Nearly Zero Energy Homes
It’s easy to be confused by the acronyms. Here is a partial list.
Author’s note: This article covers a sensitive topic and is intended to provide a thoughtful and forthright discussion on various options available for more sustainable funerals.
As much as we may accept that death is a natural part of life, the way
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California’s recent rainstorms
From December 26 to January 17, the Bay Area and entire state of California have seen massive rains from 9 atmospheric rivers. These storms have resulted in at least 20 deaths, 30K+ evacuations, and cause
Read more…If you drive a fossil fuel burning vehicle and you're tired of forking over more of your hard-earned cash at the pump and concerned about the planet's air quality, then buckle up and adopt to these five easy steps to improve the fuel efficiency of y
Read more…True or false: Air leaks are one of the largest sources of heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.
TRUE! Drafty doors and windows can make a home's heater and air conditioner work harder—using more energy than necessary and driving up
Read more…Photo by Jeremy Doddridge on Unsplash
Considering we spend about a third of our lives in bed, it makes sense to consider what we are sleeping on and how it affects our health and the planet. Most mattresses last between only seven and ten years and ac
Read more…Do you have a new year’s resolution to reduce your waistline and/or carbon footprint? Are you looking for delicious, nutritious meals that are easy and efficient to make, contain ingredients you have on hand, and help reduce food waste? The good news
Read more…You may have seen warnings about PFAS in non-stick cookware, but that’s just the beginning. Let’s dive deeper into these nefarious chemicals that have been around since the 1940s. PFAS, which stand for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-mad
Clothes are the first layer of insulation outside our skin. Clothes can keep us warm in the winter and (perhaps by removing them) cool in the summer. Some can be returned to the earth after their useful life is over to grow more carbon-sucking, oxyge
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is now accepting applications from individuals to fill three (3) at-large seats on the Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission. Applications are due by Sunday, January 15, 2023, at 5:00 P.M.
The Sust
Read more…It's that time of year again - the air is getting chilly, leaves are turning red and gold and we just can’t seem to help ourselves from wanting to tidy up the garden at the end of the season—raking, mowing, and blowing away a bit of nature that is es
Read more…Haven't joined the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge yet? Now is the time to get sustainable! This free website (available in both English and Spanish) provides a list of actionable steps you can take to save water, energy, waste and money. When we work
Feeling stressed with the holidays around the corner, and don’t know what to give family and friends? Here are some creative and fun gift ideas that will delight and help the planet.
Homemade food gifts are sure to capture everyone’s heart…especially
Many of us grew up watching “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and got the message about not giving in to crass commercialism and mass consumerism. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or other holiday this winter, there’s a whole manufacturing system
Haven't joined the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge yet? Now is the time to get sustainable! This free website (available in both English and Spanish) provides a list of actionable steps you can take to save water, energy, waste and money. When we work
In 2020, we published “A Just Enough Thanksgiving” during the height of the Covid pandemic. Although folks may be ready for larger gatherings and a more plentiful holiday season, being sustainable is always relevant. Simplifying your menu, bringing o
When most appliances break down, you need to replace them immediately since you likely have just one washer, dryer, stove, or dishwasher. Refrigerators are different. Nearly a quarter of American homes have two or more fridges. Sometimes the extra f
Read more…Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream put their cows on a seaweed diet as of May this year. Why is that important? And will Cherry Garcia now taste fishy? How about Chunky Monkey? Carbon dioxide is the most commonly occurring greenhouse gas. However, methane gas
Calling all Volunteers!
