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.mercuryinsurance.com/resources/weather/plants-and-fire-protection.html">https://www.mercuryinsurance.com/resources/weather/plants-and-fire-protection.html</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.birdsandblooms.com/gardening/drought-tolerant-gardening/fire-resistant-plants-for-your-landscape/">https://www.birdsandblooms.com/gardening/drought-tolerant-gardening/fire-resistant-plants-for-your-landscape/</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/get-ready/fire-smart-landscaping/">https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/get-ready/fire-smart-landscaping/</a></p>
<p><a href="https://bayarea.calscape.org/">https://bayarea.calscape.org/</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.gardenista.com/posts/landscape-design-10-tips-fire-safe-garden/">https://www.gardenista.com/posts/landscape-design-10-tips-fire-safe-garden/</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.sunset.com/home-garden/landscaping/low-water-garden-care-tips">https://www.sunset.com/home-garden/landscaping/low-water-garden-care-tips</a></p></div>Home Energy-Efficiency Resources and Rebateshttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/home-energy-efficiency-resources-and-rebates2023-05-05T06:16:38.000Z2023-05-05T06:16:38.000ZSustainable Contra Costahttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/SustainableContraCosta<div><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11065002088,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11065002088,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="450" alt="11065002088?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></a>Are you a homeowner looking to improve your home's energy efficiency and save money on utility bills? The </span><a href="https://www.bayren.org/rebates-financing/single-family-homeowners"><span style="font-weight:400;">Bay Area Regional Energy Network</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> (BayREN) offers a range of services and incentives to help you achieve just that.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">BayREN's Home+ program provides free or discounted home energy assessments to help identify areas for energy-efficient improvements. </span><a href="https://www.bayren.org/energy-advisor"><span style="font-weight:400;">Home Energy Advisors</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> can help determine your home's current energy-efficiency needs and consult with you on the best approach for your projects.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Consider working with a </span><a href="https://www.bayren.org/home-learning-center/home-energy-score-hes"><span style="font-weight:400;">Home Energy Score</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> (HES) Certified Assessor before starting any upgrades. They will provide a comprehensive evaluation of your home's energy usage, a Home Energy Score on a scale of 1 and 10, and a personalized report with recommendations for retrofit upgrades and potential savings.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">To qualify for BayREN rebates, you must work with a </span><a href="https://www.bayren.org/find-energy-professional"><span style="font-weight:400;">BayREN Participating Contractor</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">. </span><span style="font-weight:400;">Not only can these contractors help you make recommended upgrades in your home, they have been vetted by BayREN to ensure they meet certain standards and can provide high-quality work. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Depending on the project type, you or your contractor will submit the application for you to receive up to $5,000 worth of rebates. The Home+ program offers plenty of </span><a href="https://www.bayren.org/rebates-financing/single-family-homeowners"><span style="font-weight:400;">rebates and incentives</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> for energy-efficient upgrades such as insulation, windows, and appliances. By working with participating contractors, you can take advantage of these incentives and make the transition to energy efficiency more affordable.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Interested in what BayREN has to offer? </span><a href="https://www.bayren.org/get-started"><span style="font-weight:400;">Get started here</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> or contact Doug Bleakly (</span><a href="mailto:doug@sustainablecoco.org"><span style="font-weight:400;">doug@sustainablecoco.org</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">) for more information.</span></p></div>We are wheely excited for National Bike Month!https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/bike-to-work-wherever-day-on-may-182023-05-01T05:01:32.000Z2023-05-01T05:01:32.000ZKimberly Lamhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/KimberlyLam886<div><p><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11038391266,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="525" height="295" alt="11038391266?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></p><div>Spring is in full swing and it's an excellent time to get outdoors for some exercise! May is National Bike Month, so join Sustainable Contra Costa and our partners for events to support safe biking in our community.