Sustainability Interest Group - Farmer’s Box Discussion and Best By Dates
Lucy, Burke@CalRecycle
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Grass Roots Circular Economy and Climate Action |
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Join the Sustainability
Interest Group
at CalEPA to discuss sustainable
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Or call in (audio only) +1 916-619-7284, 955660965# United States, Sacramento Phone Conference ID: 955 660 965# Find a local number | Reset PIN
We need your help: April 15: Share your farmer’s box experience April 22: Bring crops to swap by 2pm for a 3pm swap - Help represent the group at our table for 30+ minutes |
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Farmer’s Box Discussion and Best By Dates |
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
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If you’ve subscribed to a farmer’s box that gets delivered to your door periodically, come share your experiences with it. Is it worth it? Is it basically Grubhub for the farmer’s market? We’ll compare prices, produce quality and quantity, view the selection from at least one farmer’s box setup, and explore any other options out there. Please share any photos or screenshots of the selection you have in your farmer’s box.
We’ll also discuss date-labeling on food items - how we can understand and buy better to reduce food waste, and understand legislation taking effect next year. |
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Earth Day Crop Swap – Seeking Volunteers! |
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2 - 4pm, Tuesday, April 22, 2025
From humble beginnings we had our first crop swap at CalEPA close to this time eight years ago and it grew into colleagues sharing a huge bounty of produce throughout the years. This will be our first post-pandemic crop swap at the CalEPA building and this time, we’ll have three tables in the CalEPA entry courtyard (see map above) for Earth Day.
Please email burke...@calrecycle.ca.gov if you could spare 30 minutes to represent our group at the table – we have a couple 30-minute spots available 2-3pm and 3:30-4pm/table break down time. So far for the swap, we have potatoes, Meyer lemons, eggs, evergreen spinach, a jar of olives, oranges, herbs, mandarins, and celery. We can do a taste test between homegrown and store-bought celery. We can share sustainable products like compostable sponges and silicone sealable bags, and we can talk about some of the differences in produce in the last 50 years too.
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Climate Ride
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Climate Ride Green Fondo, May 16-18, 2025
If you’d like to contribute even a dollar to Shaina Meiners’ Climate Ride Green Fondo fundraiser, she says she feels less alone as she struggles up those hills. Shaina woke up on New Years with some inkling of the challenges this year might bring and wanted to do something positive, which resulted in starting even in her spare time to do a similar thing as her work of trying to funnel money to groups doing needed work for our Earth. The Climate Ride Green Fondo is funded separately, and 100% of any donations, which are tax deductible, go to the beneficiaries she selected. Shaina said she actually put too much thought into picking them, trying to reflect on what is needed on the current moment: Streets For All Intersectional Environmentalist EarthJustice |
Plastics / Packaging
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World Economic Forum, April 10, 2025
Pollution ranks among the 10 risks with the most severe expected impact over the next decade, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2025. Plastics are one of the main pollutants, with 19 million tonnes leaking into land, rivers and coastlines every year. Microplastics make up a big part of this – estimates suggest they represent more than 90% of all plastic on the ocean surface.
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Plastics / Packaging
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Recycling Today, April 9, 2025
In response to CalRecycle’s update, CALPIRG State Director Jenn Engstrom issued a statement, saying, “Polystyrene foam cups, plates and takeout containers are overflowing our landfills, polluting our beaches and ocean and contain chemicals that can make us sick. Nothing we use for a few minutes should harm our environment and threaten our health for hundreds of years. That’s why California banned foam food ware statewide. It’s great to see CalRecycle taking action to better enforce this crucial law.” |
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Sacramento Area Landscape Rebate Programs |
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· State of California Turf Replacement Program · Sacramento County Water Agency Cash for Grass o $2000 rebate · Sacramento Suburban Water District Rebate includes:
· Sacramento City’s River-Friendly Landscape Rebates cover a maximum of: o $3,000 at $1.50 per square of grass converted on the front, side and back yard o $400 for materials used to convert to drip irrigation for front, side or back yard o $400 for adding EPA WaterSense Labeled Smart Irrigation Controller. · Carmichael Water District Turf Replacement Rebate · Citrus Heights Water District Rebate Program
· Folsom Cash for Grass Turf Replacement Rebate
· Placer County Lawn Replacement Rebate Program · Roseville Cash for Grass Utility Rebates · West Sacramento Smart Controller Rebate and Water Wise House Call · Woodland Mulch Rebate · Yolo County Water Conservation Rebate Program |
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See the edible low water use plant example found in the City of Sacramento’s River Friendly Landscape Plant List below.
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Catmint, Catnip |
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Size: 3 ft. 3 in. x 2 ft. Water Requirement: Large Type: Perennial
Edible Uses: Young leaves - raw. A mint-like flavor, they make an aromatic flavoring in salads. Older leaves are used as a flavoring in cooked foods. They can be used fresh or dried to make an aromatic herb tea. The tea should be infused in a closed container in order to preserve the essential oils, boiling is said to spoil it Physical Characteristics: This perennial is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to November, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. Known Hazards: Catnip has diuretic properties and may increase amount and frequency of urination. Smoking catnip can produce euphoria and visual hallucinations. Sedation. Women with inflammatory diseases of the pelvis or are pregnant should not use. Care if using and driving or using machines.
