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 MoreCase Study: Food Cycle Community Compost Program
At the end of 2023, Solana Center made the difficult decision to end the Food Cycle Community Compost program. With the rollout of curbside green recycling bins, we had seen a steady participation decline, and continuing the program was no longer sustainable for our organization. We are so grateful for all of the residents and…
Read MoreBuild Healthy Soils with Free Assistance to Secure up to $100,000 Grant Funding!
Join Solana Center for Environmental Innovation (Solana Center) for a free technical assistance webinar for farmers and ranchers to learn more about applying for up to $100,000 in state grant funding. Assistance is provided by the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Healthy Soils Program (HSP) for farmers to implement conservation management practices that…
Read MoreWinter 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 MoreSolutions for Managing Food Waste From the Kitchen Counter to the Curb
In California, the term “green bin” has become ubiquitous with the rollout of SB 1383 organics recycling regulations that went into effect in 2022. As we look to January 2024, a new phase of the state bill will be seen with the enforcement of non-compliant businesses and jurisdictions. This is great news for those dedicated…
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 MoreWhat Do “Best By” Dates On Food Really Mean?
Have you ever found yourself wondering about the “best by” date on food items? Are they still safe to eat even though the date has passed? How long will your favorite food or beverage stay safe? Surprisingly, the answer is not on the date label. Most date labels tell you about food quality, not safety. We…
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 MoreReduce Your Food Waste This Holiday Season
Did you know an average American throws away a pound of food daily? 1 On top of that, Americans generate 43% more household waste each year between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, 53% of which is food waste.2 Read more about holiday food waste impacts at the ReFed site. To bring you tips on how to…
Read MoreBorrow an Induction Cooktop at Solana Center!
Induction cooking does not emit fumes, protecting you and your household from dangerous carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides and more. It also uses less energy and heats & cools more quickly than either gas and standard electric stoves. Solana Center now offers induction cooktop loaners as part of the San Diego Green Building Council’s Electric Home Cooktop…
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