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SCOCO Insights - August 2020
Summer: Getting Out, Getting Active
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Leave No Trace
(And Leave Some Space)!
Take advantage of the long summer days and spend some time exploring the outdoors! Whether you're going camping or hiking, remember to take only photos and leave only footprints. When outdoors, consider doing the following:
1. Plan ahead by packing snacks and water in reusable containers, and bring reusable face masks in case you pass others.
2. Pack out trash, recycling and compost. Bring extra bags in case there is no recycling/composting at your campsite.
3. Reuse or repair gear you already have or consider renting.
5. Before you leave an area, do a "trash sweep" to ensure that no trash has been left behind.
6. Use biodegradable soap and toothpaste to reduce your impact on local plants and animals...
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Stock up and give back to SCOCO!
Speaking of getting outdoors, if you need new hiking, camping or sports equipment, Sustainable Contra Costa is collaborating with Sports Basement to provide our community a discount on all in-store and online orders from August 23rd-29th. If you join Sports Basement's Basementeer program you will get 10% off every item you purchase, AND 10% of profits will also fund SCOCO programs.
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Announcing Our New Youth Team: Sustainable Leaders in Action!
Sustainable Leaders in Action, or SLIA, is the newly formed youth leadership branch of Sustainable Contra Costa that is 100% youth-led. Made up of both high school and college students, SLIA works together to promote the Cleaner Contra Costa Platform and to educate youth on how to live a more sustainable lifestyle and encourage cleaner living in our communities. The team has created an e-newsletter to further educate ourselves and our readers on what's going on in today's world. We are excited to share with you the work our team has done and invite you, your children, friends, and loved ones to join with us in building a cleaner and safer Contra Costa.
Read the premier newsletter issue here
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Cleaning Out the Garage? Here's What To Do With All That Stuff
Did you clean out your closets or garage while spending more time at home the past few months? If so, you likely have a pile of "stuff" to get rid of - but before you chuck it in the trash, remember this: For health, safety and environmental reasons it is illegal to dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) in the garbage / recycle, down the drain or in storm sewers. Hazardous chemicals can "pass through" wastewater treatment processes or storm drains and get discharged into the environment. This occurs because wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove hazardous chemicals from wastewater, and many storm drains flow directly to the Bay without any treatment at all.
HHW thrown into the garbage can injure workers during collection or mix with other chemicals when buried in a landfill. Groundwater used for drinking or irrigation can be contaminated when waste products are poured onto or seep into the ground.
But you can dispose of your paints, cleaning chemicals, CFL bulbs, batteries, motor oil, etc. safely and at no charge at your local HHW Facility:
Continue reading for a list of all local facilities
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There's Still Time To
Join the Spring/Summer Challenge!
Take part in the Spring/Summer Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge, now through August 31st! Join your neighbors to save water and energy in your home, save money, and create a healthier Contra Costa for everyone.
Check out some popular Challenge Actions this summer:
Stay Cool
Save on utility bills with some new strategies in your home! Simple things like closing drapes to keep the sunshine out during the day and using a fan can lower your AC energy use up to 15% and save you money. You can also try turning your AC off and opening your windows at night to cool your home. Then in the morning, shut the windows and curtains or blinds to capture the cool air. "Stay Cool" is the August Action of the Month from the Sustainable Leaders in Action team. Watch the short video they made about it.
Whether you have AC or not, a fan can help keep your home cooler during the summer. When you use a fan with your AC, you can usually set your thermostat 4°F higher and still stay comfortable. Check out this Action on the Cleaner Contra Challenge for more tips!
Are you creating a beautiful garden this summer? Give your plants just enough water by conserving--it's estimated that some homeowners over-irrigate by as much as 60%. Try reducing your watering schedule a bit. Overwatering can stress out your plants, and most don't need to be watered every day. If you're concerned about water retention, you can also try a layer of mulch or compost...
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2018 Lifetime Achievement Winner Judy Adler
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Save The Date: Sustainability Awards ONLINE
We're not letting COVID-19 dampen our excitement about showcasing the great work being done in our county by many fabulous individuals and organizations. We're cooking up a fun and inspiring event on Thursday, September 17th, broadcast via Zoom and YouTube live. Mark your calendars now!
Stay tuned for details on registration for this FREE event, as well as an additional pre-event reception. And look for an announcement of the award finalists, coming next week!
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Edible East Bay - Summer Harvest
We're big fans of the magazine Edible East Bay, which celebrates our local food culture. Find features on farmers markets, local food businesses, school and community gardens, seasonal recipes and more.
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You can find virtual and remote-learning options for many wonderful events. Here are a few...
Thinking about home projects and renovations? Now more than ever, it's time to learn how to make your home smart by increasing efficiency and utility savings. Tina Neuhausel of Sustainable Contra Costa will share tips for making your home smart so you can save water, energy and money. She will also share her experience with a recent home renovation and energy upgrade. You'll also learn about the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge, a free online platform allowing residents to take climate action with others in their communities. A representative from MCE will also share their many local energy savings programs and how you can power your home with renewable energy options, without investing in solar panels!
Wednesday, August 12th
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Online event
FREE
Do you want to make your home more comfortable, healthy & safe, efficient, and durable? Our FREE 2020 BayREN Home Upgrade Workshop will provide you with information and contacts to make your home more energy efficient with rebates up to $6,000!
Local participating contractors, building scientists, and financing experts will provide you with the critical information you'll need to get your project started. Learn about a free Energy Advising service and get answers to all your energy efficiency questions. Please RSVP as soon as possible to reserve your space.
Wedesday, August 19th
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Online event
FREE
Join us for this free, monthly live broadcast. Episode 5: You don't have to move to live in a better place! Wouldn't you like to be spending the extra time you have at home these days in a beautiful garden - a garden that is inviting to you and your family, attracts butterflies and bees, and provides food for a robust population of songbirds? Join Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour Coordinator Kathy Kramer and garden designer Kelly Marshall to learn how and why you can create a Homegrown National Park in your own garden, where the little things that run the world (and are at the heart of the food web) can thrive, much to your enjoyment!.
Wednesday, August 26th
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
FREE online event
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Please take a moment to support Sustainable Contra Costa. Donate to help us engage thousands of residents of Contra Costa in new and exciting ways to help them reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Together we can make a difference!
We also encourage you to shop locally when you can, but if you need to use Amazon, don't forget to use Amazon Smile, and your purchases will support Sustainable Contra Costa! AmazonSmile is now available in the Amazon app.
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We are so grateful to our sponsoring Partners. Please thank and patronize these businesses and organizations!
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Lyn & Brian Hirahara
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Nick & Laura Neuhausel
Ellyn Gelson & Bill Roulette
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Sustainable Contra Costa | info@sustainablecoco.org | http://sustainablecoco.org
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