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April Gardening Tips |
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Plant Your Summer Garden |
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Mid-to-late March is usually past the frost date and early enough to transplant summer garden seedlings, but nighttime temperatures should ideally be above 50°F for tender plants like tomatoes. Because the weather can be unpredictable this time of year, take precautions to protect plants if nighttime temperatures get cold. It is not unusual to get rain with hail in early spring. Try cutting a large clear water bottle or milk jug in half and using it as a cover on your seedling like a little greenhouse. The last weekend of April is a great time to plant your outdoor summer vegetable garden. If transplants are growing well (stocky, not root bound, and no flowers or fruit) and soil temperatures are around 65°F (usually late April or early May in the Sacramento area), plant them in well-amended beds. |
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Monitor soil temperature |
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Check your soil temperature with a soil thermometer or compost thermometer if you have one, before planting warm season vegetables. If the soil temperature is around 65°F and the nighttime air temperatures are consistently above 50°F, it is time to plant tomato and pepper transplants. Wait until the soil has warmed to 70°F before planting squash and melons. Be sure to provide protection for the plants if the weather turns cold. |
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Look for Snails |
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Snails will soon begin their annual trek to your tender, young foliage. Look for them hiding in the evenings beneath plants and piles of lumber now before they start eating. |
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Plant Lettuce |
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Plant loose-leaf lettuce seeds now before it gets too hot. Plant them to the north of taller growing vegetables like tomatoes for summer shade. |
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Look for Caterpillars |
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Redhumped caterpillars will soon start chewing several varieties of tree leaves. Look for them under the foliage. Clip off and discard those leaves. |
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Check out the companion plants along with the harvest and plant guide below for plants to plant by seed or transplant. Consider companion planting caveats when compared to intercropping. |
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Plants to Avoid |
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Basil, Beets, Brussel Sprouts, Chives, Eggplant, Garlic, Green Beans, Onions, Tomatoes |
Fennel, Cabbages, Kohlrabi |
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Spinach, Oregano, Broccoli, Pole Beans, Kohlrabi |
Corn, Fennel |
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Basil and other herbs, Carrots Cucumbers Squash as part of a three-way companion partnership |
Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, potatoes, corn, fennel, and eggplant |
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Beans, Chives, Garden peas, Leeks, Legumes, Lettuce, Onions, Radishes, Tomatoes |
Dill, Fennel, Parsnips |
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Cucumbers, Spinach, Lettuce, Peas, Mint, Parsnips, Beans, Chervil, Dill, Oregano, Peppers, Tomatoes |
Melon, Pumpkin, Corn, Sunflowers, Hyssop, Potatoes, Kohlrabi, Turnips |
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Beans, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Collard Greens, Kale, Kohlrabi, Rutabagas, Turnips, Corn, Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes |
Members of the Cabbage Family, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Squash, Raspberries, Carrots, Asparagus, Sunflowers, Fennel |
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Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Bush beans, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chard, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Onions |
Pole beans, field mustard, and charlock (wild mustard) |
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Pole Beans, Thyme, Squash, Potatoes, Dill, Mint |
Cabbages, Tomatoes, Eggplant, Fennel |
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Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Corn, Cucumbers, eggplants, Peas, Radishes, Rosemary, and Sunflowers |
Basil, Members of the Onion Family, and Kohlrabi |
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Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplants, Peas, Potatoes, Radishes, Rosemary, Strawberries, Squash, Tomatoes, and Kale |
Members of the Onion Family, Peppers, Sunflowers |
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Beans and Peas, Corn, Radishes, Parsley, Spinach, Garlic, Mint |
Potatoes, Pumpkins |
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Peas, corn, beans, lentils, legumes, radishes, beets, carrots, and onions. |
Potatoes, Sage, Melons |
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The Onion family, Bush Beans, Collard Greens, Lettuce and Spinach, Radishes |
Cucumbers, Squash, Pumpkins, Potatoes |
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Radishes, Lettuces |
Melons, Cucumber, and Zucchini |
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Sacramento Area Planting and Harvest Guide |
Also see the UC Sacramento Vegetable Planting Schedule
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This group is about sharing bountiful vegetable gardens with others. |
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Contact Will Cannady for more information. |
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In 2019, Martha Hogan started a local @cityofwestsac Facebook group called #WestsacCropSwap. They share and swap fruits and veggies home grown LOCALLY that would otherwise go to waste. If you know of families that may be in need of healthy fruits or veggies please have them reach out. |
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Sacramento |
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Folsom |
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Citrus Heights |
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Rancho Cordova |
Check out what you can borrow from the Sacramento Library in these categories:
Arts & Crafts ● Electronics & Technology ● Games & Hobbies ● Health
Kitchen Equipment ● Musical Instruments ● Recreation ● Science and Maker
Tools ● Video Games ● Yard Games
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Oak Park What: Free repair: bikes, clothes, lamps, tools, small appliances, knife sharpening. Plus, coffee, tea, snacks, beans & rice When: 11am-2pm, 2nd Saturday of every month Where: Community Shop Class, 3818 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento (turn into parking lot behind Trips For Kids Bike Shop)
West Sacramento What: West Sac residents can repair their bikes, clothing, and electronics for free. When: 10am-1pm, last Saturday of every month Where: Arthur F. Turner Library at 1212 Merkley Ave, West Sacramento. |
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Check out the Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates (SABA), which supports bike infrastructure and safety through advocacy, their Bike Valet program, Ride Ready Repair, BikeMatchSac, bicycle safety at night through Lights On, skills training, and Support for Businesses. |
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Did you know you could get $20 per month for reducing the number of cars on the road and biking in 11 times per month by completing the Bicycle Commuter Program Quarterly Self-Certification form? Check out the Bicycle Commuter Program FAQ for more information. |
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Don’t Change Your Car’s Motor Oil Too Soon - Check Your Number |
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Use CalRecycle’s Check Your Number website to find the manufacturer-recommended oil change intervals for most vehicles (2000 - 2021).
