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Summer in Carlsbad is perfect for picnics and park visits. As we head outside for some time with friends and family, it’s important to remember that there are small steps each of us can take to help protect our environment. 

This issue of Sustainable Carlsbad shares tips for reducing waste during your summer gatherings, details about upcoming events and information about how to prevent polluting the ocean. 

Love our parks, sort smart

The warmer days that come in summer and fall often mean picnics, park visits and other outdoor excursions. With a few simple choices, you can keep trash to a minimum and make sure everything ends up in the right place. 

Reduce

• Save leftovers to reduce food waste. 
• Choose drinks in recyclable containers and skip single-use plastics when possible. 
• Five-gallon containers of water are a good way to keep a group hydrated. 

Reuse

• Consider using reusable food ware, napkins and tablecloths that can be reused for future gatherings. You can often find these items at thrift stores. 
• Encourage attendees to bring reusable water bottles. 
• Repurpose your decorations.

Recycle 

• Items such as plastic wrap, chip bags and foam containers can’t be recycled and should go in the gray trash cart. Reducing these items, when possible, helps limit what ends up in the landfill or what can potentially impact our beaches as litter.
• Fiber and non-coated food ware can go directly into the organics bin. Look for new green-lidded organics bins throughout our parks.

And remember, releasing balloons can put animals at risk of injury and clutter up our public spaces. Learn more on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website.

Thank you for helping us protect the places we all enjoy.

Reduce your impact with green shopping and transportation

As students prepare to return to class, there are some simple steps parents can take to support a healthy ecosystem. 

Choose eco-friendly transportation

Students can reduce your carbon footprint by biking, walking or taking public transportation to schools. Parents can consider carpooling as a green alternative to taking separate vehicles. Anyone 18 and under can ride North County Transit District (NCTD) and Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) for free through June 2027 with a Youth Opportunity Pass.

Shop at Green Businesses

Buying back-to-school supplies at local businesses that have been recognized through the Carlsbad Green Business Program is an easy way to support the local economy and environment. The 72 businesses and buildings certified through the program have demonstrated commitment to environmentally friendly practices.

Simple tips to keep the ocean clean

Southern California’s drier weather can make it easy to forget that stormwater runoff is our single biggest source of water pollution. The first big rain of the season acts like a broom, sweeping whatever is on the ground straight into our waterways. Increased irrigation during the hot months can also lead to additional urban runoff. Unlike the water that enters sinks or toilets, stormwater is not treated before reaching the ocean. 

Prevent pollution with some easy tips

• Regularly check your irrigation systems to make sure water stays on your property. Consider shorter but more frequent water cycles. 
• Sweep up leaves and yard waste instead of blowing or hosing them into the street. 
• Do not apply fertilizers, pesticides or insecticides before any forecasted rain.  
• Close trash and recycling cart lids so debris doesn’t wash out. 
• Store fertilizers, paints and household chemicals indoors where rain can’t reach them. 
• Always pick up pet waste and put it in the trash. 

If you see something that looks like pollution, please report it to the Stormwater Hotline by calling 442-339-2799, emailing stormwater@carlsbadca.gov or submitting a report through the CarlsbadConnects app. 

Thank you for helping us keep our creeks, lagoons and ocean cleaner for everyone to enjoy. 

Look for this summer-blooming herb at local lagoons

Western ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya) can be seen blooming in summer and fall around the Buena Vista Lagoon and Agua Hedionda lagoons. 

This perennial native herb is found across much of North America in different habitat types, including disturbed areas such as roadsides. It grows as an upright, slender stem, with hairy stem and leaves, and a flower spike of white-green color that blooms from July through November.

The city’s more than 6,000 acres of protected open space, managed through our Habitat Management Plan. Preserving Carlsbad’s natural open spaces is one of the top goals in the City Council’s Five-Year Strategic Plan.

Get your items repaired and enjoy summer-themed activities

The next Fixit Clinic will be Aug. 8 with a Dog Days of Summer theme and a focus on repairing summer gear such as surfboards, wetsuits, skateboards and roller skates.

City staff and volunteers will provide workspace, specialty tools and guidance to help you take items apart and troubleshoot. Even if an item cannot be fixed, you will learn more about how it was made and how it works.

Bring your broken or non-working items, including electronics, small appliances, bicycles, clothing and more, to work alongside volunteer coaches to troubleshoot and repair them. 

In addition to repair support, attendees can take part in special summer activities, including:

• Making personalized, embroidered pet bandanas
• Creating upcycled dog toys
• Bringing blankets and towels for animal shelter donations
• Learning how to repair surfboard dings and wetsuits 

Advance registration is highly recommended to ensure participants are paired with the best coaches. Walk-ins are welcome until 12:30 p.m. 

Fixit Clinic

Saturday, Aug. 8

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cole Library

1250 Carlsbad Village Drive

Join the effort to clean local beaches

Help protect our creeks, lagoons and ocean and join volunteers across Carlsbad for Coastal Cleanup Day hosted by I Love A Clean San Diego. You can sign up as a volunteer at more than 100 cleanup sites throughout the county. A list of cleanup sites will be posted when registration opens Sept. 1.

Coastal Cleanup Day

Saturday, Sept. 19

9 a.m. to noon 

Environmental Sustainability Commission meets Aug. 6

The Environmental Sustainability Commission will hold its next regular meeting Thursday, Aug. 6.

The commission advises the City Council on environmental sustainability programs and initiatives, including climate action, waste reduction and natural resource protection.

Meetings are open to the public, and recordings of past meetings are available on the city’s website.

Environmental Sustainability Commission

Thursday, Aug. 6, 3 p.m.

City Council Chamber

1200 Carlsbad Village Drive

The meeting agenda and materials will be posted on the city’s website by Monday, Aug. 3. 

Protecting Carlsbad’s environment starts with small choices we make every day. Whether you're picnicking responsibly, supporting local sustainability programs or joining upcoming events, every action helps support a cleaner and healthier community. 

Thank you for staying connected to sustainability efforts in Carlsbad.