Zero waste
Taking on Textile Waste 2024
The Taking on Textiles event was held on March 23, 2024 at Solana Center for Environmental Innovation in Encinitas, CA. It was open to the public. We were grateful for recognition from California Assemblymember Tasha Boerner’s office. District Director Janet Chin spoke to the importance of the event as an early beacon to the increasing…
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 MoreWaste 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 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 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 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…
Read MoreBack to School: How Can My Child’s Lunch Be Made Low or Zero Waste?
Yes, it absolutely can! By making school lunches more eco-friendly, and by encouraging your kid to recycle and compost, you can significantly reduce your household’s waste. Some helpful guidelines are… An added bonus of paying attention to these guidelines is that you can determine what materials your child’s lunch containers are made of. For example,…
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