Posts by Kate Kesner
SB 1383 Update: Organics Recycling Compliance Enforcement Changes in 2024
Senate Bill 1383, or the Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction law, requires that businesses implement programs to ensure organic materials are no longer put in the trash, with edible food being donated and the rest sorted for organic waste recycling. Before the start of 2024, jurisdictions were required to visit Tier One and Tier Two (see…
Read More2023 Press
Winter Quarterly Newsletter – 2023
Dear Eco-Stewards, As the winter season arrives, we are looking forward to several exciting educational events, including the On-Farm Composting Course starting in January in Ramona and the ever-popular Master Composter Course starting in February in Escondido. These courses only happen once a year, so grab your spot now if you’ve been waiting for your chance to participate! Secondly, thank you to all…
Read MoreFrugal Ways to Reduce Your Climate Footprint
In the age of Teslas, solar panels, and buying organic, it can feel like sustainable choices are only for the rich. But the facts show otherwise, with the “wealthiest 1% of people in the world putting out as much carbon pollution as the poorest two-thirds,” according to a November 2023 Oxfam report. Generally, working class…
Read MoreFrom the Rotline: How Can I Slow, Spread, & Sink Water With Compacted Clay Soil?
Slowing, spreading, and sinking water are common strategies for gardeners looking to create water wise landscapes. Clay soil poses unique challenges when it comes to slowing, spreading, and sinking. When clay soil is very compacted, water pools on top and very slowly percolates into the ground. Luckily, there are some options to speed up the…
Read MoreFall Quarterly Newsletter – 2023
Dear neighbors, If you were one of the many people who made a last-minute rain barrel purchase, I’m sure your barrels filled during the recent storms! 🌧 Store Notes: Solana Center’s store will be closed tomorrow, September 2nd for the Labor Day weekend. Our batteries and lightbulb recycling program is closed until further notice due to difficulty with the City of Encinitas’ hauler…
Read MoreSummer Quarterly Newsletter – 2023
Dear Friends, Summer in San Diego means a slew of natural wonders. Least Terns, an endangered subspecies, migrate to Mission Bay, the Santa Margarita River Mouth, and other select spots from April through September. In July, the world’s largest gathering of leopard sharks will appear off of the coast of La Jolla. August 12 – 13, we can…
Read MorePre-Composting Appliances: Do They Work?
We get questions about pre-composting appliances often these days. Our verdict: While food scrap dryers and grinders can do amazing things, they cannot make compost in less than several months’ time. They are also not the most effective way to reduce your environmental footprint at home. The Dirt on Countertop “Composters” There are several kitchen…
Read MoreLet’s Talk About Organics Recycling
Solana Center is proud to work with a majority of jurisdictions in the San Diego region to help with organics green bin distribution and provide education on what goes where as both residents and businesses begin participating in this important program spurred by SB 1383 legislation. At the start of summer 2021, EDCO distributed kitchen…
Read MoreFrom the Rotline: Aerobic Composting and Anaerobic Digestion – What’s the Difference?
This was an inquiry to our community Rotline, a hotline where community members may ask composting and waste questions and receive step-by-step answers from one of our expert staff members. Rotline Question: What is the temperature range for a compost pile that has gone anaerobic? Answer: Anaerobic digestion can occur at two temperature ranges: between…
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