From the Rotline: What “browns” can I use in my compost?
Rotline Question: Can I make a traditional compost pile with paper as my only “browns” material? What else can I use? Answer: Making a traditional compost pile with paper as your only brown is doable, but not optimal. In order for the materials of your compost to break down efficiently, a sufficient amount and balance of nitrogen…
Read MoreInterview with Sarah Owens | Food Cycle Feature
We connected with Encinitas-local cookbook author of Sourdough, Toast and Jam and Heirloom: Time Honored Techniques, Nourishing Traditions, and Modern Recipes. Sarah is a naturally-leavened baker, professional horticulturist, and culinary instructor who believes strongly in the power of baking to foster community and social change. She is an advocate of regenerative agricultural practices to rebuild…
Read More2020 Press
Low-Waste Takeout Guide
It is no secret that Covid has had a big impact on the restaurant industry as well as other daily activities we may have previously taken for granted in our modern society. Unfortunately, this means that eating “out” looks much different than it used to, often accompanied by plastic bags, styrofoam boxes, and mixed-plastics containers.…
Read MoreBiochar: A Valuable Composting Ingredient
Article written by Master Composter volunteer, Melody Plan. What is biochar? Before the bins, compost thermometers, and subsidized compost vouchers, our ancestors buried char: wood, manure, or leaves cooked at a relatively low temperature in a low-oxygen environment over a long period of time, directly into the ground to fertilize the soil. You may say “That sounds…
Read MoreHoliday Gifts that Give Back
This holiday season is one like no other. We want to help you shop local and give without creating waste – instead of giving more “stuff”, consider giving a gift of an experience, subscription or make a donation in their name rather than material items. Here are our favorite gifts that give back! Buy a…
Read MoreBenefits of Compost and Mulch on Fire-Damaged Land
2020 has become the largest wildfire season recorded in California’s modern history as wildfires have devastated many parts of state this year. As of October, 4,267,386 acres have burned so far and we’re still not quite in the clear yet. We are all looking to the coming months to bring much-needed rainfall for our state, allowing us to start to…
Read More9 Tips to Reduce Waste at Home
How can I keep my trash bins from overflowing? It’s a question that many of us have asked ourselves over the years. And with so many of us staying at home for significantly more time than usual, trash management has become a big task. You’re not alone if you find yourself drowning under all that rubbage.…
Read MoreSteps to Being a Zero Waste Consumer
In the past 50 years, humans have consumed more resources than in all previous history. The first step to reducing is letting go of the consumption mentality and consuming less! Before you take or buy, think critically with these questions to determine whether you really need that thing or could you repurpose something you already…
Read MoreZero Waste Halloween Tips & Tricks
As Halloween comes and goes it is estimated that 1 billion pounds of pumpkins are sent to the landfill, doomed to rot and create warming gases that will haunt our planet far beyond this spooky season. We have a solution that is scary easy – keep your pumpkins out of the landfill by composting them!…
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