Sustainability Interest Group - “Fair Oaks EcoHousing” ***with new Zoom link***
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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Meeting ID: 993 1671 8356 Passcode: 825319 Find your local number | Join by SIP One tap mobile +16694449171,,99316718356#,,,,*825319# US +16699006833,,99316718356#,,,,*825319# US (San Jose)
***We will use this Zoom meeting link this week to aid in recording this meeting for those who cannot attend.*** |
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Discuss “Fair Oaks EcoHousing” with the Development Consultant and Founding Resident |
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
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Living sustainably at home, from replacing your lawn with native plants to retrofitting rain barrels can be a challenge. But if you could start sustainable living from scratch and build the kind of community you wish you could have, Fair Oaks EcoHousing just might be the example you were looking for. Let’s start off the new year learning how sustainable community living can be.
Studies suggest cohousing can improve physical and mental health through social support, sense of community, and physical, emotional, and economic security, at a time when one third of Americans describe themselves as seriously lonely. Cohousing residents actively participate in the design and operation of their neighborhood, are typically made up of 10 to 40 attached or single-family homes with traditional amenities and a private kitchen, and commonly share space and resources for cooking, laundry, and recreation.
Katie McCamant is a cohousing development consultant, architect, founding resident of cohousing developments in Emeryville and Nevada City, nationwide cohousing community development consultant, and coauthor of the authoritative book on cohousing, Cohousing: A Contemporary Approach to Housing Ourselves, which introduced this housing model to North America.
Marty Maskall is a retired web designer, author, publisher, and the founding resident of Fair Oaks EcoHousing, which was resident-ready by summer 2020. |
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
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In our November 12 meeting, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and author, Edward Humes talked about his latest book, Total Garbage, How We Can Fix Our Waste and Heal Our World. dives into how plastic waste, our energy sources, home sustainability, food sources, and the car of the future are total garbage! |
Zero Waste
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Earth 911, December 30, 2024
The holidays are a time for joy but also generate lots of waste. String lights for Christmas trees and outdoor decor often end up in landfills. Luckily, there are plenty of options for recycling string lights, ensuring they don’t contribute to environmental harm. Here’s everything you need to know to dispose of your old or broken string lights responsibly. String lights are made of copper, glass, plastic, and, in the case of LED lights, semiconductor materials, all of which can be reused or recycled. However, they also contain non-biodegradable materials and sometimes toxic components, such as lead, which can leach into the environment if improperly disposed of. Recycling ensures these valuable materials are reused while harmful substances are handled safely. |
Plastics/Packaging
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Foods with the most plastic chemicals. Study reveals surprising results |
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Newsweek, December 30, 2024
A new study highlights the alarming extent of plastic contamination in foods. These findings come from investigations by PlasticList, an independent research group that has tested dozens of products for harmful plastic-related chemicals. Testing revealed the highest levels of phthalates in the following products across major food categories:
Beverages/Fast Food: McDonald's Vanilla Shake was found to have the highest DEHP.
Dairy: Whole Foods Mozzarella String Cheese Low-Moisture Part-Skim.
Prepared Meals: Kraft Mac & Cheese, measured after microwaving.
Seafood: Whole Foods Cold Smoked Atlantic Salmon |
Plastics/Packaging
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Global
plastic treaty failed. This ocean conservation |
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NBC News, December 31, 2024
Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš was hoping she’d be a part of history last month when more than 170 countries gathered in Busan, South Korea, to forge a legally binding global treaty to curb plastic pollution. “We were hoping this was the last meeting,” the California-based ocean conservation expert, who was part of the U.S. delegation, told NBC News. And as the year comes to an end, the Mexican American environmental leader and founder of Azul, a nonprofit to preserve marine resources, remains positive and focused on the work ahead. |
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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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White Mulberry |
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Photo credit: Luis Fernández García L. Fdez. / 2005-06-05 / Parque Ana Tutor, Madrid.