Used oil can contain such contaminants as lead, magnesium, copper, zinc, chromium, arsenic, chlorides, cadmium, and chlorinated compounds (CalRecycle). The “every 3,000 miles or every three months” rule is outdated because of advances in both engines and oil. Many automakers have oil-change intervals at 7,500 or even 10,000 miles and six or 12 months (Consumer Reports). |
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Fuel economy is reduced by 0.2 percent for every 1 pound per square inch (psi) your car is underinflated. That means you could save up to 3 percent in gas mileage, according to the DMV, which is naturally a little more environmentally friendly, too. |
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Save Electricity, Save Money |
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…and save the Planet by running your dishwasher, washer, dryer, or EV charger in off-peak times (typically avoid 4-9pm). Depending on your electricity provider, download, print, and keep handy the rate details schedule from SMUD (like below), PG&E, VCE (Yolo County), or Roseville Electric.
SMUD Rate Schedule
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Super Trees! |
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Consider planting any of these Super Trees! They’re water-wise for the Sacramento area—all but the loquat tree are on the City of Sacramento’s River Friendly Landscape Plant List, they have edible fruit (pomegranate or strawberry) or flavorful leaves (sweet bay), they attract beneficial wildlife, provide cooling shade in the summer, most let warming light through in the winter, and all but the olive have fruit and are free to SMUD customers (subject to availability). Check out SMUD’s Free Shade Tree Program and Free Tree List. |
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Up to 10 Free Trees |
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The Sacramento Tree Foundation will give you up to 10 free trees for your yard. Check out the Shady 80 recommended trees for a cooler Sacramento region. You can also volunteer to help the City plant 25,000 new trees per year through 2045. |
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Free Wood Chips |
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Adding wood chips to your yard each year will lead to healthier plant growth by reducing weeds, cooling the soil in the summer, conserving water, and slowly adding organic matter as it breaks down. You can get free wood chips by signing up for ChipDrop or you can search for tree trimmers in your area, then call or complete their website form to request free wood chips the next time they cut down and shred a tree in your neighborhood. SMUD customers can also pick up wood chips. ChipDrop may give you up to 20 cubic yards, which could cover 9 inches of a standard ranch-style home/property; more than the recommended 4 to 6 inches. To prevent nitrogen depletion or spreading diseases, only apply as ground cover in shrub beds, natural areas, and around trees while keeping the mulch away from the tree trunks and vegetables or annual flower beds. |
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Debbie Arrington is a master rosarian. Kathy Morrison Hellesen is a UCCE master gardener. Together they have more than 60 years of gardening experience in California, most of that in Sacramento's grower-friendly climate. They believe all gardening is local. They both love to cook what they grow. They also are longtime journalists (at the Sacramento Bee and elsewhere) who believe Sacramento deserves local gardening coverage. |
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Take a Plant, Leaf a Plant *Free* Sacramento (Map) |
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Consider donating or volunteering for Harvest Sacramento |
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Resoil Sacramento |
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ReSoil Sacramento advocates for three things that we can do to address our changing climate: 1) compost, 2) grow our own food, and 3) build regenerative, climate-resilient landscapes. Check out the latest and get involved. |
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Consider Donating Extra Produce at any area food pantry |
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Consider forwarding this email to invite a friend or colleague to:
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Note: |
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1) Every pound of homegrown vegetables you grow can cut 2 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions when compared to the store-bought counterpart, although what you eat matters more (e.g., fruits, nuts, and vegetables) than how it’s transported. 2) A single home compost bin diverts approximately 646 pounds of waste from landfill each year. |