</div><div> </div><div>On May 18th, dust off your bike to take part in <a href="https://bikeeastbay.org/events/bike-wherever-day-2021">Bike to Wherever Day</a>! <a href="https://bikeeastbay.org/civicrm/event/register?id=2169&reset=1" target="_blank">Pledge online</a> to Bike to Work/Wherever Day, and you’ll get a map of energizer stations, a digital goody bag, and routes to ride to celebrate the big day! <strong>When you pledge to ride, you show our cities that bikes count</strong>.</div><div> </div><div><strong>Preparing & Planning</strong></div><div> </div><div>If you haven't been biking for a while, now is the perfect time to try it out again. <a href="https://bikeeastbay.org/">Bike East Bay</a> hosts <a href="https://511contracosta.org/cycling-events/">free classes and events</a> for all ages:</div><div><ul><li>Urban Cycling 101 for Adults & Teens</li><li>Theft Prevention</li><li>Adult Learn-to-Ride Classes</li><li>One Hour Workshops (bike mechanics, riding after dark, etc.)</li><li>Family Cycling Workshops - for parents and kids to attend together</li></ul></div><div>Check out 511 Contra Costa's <a href="https://511contracosta.org/cycling-events/" target="_blank">Bike Mapper tool</a>, which lets you create a custom bike route by choosing from three hill tolerances and three types of routes: bike paths, bike lanes, or the most direct route. </div><div> </div><div>Can't wait for Bike to Work/Wherever Day on May 18? Check out the <a href="https://www.bayareabikeswap.com/" target="_blank">Bay Area Bike Swap Festival</a> on Saturday, May 6 at Heather Farm Park from 11 am - 4 pm in Walnut Creek. This FREE one-day bike celebration includes:</div><ul><li>Bike workshops for adults and children</li><li>Kids skills course</li><li>Bike Expo</li><li>BMX demo</li><li>Educational bike programming</li><li>Good food, live music and raffle prizes. </li></ul><div><p class="preFade fadeIn"> </p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11038391097,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11038391097,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="242" height="182" alt="11038391097?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></a><p class="preFade fadeIn"><strong>Energizer Stations on May 18</strong></p><p class="preFade fadeIn">On Bike to Work Day, more than <a href="https://511contracosta.org/bike-to-work-day/energizer-stations/" target="_blank">45 Contra Costa energizer stations</a> will welcome riders with a free canvas tote, snacks, and good vibes as they bike to work – or wherever. Whether you are an everyday rider or trying a bike commute for the first time, everyone is welcome.</p><p class="preFade fadeIn">There will be multiple energizer stations in Antioch, Brentwood, Concord, Danville, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Orinda, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San Pablo, San Ramon and Walnut Creek. Check out <a href="https://511contracosta.org/bike-to-work-day/energizer-stations/" target="_blank">511 Contra Costa's full list</a> for more details! </p><h3 class="wp-block-heading"> </h3><p> </p><h3 id="incentives" class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Rebates and Incentives for Biking</strong></h3><p>511 Contra Costa offers a variety of incentives for biking more, especially for commuting by bike:</p><ul><li><a title="" href="http://511cc.org/driveless" target="_blank">Drive Less</a> by replacing just one car commute a week with biking and receive your choice of $25 gift cards.</li><li>Pledge to try biking to work and we’ll send you a $20 BikeLink card to help you <a title="" href="http://511cc.org/syc" target="_blank">Secure Your Cycle</a> with a countywide network of electronic bike lockers.</li><li>Buy a new e-bike and apply for an <a title="" href="http://511cc.org/rebate" target="_blank">E-Bike Rebate</a> of up to $500.</li><li>Register to get a free <a title="" href="http://511cc.org/grh" target="_blank">Guaranteed Ride Home</a> if you experience an emergency on a day you biked to work</li></ul><p>You can also <a href="https://bikeeastbay.org/Campaigns">find a campaign near you</a> to learn about the progress being made in your community. By working together, we can show our elected officials that we value safe streets for all, especially pedestrians and cyclists. </p><p>Don't forget to check out the <a href="https://cleanercontracosta.org/action/bike-walk-skateboard-or-unicycle" target="_blank">"Bike, Walk, Skateboard or Unicycle"</a> action on the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge to learn more!</p></div></div>What's The Dirt On Greenwashing?https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/what-is-greenwashing-and-how-can-you-avoid-it2023-04-30T18:38:15.000Z2023-04-30T18:38:15.000ZAlison Claryhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/AlisonClary<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11038205054,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11038205054,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11038205054?