Resource conservation
How can I reduce the amount of water I use when composting?
Water conservation is an important concern for all homeowners and gardeners in California these days, especially in Southern California as it gets into the warmer summer months. Using compost in your yard and garden helps to reduce the amount of watering that your plants need by improving soil structure and, thus, the soil’s ability to retain…
Read MoreUnderstanding the Value of Water for a Sustainable Future
70% of the planet is covered in water. Only 2% of this is fresh water. 1.6% of this freshwater is locked in polar ice caps and glaciers. This leaves about .4% fresh water for the world’s 7.9 billion people to survive on. Do these facts about water surprise you? Water is the largest natural resource vital to human…
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…
Read MoreUpstream and Downstream Waste Impacts
When we talk about waste we need to consider both the upstream and downstream impacts. Upstream is everything that went into the production of that product before it got to you, the consumer, including the extraction of natural resources, the manufacturing, the transportation, etc. Downstream is everything that happened to that product after you disposed…
Read More4 Ocean-Friendly Garden Tips to Protect our Waterways
Many San Diego residents 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.…
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…
Read MoreSave Water this Summer with Compost!
In these periods of drought, it is critical that we conserve water. A great way to tackle the water challenge is to incorporate compost into your summer garden and landscape. In addition to providing valuable nutrients, compost has been proven to increase soil’s water retention capacity. Here are a few ways to incorporate compost into…
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