Zero waste
Upstream 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 MoreCommunity Series: Waste Not With Upcycling
One person’s trash has the potential to be another person’s treasure thanks to the powerful process of upcycling! Upcycling is a conventional process in which by-products and other used materials are transformed into something of higher quality or value than the original. This creative reuse process reduces the overall waste footprint, by keeping materials from…
Read MoreCommunity Series: How to Have a Sustainable Saturday in San Diego
Everyday we make choices in our lives that affect the environment. From where we shop to what we buy, there’s a lot we can do to make the sustainable choice and reduce our environmental footprint. The key to understanding sustainability is to recognize that each action we take affects the world around us. By making…
Read MoreJoin the Kitchen Caddy Challenge!
We’re encouraging you to join the Kitchen Caddy Challenge! Why a Kitchen Caddy Challenge? For even a single day, setting aside the amount of organic food waste you produce in your kitchen into a portable caddy or bowl separate from the trash receptacle can be an eye-opening endeavor. If you commonly throw organic waste such as food scraps or…
Read MoreSpring & Summer Produce Storage Guide
Eating seasonally is an important part of leading a sustainable lifestyle. Getting to know where your food comes from and opting to purchase locally where possible is a great way to decrease your carbon footprint, lift up local businesses in your community and allows you to align your diet with the seasons. Along with eating farm-fresh local produce…
Read MoreSan Diego County wastes 500,000 tons of food each year. Here’s a better solution.
Originally published in San Diego Union-Tribune February 17th. Written by Jessica S. Toth, Solana Center Executive Director. Government and economics are coming into alignment on the need to address climate change. In the past few weeks, climate change mitigation was hot. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors identified activation around climate policy as a key platform tenet,…
Read MoreInterview with Sarah Owens | Food Cycle Feature
We connected with Encinitas-local cookbook author of Sourdough, Toast and Jam and Heirloom: Time Honored Techniques, Nourishing Traditions, and Modern Recipes. Sarah is a naturally-leavened baker, professional horticulturist, and culinary instructor who believes strongly in the power of baking to foster community and social change. She is an advocate of regenerative agricultural practices to rebuild…
Read MoreLow-Waste Takeout Guide
It is no secret that Covid has had a big impact on the restaurant industry as well as other daily activities we may have previously taken for granted in our modern society. Unfortunately, this means that eating “out” looks much different than it used to, often accompanied by plastic bags, styrofoam boxes, and mixed-plastics containers.…
Read MoreHoliday Gifts that Give Back
This holiday season is one like no other. We want to help you shop local and give without creating waste – instead of giving more “stuff”, consider giving a gift of an experience, subscription or make a donation in their name rather than material items. Here are our favorite gifts that give back! Buy a…
Read More9 Tips to Reduce Waste at Home
How can I keep my trash bins from overflowing? It’s a question that many of us have asked ourselves over the years. And with so many of us staying at home for significantly more time than usual, trash management has become a big task. You’re not alone if you find yourself drowning under all that rubbage.…
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