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="294" height="393" /></a></p><p style="font-weight:400;">Greenwashing” is when organizations advertise their products as being more environmentally friendly than they actually are. Some companies use misleading or outright false statements in their marketing to give consumers the impression that their products are eco-friendly or benefit the environment. A survey by Lending Tree found that 55% of Americans are willing to spend more money on products they perceive to be more sustainable and eco-friendly. Companies know this and promote their products and services with a "green sheen."</p><p style="font-weight:400;">Greenwashing runs the gamut from benign and silly marketing maneuvers to more blatant fallacies and lies. For example, when companies slap labels like “gluten-free” onto products such as rice, potato chips, or almonds -- items that never contained gluten in the first place -- it seems silly and contrived. However, when the fossil fuel industry markets “clean” coal and “natural” gas as sustainable energy, even though their carbon and methane emissions, respectively, make an indelible environmental impact, it’s definitely ironic and questionable. What’s even more unethical is when companies reduce their carbon footprint in the U.S. but increase emissions in other countries where they operate. Greenwashing may utilize calming images of flowers, bees, farm animals, meadows, or the seaside to play on human emotions and suggest their product is sustainable even if that is far from the truth.</p><p style="font-weight:400;">How many times have you seen a product labelled with a green leaf or words like “natural”? In his article for <em>New York Times Magazine</em>, “Why ‘Natural’ Doesn’t Mean Anything Anymore,” Michael Pollan wrote how many assumptions are made when the word “natural” is used. When the article was published in 2015, approximately 200 class-action suits had been filed against food manufacturers for using marketing phrases such as “natural” Cheetos Puffs, “all-natural” Sun Chips, “all-natural” Naked Juice, and “100 percent all-natural” Tyson chicken nuggets, even though they contained high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors and colorings, chemical preservatives, or genetically modified organisms that the typical consumer wouldn’t associate with being “natural.”</p><p style="font-weight:400;"> The <a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/use-term-natural-food-labeling">FDA</a> will not give a formal definition of the word "natural," but considers the term to mean “nothing artificial or synthetic (including all color additives regardless of source) has been included in, or has been added to, a food that would not normally be expected to be in that food.” Technically, everything is made up of molecules and originated from something found or manufactured on earth, but if we agree that the opposite of natural is synthetic or artificial, it’s not that hard to differentiate what’s more natural on the spectrum: cane sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, chicken vs. chicken nuggets, or G.M.O.s vs. heirloom seeds. Pollan pointed out that the most natural and unprocessed foods in the supermarket are seldom labeled “natural,” so a good rule of thumb for not falling prey to greenwashing is to follow Pollan’s suggestion that “if any food product feels compelled to tell you it’s natural, it in all likelihood is not.”</p><p style="font-weight:400;">In 2021, the European Commission found that of the websites that make greenwashing claims, 59% had no evidence to support claims of environmental benefits, 42% made false, exaggerated, or deceptive claims, and 37% made claims that were vague or general. Unless a term is regulated, claims that a product is “all natural,” “carbon-neutral,” or “environmentally friendly” can mislead consumers and falsely imply third-party support. The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) issued revised <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2012/10/ftc-issues-revised-green-guides" target="_blank">"Green Guides"</a> in 2010, and in 2013 began enforcing that claims companies make about the environmental attributes of their products must be truthful and non-deceptive. </p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Some household brands that use greenwashing:</strong></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Coca-Cola</strong> claims to capture “ocean bound” plastic but is in fact the world’s biggest plastic polluter.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>H & M, Zara, and Uniqlo</strong>: In 2021, Changing Markets Foundation published a report on the truthfulness of major fashion brand sustainability claims and found that 60% were misleading. H& M was the worst offender, with 96% of their claims not holding up. The Swedish clothing company claimed in 2021 that its Conscious Line came from 100% organic cotton when only 20% did. Even when natural, organic fibers are used, garments are usually blended with synthetics like polyester that require extensive processing to make, and they are not biodegradable once their life is over. And, as we’ve discussed before, microfibers slough off in the laundry and contaminate water. Fast fashion brands like Zara and Uniqlo also have “sustainable clothing” lines that use polyester made from captured carbon emissions, but the over-production and over-buying of these garments cancel out these efforts. Despite greenwashing, <u><a href="https://capitalmonitor.ai/sector/consumer/explainer-household-brands-accused-of-greenwashing/" target="_blank">fast fashion brands can never truly be green</a></u> because their business model is based on producing as many clothes as possible in the quickest amount of time and for the cheapest price.