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…
Read MoreHow 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…
Read MoreClimate 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…
Read More9 Ways to Keep Your Produce Fresh for Longer
It can be confusing to figure out how to store fruits and vegetables to keep them fresh and tasty. Here are a few tips to start you off. Want more sustainable food tips?
Read MoreComposting 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…
Read MoreSpring Quarterly Newsletter – 2024
Dear neighbor, Young eco-stewards are finding ways to transform our use-it and lose-it culture into one of greater respect for our planet. The Solana Beach School District has a waste sorting program, initiated through Solana Center and EDCO consultations, in which older students teach younger ones how to divert food from the landfill. In addition, 30 San…
Read MoreDr. Bronner’s Is Reducing Its Plastic Use
🌎 Dr. Bronner’s is taking bold steps to reduce plastic production and pollution. 🌎 How? 🌈 All of Dr. Bronner’s plastic bottles are 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, reducing new plastic production 🧴 🌈 The B Corp recently introduced a new paper soap refill carton. This carton is made with 80% less plastic and uses fewer…
Read MoreClimate Solutions: How to Recycle Your Coffee Pods
Sustainability and equity in coffee are multilayered. Growing the crop is a water- and often land-intensive process, and plenty of conventional farmers use pesticides and underpay workers to create cheap coffee. By buying that coffee, we as consumers incentivize exploitation. We may also be risking more expensive coffee in the future, as climate change is…
Read MoreLazy Acres: 1% for the Planet Nonprofit Partnership
Thank you Lazy Acres Natural Market for partnering with Solana Center for Environmental Innovation as a beneficiary of the 1% program! In 2023 we were one of the first local nonprofits selected for the enviro-tokens program. The enviro-tokens program offered Lazy Acres customers the option to donate 10 cents to the nonprofit of their choice…
Read MoreIt’s Time to Install Your Rain Barrel
Did you know that rainwater is the best water for plants? Though San Diego’s average rainfall is less than 12 inches a year, a rain barrel configured to receive water from your home’s downspouts can help you store up to 50 gallons of free, untreated water on your property. Think about misty mornings too. Water…
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