Impact Report 2023-2024

Waste to Wonder

Making climate solutions practical since 1983. Explore Solana Center’s 2023-2024 work by the numbers.

Down to Earth: Serving San Diego County

Solana Center for Environmental Innovation is an award-winning environmental 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 1983. Located in Encinitas, we serve all of San Diego County. Our classes, workshops, and events focus on soil, water, and waste, promoting upstream and preventative behaviors that are widely accessible. We make green living practical for individuals, businesses, schools, and local governments. Our organization believes in circular systems that support our vision: a world with oceans and landfills free of discarded resources. Small actions everyday, make a big impact. We are in the business of meeting each person wherever they are on their environmental journey.

Education & Compliance

Sparking climate curiosity with thousands of residents & businesses annually

Program Impact

• 7,030 Students educated
• 513 Businesses consulted for SB 1383 compliance & food waste prevention
• 3,439 Volunteer hours donated
• 89,000+ Gallons of rain water collected
• 80% of San Diego Jurisdictions partnered with Solana Center for SB 1383 compliance
• 3,700 County residents dropped off E-waste for recycling
• 145,000 Individuals inspired via digital engagement

Impact of Annual Activities:
18,000 tons of greenhouse gases mitigated. Equivalent to planting 270,007 trees and letting them grow for 10 years!

7,503,036 Pounds of edible food donate by businesses who received consultation from Solana Center = 6.25 Million Meals

Climate Solutions & Community Resources

Environmental Tools to Support People, Places, and Planet

Green Convene

Reusable food service-ware loan program eliminating single-use waste at social gatherings.
1,226 place settings rented

E-Waste Recycling

Collection program preventing toxic and hazardous waste from electronics from polluting our groundwater while keeping valuable raw materials out of landfills.
27,446 E-waste items diverted from the landfill

Tool Lending Library

Rental program supporting San Diego County home, school, and community projects with accessible garden tools.
151 Tools borrowed

Textile Waste Education

Community event featuring a clothing swap, fix-it clinic, upcycling activities, and consumer education.
282 pounds of textile waste diverted

Green Living Tours

Free educational tours led by our volunteer docents provide engaging community education for practical climate solutions.
14 tours

Composting Journey: Melody Plan – Master Composter volunteer & author
“Because of volunteering with Solana Center and participating in their Master Composter class, my sustainability journey was impacted beyond even writing my book Inside the Compost Bin. That experience has impacted what kinds of groceries I buy, and how much. I have always cared about the planet and the environment, but the experience with Master Composter really honed my focus on what matters to me and how I am contributing to the world.”

– Melody Plan, Master Composter volunteer & author

Leading the Way

Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego, in partnership with the Clare Rose Foundation, has awarded a $50,000 grant to Solana Center for Environmental Innovation and Executive Director Jessica Toth to build the organization’s capacity.

Waste to Wonder: 40 Years of Solana Center

The Road Less Traveled
We gathered with our Solana Center community on May 11, 2024 to recognize our history, celebrate the hard work of innovation, and to recognize our future challenges.

Annual Message from Jessica Toth, Executive Director
This year we celebrated our 40 years with an awe-inspiring gathering of founders, supporters, and friends. Solana Center started its journey by recycling bottles and cans. We are ending 2024 with recycling programs that manage materials yet to be invented in 1983.
We are addressing environmental problems that are just becoming newly evident.

I’m proud to lead this impactful organization, powered by our wonderful staff, volunteers, donors, and Board of Directors. Thank you all for helping us continue to make the possible practical.

On the Horizon: Vision and Upcoming Projects

Our VISION: A world with oceans and landfills free of discarded resources.

Developments

Solana Center is expanding our education programs and community access to climate resources.

• Zero waste textile expo
• Expanding community education
• Climate Solutions center
• Business consultations for food donation

Awards & Recognition

• United States House of Representatives, Mike Levin, Member of Congress Proclamation honoring Solana Center’s commitment to climate action.
• California Legislature Assembly Resolution by Tasha Boerner and Catherine Blakespear recognizing the vital role Solana Center has played in improving the quality of life in the San Diego area.
• County of San Diego, Proclamation presented by Vice Chair Terra Lawson-Remer Honoring Solana Center for Environmental Innovation’s 40th Anniversary. Declaration of May 11th to be Solana Center Day throughout San Diego County.
• Office of the Mayor of the City of Encinitas Proclamation honoring the 40th Anniversary of Solana Center for Environmental Innovation.

Thank you, major donors!

Annual Expenses

• 82% Programming & Community Services
• 14% Management & Operations
• 4% Fundraising

Support our mission & vision!

www.solanacenter.org/donate

Let’s work together! | (760) 436-7986 x719 | development@solanacenter.org | www.solanacenter.org