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>IKEA</strong> has some of the best environmental credentials of any large furniture firm but is the largest consumer of wood in the world. In fact, <a href="https://www.earthsight.org.uk/flatpackedforests-en#group-Summary-rayWKL9K1I">Earthsight</a> calculated that IKEA consumes one tree every second. In 2020, its use of beechwood was linked to illegal logging in Eastern Europe’s Carpathian region, home to endangered wolves, bears, bison, and lynxes.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Apple's</strong> Restore Fund, designed to “invest in forestry projects to remove carbon from the environment,” is linked to Goldman Sachs and is more of an investment vehicle, not a philanthropic initiative.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Starbucks and McDonalds</strong> both switched from plastic to paper straws and implied they were going green, but it actually takes more energy to produce paper straws, and it turns out they are non-recyclable and get caught up in recycling machinery. Starbucks introduced a lid with a built-in straw that was recyclable but contained more plastic than the old lid and straw together. Better to forego the straw entirely or bring your own reusable stainless steel one. As of 2022, a class action suit is pending. McDonalds advertised their Big Macs as being sustainable despite packaging materials that are detrimental to the environment. McDonalds in the EU switched its logos from yellow and red to yellow and green to give the impression it was being environmenal. These are examples of a corporate giant pretending to address concerns about the environment but not coming up with real solutions.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Toothpaste brands like Tom's and Colgate </strong>use the #2 recycling symbols on their tubes, but consumers should be skeptical. According to RecycleSmart, all plastics must be rinsed clean so they don't gum up the machinery. Although some recycling agencies may accept toothpaste tubes with the recyclable symbol, consumers should check their local service before assuming they are truly acceptable. </p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>A word about personal wipes and baby wipes. </strong>By now, most of us know that wipes are not flushable, and yet <a href="https://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=personal+wipes">many companies</a> persist in "flushable" labelling. A study in Canada tested the flushability of 101 different brands and not one passed. While it’s true that wipes may break down eventually, they are made with long synthetic fibers made of plastic, polyester, or cotton microfibers that can take weeks to degrade fully compared to most toilet paper, which breaks down in about 24 hours. In the meantime, those wipes can cause pipe clogs, blockages to septic systems, and damage to sewage systems. One <a href="https://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/regulations/claims-labeling/news/21846858/california-passes-do-not-flush-wipes-law">national study</a> estimated that California agencies spend around $50 million annually to remove wipes from sewer systems. Fortunately, California became the fourth state to <a href="https://www.nacwa.org/news-publications/news-detail/2021/10/14/california-wipes-labeling-bill-becomes-law">pass a law in 2021</a> that requires clear “Do Not Flush” labeling on non-flushable wipes.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Tips for avoiding greenwashing:</strong> </p><ul><li>Maintain a healthy dose of skepticism. Don’t be automatically swayed by labels that use appealing images or slick buzzwords and make unrealistic claims. Companies sometimes market their product as the “lesser of two evils” and claim they are greener than their competitor, but that doesn’t make them sustainable. </li><li>Check ingredient lists on processed foods and toiletries. Familiarize yourself with natural ingredients or look up questionable ones in the <u><a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/" target="_blank">Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Skin Deep Guide.</a></u></li><li>Choose minimal or recyclable packaging. Companies may make a green product but then wrap it in unsustainable materials like plastic packaging. Consider the whole lifecycle of a product. Even if a product has a low environmental impact during manufacturing, their overall impact may be much higher if they aren’t recyclable or compostable at the end of their use.</li><li>Look for third-party verifications. Without certification, words like eco-friendly, non-toxic, earth-friendly, plant-based, pure, raw, healthy, and organic (without certification) mean nothing. Regulated official seals (examples pictured below) are legitimate and include certified B Corp, USDA Organic, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), OEKO-TEX 100, Carbon Trust Standard, PETA-certified vegan, and Energy Star, among others.