Size: 59 ft. x 32 ft. Water Requirement: Medium Type: Tree
Edible Uses: Fruit - raw. A sweet taste, but the fruit is usually insipid. It contains about 1.5% protein, 0.5% fat, 8% carbohydrate, 0.7% malic acid. Fruits of the cultivar 'Pendulum' tried at Kew in July 1994 had a pleasant flavor. A richer flavor develops if the fruit is dried, it can then be used as a raisin substitute. The fruit is up to 1 inch long. Some caution is advised, see the notes below on toxicity. Per 100 g, the fruit is reported to contain 87.5 g water, 1.5 g protein, 0.49 g fat, 8.3 g carbohydrates, 1.4 g fiber, 0.9 g ash, 80 mg Ca, 40 mg P, 1.9 mg Fe, 174 IU vit. A, 9 g thiamine, 184 µg riboflavin, 0.8 mg nicotinic acid, and 13 mg ascorbic acid. Young leaves and shoots - cooked. A famine food, used when all else fails. The leaf makes a good vegetable, it is rich in carotene and calcium. Protein preparations from young mulberry leaves form an excellent supplement to protein-deficient diets. The dry leaves contain 18 - 28.8% protein, 0.2 - 0.7% Magnesium, 0.8 - 13.6% soluble sugars, 0.6 - 1.4% phosphorus, 2 - 3.9% potassium, 1.4 - 2.4% calcium, 0.8 - 1.8% aluminum, 0.05 - 0.26% iron, 1.8 - 2.6% silica, and 0.3 - 0.56% sulfur. The leaf also contains 10% tannin. Inner bark - roasted and ground into a meal then used as a thickener in soups etc. or mixed with cereals when making bread. The tree is said to be a source of an edible manna. Young shoots can be used as a tea substitute.
Physical Characteristics: This deciduous tree grows at a medium rate. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral, and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Known Hazards: One report suggests the raw fruit contains hallucinogens. This fruit is frequently eaten in various parts of the world, there are even some named varieties, and no such effects have been mentioned elsewhere, nor observed by the writer when he has eaten the fruit. Possibly the unripe fruit was being referred to in the report, though even this would be surprising. |
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January Gardening Tips |
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Prune – Perennials, Shrubs, or Trees |
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Hold off until February before pruning any perennials, shrubs, or trees injured during December's nearly freezing mornings. Any open wounds may invite further disaster if it gets colder again with snow at higher elevations and any rain. |
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Pruning Deciduous Fruit Trees, Grapes and Roses |
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January is a good time to prune deciduous fruit trees, grapes and roses. |
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Add Leaf Curl Leaves to Compost if… |
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If your peach or nectarine trees had leaf curl this year, you can add the leaves to your compost bin if you add lots of green material to your bin to get the temperature up over 120 degrees to kill the fungus. To achieve this or higher temperatures and to ensure cooking of the fungus you could also add steer manure (about 6 to 8 cups per bag of leaves) to add about 10 - 15 degrees temperature to the bin. A 20-inch stem compost thermometer is ideal. The bin needs to stay this hot for 24 hours to cook the fungus. |
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Spray for Peach Leaf Curl |
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Spray your deciduous fruit trees this month for peach leaf curl – check your local nursery for the right spray for your particular fruit tree variety. |
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Start Tomato and Pepper Seeds Indoors |
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Find a good sunny window or fluorescent light to keep them going until spring. |
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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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Lettuce, Radish, Spinach, Cucumbers, Shallots, Onions, Chard, Garlic, Potatoes, Celery, Dill, Mint, Basil, Thyme, Rosemary, Beets |
Eggplant, Tomatoes, Peppers, Mustard, Beans, Melons, Strawberries, Asparagus, Pumpkins, Corn |
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Onions, Shallots, Garlic, Beans, Celery, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Mustard Greens, Kale, Cabbage, Spinach, Chard, Radishes, Cucumbers, Sage, Thyme, Mint |
Tomatoes, Corn, Peas, Pumpkins, Melons |
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Beans, beets, celery, onions, peas, potatoes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, kale, kohlrabi, rutabagas, turnips |
Lettuce, strawberries, tomatoes, rue |
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Beets, carrots, parsnips, strawberries, radishes, onions, asparagus, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, peas, spinach, tomatoes, sunflowers |
Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower |
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Broccoli, Kale, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Tomatoes, Lettuce, Strawberries, Peppers |
Peas, beans, sage, asparagus, other onions, garlic, leeks, shallots |
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Beets, Carrots, Cole crops, Eggplant, Peppers, Potatoes, Tomatoes |
Asparagus, peas, beans, sage, parsley and strawberries |
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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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Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Bush beans, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chard, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Onions |
Pole beans, field mustard, and charlock (wild mustard) |
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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. |