Climate Solutions: Can I convert a garbage can into a compost bin?

Yes, it is a great solution when a compost pile is just not feasible because of small yards or sensitive neighbors.  Here’s a cheap and easy way to convert one of your garbage cans into a compost bin. Materials: – 30+ gallon plastic garbage can, with locking lid (optional: bungee cords to hold the lid…

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Plastic Recycling Program – Thanks to Plastic Beach!

Tell a friend; we’ve got a plastic bag and wrap recycling program at Solana Center! Thanks to our partner Plastic Beach for making recycling easier for plastic materials that can’t go in the standard blue bin. They work to ensure all of the plastic bags and film are staying in the U.S. and being recycled nearby,…

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Climate Solutions: What should I do with my worms while on a trip? 

Question: “What should I do with my worms while on a trip?” Answer: Depending on the length of your trip, you will likely not need to do anything at all. Even a new population of worms only needs to be monitored every few days to assess how much food was eaten, moisture levels, and whether they need…

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How Can Cutting Your Food Waste Help the Climate?

Food waste is a common problem many households and food establishments are faced with. Throwing away food scraps and leftovers that could have been eaten seems like an easy solution but in reality has devastating outcomes. When food waste enters a landfill, it begins contributing to greenhouse gas emissions due to the anaerobic environment. When food…

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Four Ocean-Friendly Gardening Tips

Many San Diegans are concerned about keeping our waterways clean. In fact, surveys conducted across San Diego County show that more than 50% of residents believe that pollution of our creeks, lakes, and beaches directly affects them and their families. Yet in many urban areas, water runoff is the #1 source of ocean pollution. This…

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Waste Reduction

Waste reduction is the practice of making less, consuming less, and inevitably disposing of less. Reduction is the ultimate goal, not only because it protects our environment from waste, but because it prevents the destructive processes of extraction and manufacturing that happen upstream of our materials. The world’s population is growing, economies are growing, and…

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How to Prevent Microfiber Pollution in Your Household

Have you heard of the term ‘microfibers’? These are tiny synthetic pieces of plastic yarn often shed by our clothing when in the washing machine. While they sound small, these microfibers have a big impact on our water ways and oceans, unfotunately often making their way to be ingested by marine life. Near the North Pacific Gyre of the…

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Climate Solutions: Aerators? What are those for?

Too lazy to turn your compost bin? Is it not easy to turn, or smells bad? If you answered yes to any of these questions, an aerator could be the right tool for you! Aeration (or the addition of air) is a very important ingredient in your compost pile. The microbes breaking down all the…

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Composting worms don’t like citrus or spicy foods – here’s why!

If you have a worm bin at home you may already know that red wriggler composting worms have a big appetite. Some would say that the way to a worm’s heart is through their stomach! But just like humans, worms have food preferences and favorites. As a general rule, scraps that you would normally put down the…

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