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Solana Center staff distribute rain barrels at a rain barrel pick up event.

Solana Center, County Team Up to Offer Discounted Rain Barrels

Mar 22 2018

Solana Center for Environmental Innovation and the County of San Diego have teamed up to offer discounted rain barrels to encourage rainwater harvesting.  Don't miss this opportunity to pay $55 per rain barrel (after rebate) on up to 2 rain barrels per household.  By using rain barrels, San Diegans will conserve water, reduce runoff pollution and save money...
Volunteer, Jill Giraud at our Toast to Compost volunteer recognition event

Volunteer Spotlight - Jill Giraud

Mar 7 2018

Solana Center volunteer, Jill Giraud shares how she got involved with Solana Center and why she generously donates her time. How did you find Solana Center and why do you volunteer with us?  I have been on Solana Center’s mailing list for years, and have bought composters and rain barrels here. I read about all the advertised compost trainings and sadly...
Figeater Beetle

Figeater Beetle Grubs in Your Compost?

Mar 6 2018

Rotline Question: I found these GIANT two-inch grubs in my compost.  My neighbor said they are the Japanese beetle.  Should I be concerned? Don’t worry, be happy, these are compost helpers that have little to no negative impact in your garden.  Large grubs like you describe are most likely the larvae of the big iridescent green Figeater beetle, Cotinis...
Volunteers at Coastal Roots Farm

Composting Key to Regenerative Agriculture

Mar 6 2018

There’s a lot of buzz about regenerative agriculture, particularly its ability to capture carbon in soil and in aboveground biomass, as well as for the many benefits it offers farmers, consumers and local environments. According to regenerative agriculture, the answer lies beneath our feet.  Soil loss is a global problem and growing worse around the world...
Kashi volunteers harvesting worm castings

Kashi Volunteers at Our Eco Innovation Campus

Feb 21 2018

  Last month we held an extra special volunteer event for Kashi, an eco-conscious company and long time supporter of Solana Center. As another act of service to Solana Center and the environment, Kashi brought their team of 65 local and national employees to help care for the Eco Learning Lab and Infield Farm at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. We spent the...
A family on bicycles

Give the Grid a Break & Save Some Green!

Jan 15 2018

To support the statewide commitment to reliable and sustainable energy, new time of use pricing plans are being introduced to residential customers over the next few years. These plans are based on how much and when you use energy, and offer you more choices on how to better manage and control your energy costs. How do these plans work? The plans are...

What's Your New Year's Resolution?

Dec 21 2017

Make the world a better place in the New Year! There are plenty of ways you can use Solana Center's resources to help make the world a better place. Our workshops may help provide you with some inspiration: Traditional Composting Vermicomposting (compost with worms!) Composting using Bokashi Fermentation Manure Management Green Living (waterwise gardening...
Home with solar panels on roof

New High Usage Charge Rolled Out

Dec 20 2017

Did you know that a state-mandated High Usage Charge went into effect on November 1, 2017?  This charge applies to electricity use that is more than four times the amount of Baseline Allowance. Our partner, SDG&E has provided important information about these changes.  Dig in and understand your options! How Much Is It? The High Usage Charge is a...
Tumbler composter at the Encinitas Master Composter Course

How Do Compost Tumblers Work?

Nov 24 2017

Tumblers are composting bins that are manually flipped, spun, rolled or crank-turned for aeration, depending on the style. These bins do not require turning with a pitchfork or auger, instead, the entire compost bin is turned for aeration. There are several variations on this theme. Below is a spinning tumbler that is subsidized by the City of San Diego and...

Holiday Hours & Green Gifts

Nov 22 2017

We will be closed Thursday, Nov 23 in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday. We will REOPEN on Saturday, Nov 25 from 9 am - 1 pm. Celebrate #ShopSmall and stop by for a GREEN GIFT this holiday. We are your local source for worm bins, composting supplies, rain barrels, and more! See the items we sell out of our Encinitas location. Our center will also be closed...

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