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September & October 2026
| | Small Swaps for Clean Coasts | | |
Protecting our local coast and watersheds begins by refusing single-use plastics whenever possible.
Plastic products do not fully break down; instead, they turn into tiny fragments smaller than 5 mm, known as microplastics. Because microplastics are very small, they are carried from stormwater drains into local waterways, then into marine environments. Microplastics accumulate in the marine food chain through trophic transfer. When small organisms, such as filter feeders, directly ingest these particles, their predators ingest them indirectly, eventually reaching humans and affecting our health.
Types of microplastics:
- 🧴Primary: microbeads found in cosmetics and personal care products, microfibers from synthetic clothing, and industrial pellets
- 🥤Secondary: breakdown from larger plastic products (like single-use plastics) and tires
What can you do?
Every time you refuse single-use plastics, you are reducing the potential for microplastics in our communities and local watersheds.
Sustainable practices, like switching to reusable products and choosing plastic-free packaging, can make an everyday difference in reducing pollution in our coastal ecosystems.
Consider making these swaps:
- 🍴Carry a set of reusable utensils
- 🫙Bring your own tupperware when you go out
- 🍵Use a reusable coffee cup; some businesses will offer discounts
- 🧺Choose plastic-free packaging by buying in bulk, visiting local refill shops, and buying produce from local farmers' markets
Remember, our small, consistent steps make a big impact!
Take it a step further!
Participate in the 2026 Ventura County Coastal Cleanup Day this September 19th! Find a location near you and join the largest annual volunteer event in California dedicated to protecting our marine environments through community action.
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Free Waste-Sorting Assemblies🗑️
With the new 2026-2027 school year in session, the Green Schools Program is excited to continue supporting sustainable practices on Ventura Unified School District campuses through our free waste-sorting assemblies.
Our 30-minute "What Goes Where" assemblies are both an introduction and a refresher to Ventura’s waste-sorting and food recycling program, empowering students to keep our planet clean and green.
If you are a VUSD administrator and would like Green Schools to visit your campus this Fall, please contact Logan Babcock: lbabcock@cityofventura.ca.gov
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Local Environmental Nonprofit Community Meet and Greet
Join the City of Ventura and local environmental nonprofits for a community meet-and-greet to learn about their work and various volunteer opportunities.
Meet and chat with representatives from:
- ⛰️Ventura Land Trust
- 🌊Surfrider Foundation
- 🦅Ventura Audubon Society
- 🔥CREW - Ojai (Concerned Resource and Environmental Workers)
- 🥬Food Share
- 🌎CAUSE (Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy)
Panel introductions and discussions will be from 6:30 pm-7:00 pm, followed by a community meet & greet from 7:00 pm- 8:00 pm.
Although this is a free event, we recommend attendees register due to a maximum seating capacity of 40.
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CPA Updates & Opportunities | |
Clean Power Alliance (CPA) generation rates were recently reduced in July for almost all customers.
In comparison with Southern California Edison (SCE), CPA’s new rates are:
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Lean Power option is 2% below SCE’s base generation rate
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Clean Power option is about the same as SCE’s base rate
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100% Green Power option is 7% above SCE’s base rate.
As of June 2026, 94.2% of Ventura accounts are in the 100% Green Power tier! 👏
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Upcoming Electrification Webinar
CPA will also be hosting an Electrification Webinar in October. Learn about home electrification, California's building codes, and the City's climate goals! More information will be available on the CPA website soon.
The webinar is a product of the City's participation in CPA's Reach Code Program, which the City enrolled in during September 2025.
Check out these opportunities for CPA residents:
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⚡Income-qualified customers on CARE or FERA can receive up to a $300 instant coupon toward energy-efficient window AC units through the Instant AC Savings Program.
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🔋Customers can receive up to $2,250 when they install an eligible solar battery storage system in their home through the Sun Storage Rebate.
| | 3C-REN Commercial Energy Program | | |
Through 3C-REN's Commercial Energy Program, your business may be eligible for discounted or no-cost upgrades — and a free energy concierge to help you navigate rebates, understand your bill, and connect with vetted contractors at reduced rates.
