News & Updates

How to Prevent Microfiber Pollution in Your Household

Mar 3 2021

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.

Spring 2021 Newsletter

Mar 1 2021

Dear Solana Center Community, Spring is on its way to breathe refreshing energy into this uncommonly warm winter. As we enter the blossoming season, now is a great time to start planning your spring garden – gathering your seeds, filling your rain barrels and preparing your compost. To help your sustainability journey, our team is...

San Diego County wastes 500,000 tons of food each year. Here’s a better solution.

Feb 18 2021

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.

Carbon Farming for Climate Resilience

Feb 15 2021

Did you know that San Diego is fortunate to have more small farms than any other county in the nation? With the unique combination of urban and rural landscapes, San Diego was one of the first southern California regions to adopt the framework for carbon farming pioneered by the Marin Carbon Project.  Carbon farming describes a variety...

Rotline: Can I use only paper as the browns in my compost bin?

Feb 12 2021

Rotline Question: Can I make a traditional compost pile with paper as my only brown? Answer: Making a traditional compost pile with paper as your only brown is doable, but not optimal. 

Interview with Sarah Owens | Food Cycle Feature

Jan 19 2021

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...

Low-Waste Takeout Guide

Dec 27 2020

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....

Biochar: A Valuable Composting Ingredient

Dec 17 2020

Article written by Master Composter volunteer, Melody Plan. What is biochar?  Before the bins, compost thermometers, and subsidized compost vouchers, our ancestors buried char: wood, manure, or leaves cooked at a relatively low temperature in a low-oxygen environment over a long period of time, directly into the ground to fertilize the...

Catch that Rain - Rain Barrel Pick Up Events Spring 2021

Dec 16 2020

Is your home set up to capture rain this season? If not, you may be letting a valuable free resource go to waste. Rain barrels are a simple tool which can help your household save money on your water bill, conserve, and prevent water pollution while collecting chemical-free water which can be used in your garden. In partnership with the ...

Holiday Gifts that Give Back

Dec 14 2020

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 gift card to their favorite...

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