</li></ul><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11038206894,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11038206894,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11038206894?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="482" height="244" /></a></p><p>Not every company is out to scam us. There are many brands that genuinely care about maintaining sustainable business practices, and we should support them. <a href="https://betterworldshopper.org/" target="_blank">Better World Shopper</a> is always a great resource for making informed purchasing choices. Also check out <a href="https://thesustainableagency.com/blog/brands-that-dont-greenwash/">these six sustainable brands</a> (such as Patagonia and Dr. Bronner’s soap products) that don’t greenwash, according to the sustainableagency.com.</p><p> </p><p style="font-weight:400;"> </p><p style="font-weight:400;"> </p><p style="font-weight:400;"> </p><p style="font-weight:400;"> </p><p style="font-weight:400;"> </p><p style="font-weight:400;"> </p><p style="font-weight:400;"><strong>Resources and further reading:</strong></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenwashing#cite_note-42">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenwashing#cite_note-42</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://ecocart.io/solutions-to-greenwashing/">https://ecocart.io/solutions-to-greenwashing/</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/types-of-stocks/esg-investing/greenwashing/">https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/types-of-stocks/esg-investing/greenwashing/</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.sustainablejungle.com/sustainable-living/what-is-greenwashing/">https://www.sustainablejungle.com/sustainable-living/what-is-greenwashing/</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://thesustainableagency.com/blog/greenwashing-examples/">https://thesustainableagency.com/blog/greenwashing-examples/</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://capitalmonitor.ai/sector/consumer/explainer-household-brands-accused-of-greenwashing/">https://capitalmonitor.ai/sector/consumer/explainer-household-brands-accused-of-greenwashing/</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://stroodles.co.uk/blogs/news/paper-straws-are-they-really-as-eco-friendly#:~:text=The%20truth%20is%20that%20paper,the%20emission%20of%20greenhouse%20gases">https://stroodles.co.uk/blogs/news/paper-straws-are-they-really-as-eco-friendly#:~:text=The%20truth%20is%20that%20paper,the%20emission%20of%20greenhouse%20gases</a>.</p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.whatwonderwomenwear.com/how-conscious-is-it-to-buy-hm-conscious/">https://www.whatwonderwomenwear.com/how-conscious-is-it-to-buy-hm-conscious/</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.greenamerica.org/blog/are-flushable-wipes-really-flushable#:~:text=If%20the%20label%20says%20%22flushable,t%20as%20flushable%20as%20advertised">https://www.greenamerica.org/blog/are-flushable-wipes-really-flushable#:~:text=If%20the%20label%20says%20%22flushable,t%20as%20flushable%20as%20advertised</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.cleanupnews.org/home/how-to-avoid-greenwashing">https://www.cleanupnews.org/home/how-to-avoid-greenwashing</a></p><p style="font-weight:400;"> Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@fromanalucia?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Ana Lucia Cottone</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/straws?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></p></div>The Joy of Beeshttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/the-joy-of-bees2023-04-29T20:07:06.000Z2023-04-29T20:07:06.000ZLiza Kirbyhttps://sustainablecoco.ning.com/members/LizaKirby<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11048194476,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11048194476,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11048194476?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p> Photo: Pixabay, PoliDot</p>
<p>In celebration of World Bee Day (May 20) here are some fun facts about bees and bee products, easy and tasty recipes using honey, and how to safely coexist with bees. </p>
<p><strong>Bee Facts</strong></p>
<p>Much has been written about the wonders and benefits of bees, including how these amazing pollinators are an important part of our natural ecosystems (crops, flowers, plants, trees), threats to bee health and habitats, and things humans can do to help bees. Here are two great articles that provide a refresher on these topics.</p>
<p><a href="https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/to-bee-or-not-to-bee" target="_blank">https://sustainablecoco.ning.com/forum/topics/to-bee-or-not-to-bee</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.treehugger.com/what-is-happening-to-us-honey-bees-7100962" target="_blank">https://www.treehugger.com/what-is-happening-to-us-honey-bees-7100962</a></p>
