Food Waste
Case Study: Building Climate Resilience Through Food Recovery
Solana Center for Environmental Innovation worked with the San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative at the University of San Diego to create a case study documenting work related to SB1383 performed by Solana Center’s Environmental Solutions Team. Redirecting surplus edible food from landfills to people in need reduces greenhouse gas emissions, supports food security, and strengthens…
Read MoreCommercial Surplus Food: Data & Extraordinary Successes
Our team presented to the City of Encinitas Environmental Commission about SB1383 and how Solana Center is helping businesses prevent food waste. Executive Director Jessica Toth, Associate Manager Larissa Amaral, and UCSD Scripps Researcher Skylar Enge shared our success in preventing food waste and edible food donations to families in need. California’s SB 1383 is…
Read MoreComposting Success Story: Melody Plan
Master Composter Melody Plan shares her inspiration for her new children’s book Inside the Compost Bin.
Read MoreClimate Solutions: Is Ink Bad for Worms?
Question: May I add shredded mail and computer paper to my worm and garden compost bins? Are the inks toxic? Answer: That is a frequently asked question, thanks for bringing it to the blog! The inks used today in newspapers, boxes etc. are non-toxic and are readily broken down through composting. However, the see-through address…
Read MoreHow 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…
Read MoreFood Waste Warrior: Liz Murphy of Santosha Nutrition 🍓
Liz Murphy, founder of Santosha Nutrition, speaks on how food waste prevention impacts her San Diego business: “Santosha was founded on the principles of supporting local farmers and lowering waste. When I purchase produce from the market it is really important to me that I use as much of the product as possible. It respects 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 MoreSB 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 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…
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