Not sure if your business qualifies? Here are some of the best candidates for this program:💡
- Fluorescent tube lighting (T8 or T12) — common in offices, retail, and warehouses
- Older exterior or parking lot lights attached to the building or on poles
- High-bay warehouse lighting (fixtures typically running 250–400 watts)
- Large refrigeration systems (grocery, seafood distributors, food service)
- Hotels or motels with older, non-programmable guest room thermostats
- Businesses with consistent operating hours (e.g. 9–5, six or seven days a week)
(Note: program is available to businesses without existing solar and an annual energy usage <150,000 kWh and <50,000 therms)
| | Tips for Sustainable Living | |
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Honeyshine Calendula creates handcrafted, plant-based skincare using homegrown and responsibly sourced ingredients. Sustainability is the heart of their process- from growing their own botanicals to formulating products that are gentle on people, pets, and the planet.
The team is especially proud of reducing waste through sustainable packaging, small-batch production, and natural ingredients, such as calendula and herbs, which keep them connected to their product’s roots. Being a certified Green Business has helped retailers like Erewhon, as well as everyday customers, recognize them as a brand that prioritizes quality, transparency, and environmental responsibility.
Their advice for potential green businesses:
Every sustainable choice adds up, whether it's reducing waste, choosing better materials, or being more intentional with sourcing. Going green isn't just better for the planet; it can help a business stand out, attract like-minded customers, and build deeper connections within the community.
To learn more, visit: https://www.honeyshinecalendula.com/
Want to do the same?
We guide you through the Green Business certification and connect you to incentives and resources along the way.
Enroll at: 🌐 greenbusinessca.org | 📞 323-441-6822
| | | | Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities | | | | | |
City of Ventura
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events
Gold Coast Recycling
5275 Colt St
Saturday, September 19
9:00am-1:30pm
Saturday, October 17
9:00am-1:30pm
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City of Ventura
Volunteer Opportunities
Community Gardens, Beach Cleanups, Sports & Recreation, Senior Programs, Westpark Community Center, and more!
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California Coastal Cleanup Day
Multiple Locations in Ventura County
Saturday, September 19
9:00am-12:00pm
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City of Ventura
Local Environmental Nonprofit Community Meet & Greet
City Hall
501 Poli St
Wednesday, September 23
6:30pm-8:00pm
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City of Ventura Gardening Classes
Mighty Microgreens
Westpark Community Garden
450 W. Harrison Ave.
Saturday, October 3
10:00am-12:00pm
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Drive Electric: Ventura's Ride & Drive
Ventura Unified School District
255 W Stanley Ave.
Saturday, October 17
10:00am-2:00pm
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Channel Islands Restoration
Santa Clara River Preserve Volunteer Day
Sunday, September 20
9:00am-12:00pm
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Surfrider Foundation
Monthly C-Street Beach Cleanup
Ventura Beach Promenade
Saturday, September 26
9:00am-11:00am
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Help Keep Ventura Styrofoam Free!
A friendly reminder to City of Ventura residents that you can help us educate local businesses on the environmental impacts of using Styrofoam (also known as EPS - expanded polystyrene).
If you recently visited a local business providing Styrofoam containers, please email: epsban@cityofventura.ca.gov so we can help them find sustainable alternatives.
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As of July 1, 2021, the City of Ventura prohibits businesses selling food and beverages from using Styrofoam containers such as cups, plates, bowls, meat trays, clamshells, and coolers. Styrofoam is a prevalent form of litter found in storm drains, creeks, rivers, beaches, parks, and open spaces. For more information and resources, please visit EPS Ban.
You can help support our community's efforts to preserve the health and beauty of Ventura's open spaces for the enjoyment of all!
| | View employment opportunities with the City of Ventura | | | | |