<p> <strong>Food for Humans</strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11046856270,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11046856270,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11046856270?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="278" height="370" /></a></strong></p>
<p>Photo: Pexels, micheile.com</p>
<p><a href="https://www.farmers.gov/blog/value-birds-and-bees" target="_blank">Honeybees pollinate 80 percent of all flowering plants, including more than 130 types of fruits and vegetables</a>. In the U.S, <a href="https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/Todays_Reports/reports/hony0320.pdf" target="_blank">the average bee colony makes about 55 pounds of honey per year</a>, depending on weather conditions, hive location, diseases and pests. A single <a href="https://www.handhhoney.com/hh-bee-blog/bee-facts/" target="_blank">honeybee will produce about 1/12 teaspoon of honey in her lifetime</a>.</p>
<p>Here are three easy, delicious recipes using honey…</p>
<p><a href="https://www.walderwellness.com/honey-garlic-tofu-soy-sesame/" target="_blank">Easy Honey Garlic Tofu with Soy & Sesame</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.loveandlemons.com/honey-mustard-dressing-recipe/#wprm-recipe-container-53155" target="_blank">Honey Mustard Salad Dressing</a></p>
<p><strong>Baklava Granola</strong><u> (</u>San Jose Mercury News, 3-9-2022)</p>
<p>INGREDIENTS<br /> 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats<br /> 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped<br /> 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans<br /> 1/2 cup sunflower seeds<br /> 1 teaspoon cinnamon<br /> 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)<br /> 1/4 cup peanut, almond or other nut butter<br /> 1/3 cup raw honey <br /> 2 tablespoons coconut oil<br /> <br /> <br /> DIRECTIONS<br /> Heat the oven to 250 degrees.<br /> <br /> In a large mixing bowl, stir together the oats, pistachios, walnuts, sunflower seeds, cinnamon and cloves, if using.<br /> <br /> In a small saucepan set over low heat, combine the almond butter, honey and coconut oil, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Pour the mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until well incorporated.<br /> <br /> Evenly spoon the granola mixture over a large cookie sheet and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the granola from the oven and stir carefully to ensure even browning. Return to the oven for another 45 minutes.<br /> <br /> Cool before serving. Stored in an airtight container, this granola will keep for up to 2 weeks.</p>
<p> <strong>Other Bee Product Uses</strong></p>
<p>In addition to being a natural food sweetener that is rich in vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants, honey also has antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that help combat infection. Plus, honey promotes cellular growth and regeneration, which helps speed the healing process. Beeswax is used in candles, cosmetics, soaps, and wood polishers/lubricants.</p>
<p><a href="https://bestbees.com/2023/01/16/benefits-of-honey/" target="_blank">https://bestbees.com/2023/01/16/benefits-of-honey/</a></p>
<p><a href="https://carolinahoneybees.com/uses-for-beeswax/" target="_blank">https://carolinahoneybees.com/uses-for-beeswax/</a></p>
<p> <strong>Coexisting with Bees</strong></p>
<p>What should you do if a swarm of bees is nesting in or near your home? Backoff, avoid swatting or flinging your arms, and avoid bright colors. Check out this article for more tips on coexisting with bees, how to avoid getting stung, and what to do if you do get stung by a bee.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.treehugger.com/how-to-coexist-with-bad-tempered-wasps-or-bees-4868614" target="_blank">https://www.treehugger.com/how-to-coexist-with-bad-tempered-wasps-or-bees-4868614</a></p>
<p><a href="https://honeybeehobbyist.com/how-to-treat-a-bee-sting/" target="_blank">https://honeybeehobbyist.com/how-to-treat-a-bee-sting/</a></p>
<p><strong> </strong><strong>Natural Bee Deterrents</strong></p>
<p>Springtime blossoms naturally encourage more bees. However, if you have a bee infestation forming under the roof of your house, inside the chimney, or elsewhere around your home, it is a good idea to have it removed by a bee professional as soon as possible. The longer the bees linger, the more honey and pheromones (scents for communicating with other bees) build up, attracting even more bees. The Mount Diablo Beekeepers association (<a href="http://www.diablobees.org" target="_blank">www.diablobees.org</a>), can help you find a bee expert to remove a beehive. There are also a variety of natural bee repellent tips in these articles to discourage bees from building nests in and around your home, without harming them. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.tipsbulletin.com/natural-bee-repellent/" target="_blank">https://www.tipsbulletin.com/natural-bee-repellent/</a></p>
<p><a href="https://honeybeehobbyist.com/how-to-keep-bees-away/" target="_blank">https://honeybeehobbyist.com/how-to-keep-bees-away/</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Learn more about beekeeping: <a href="https://www.betterbee.com/instructions-and-resources/Betterbee-Newsletter-Archives.asp" target="_blank">https://www.betterbee.com/instructions-and-resources/Betterbee-Newsletter-Archives.asp</a></p></div>