Sustainability Interest Group - Discuss “Total Garbage” with Author, Edward Humes
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
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Discuss “Total Garbage” with Author, Edward Humes |
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
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Help celebrate America Recycles Day this week by joining the discussion with Edward Humes, author of his latest book, Total Garbage, How We Can Fix Our Waste and Heal Our World. In Total Garbage, you’ll find the story of game changers and ordinary people doing extraordinary things to tackle waste and all the health, environmental, and economic costs it drives. And they’re showing the rest of us how.
Edward Humes will talk about the single mom in Maine who has taken on multinational beverage and snack food giants to reinvent our broken recycling system and force producers of plastic pollution to clean up their mess instead of making taxpayers foot the bill. That led to California’s Packaging EPR program, which has been called one of the most significant pieces of environmental legislation passed in decades in terms of impact, scope, and costs. He’ll talk about the residents of a community where people rarely use their gas-powered cars; a farm town in Minnesota that has partnered with the local university to go all-in on renewables; restaurant chefs in Pennsylvania and California who are championing a more efficient, healthy, less wasteful way to cook; and the former financier in Los Angeles who wants to turn your water-wasting lawn into an urban microfarm.
Edward Humes is a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and author of 17 nonfiction books including Garbology, Door-to-Door, and The Forever Witness. He lives with his family in Santa Barbara, grew up in Philadelphia, and graduated from Hampshire College in Amherst, Mass. |
Organic Waste
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FOODTANK, November 7, 2024
The weight of unsold food dropped by 25 percent in grocery stores on the American West Coast over a four-year period, according to a study from the Pacific Coast Food Waste Commitment (PCFWC) in partnership with the nonprofit ReFED. PCFWC is a public-private partnership and voluntary agreement signed by businesses, government bodies, and other groups working toward industry-wide actions to prevent and reduce food waste. The Commitment includes stakeholders in California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. According to the study, grocery stores were able to reduce the amount of unsold food by almost 190,000 tons in monitored stores between 2019 and 2022. Unsold food rates “measure the share of inventory retailers fail to sell,” the report says. |
Textiles
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Bio-based fibers could pose greater threat than conventional plastics |
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Phys.org, November 5, 2024
Bio-based materials may pose a greater health risk to some of the planet's most important species than the conventional plastics they are designed to replace.
Such materials are increasingly being advocated as environmentally friendly alternatives to plastics, and used in textiles and products including clothing, wet wipes and period products.
To address that, a study in the journal Environmental Science and Technology has tested the effects of conventional polyester fibers and two bio-based fibers—viscose and lyocell—on earthworms, a species critical to the health of soils globally. |
Textiles
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Resource Recycling, November 5, 2024
Goodwill is continuing to develop its potential as a hub for not only reusing textiles but also recycling them with a new multi-year pilot program.
In collaboration with waste hauler WM and textile recycler Reju, Goodwill is looking to create a model for regional textile collection, sortation, reuse and recycling that uses existing collection infrastructure and plays on each partner’s strengths, Jen Lake, president and CEO of Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, said in an interview with Resource Recycling. Lake also acts as chair of the Goodwill Circularity Subcommittee. |
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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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Maidenhair Tree |
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Size: 98 ft. x 29 ft. Water Requirement: Medium Type: Tree Edible Uses: Seed - raw (in small quantities) or cooked. A soft and oily texture, the seed has a sweet flavor and tastes somewhat like a large pine nut. The baked seed makes very pleasant eating, it has a taste rather like a cross between potatoes and sweet chestnuts. The seed can be boiled and used in soups, porridges etc. It needs to be heated before being eaten in order to destroy a mildly acrimonious principle. Another report says that the seed can be eaten raw whilst another says that large quantities of the seed are toxic. See the notes above on toxicity for more details. The raw seed is said to have a fish-like flavor. The seed is rich in niacin. It is a good source of starch and protein but is low in fats. These fats are mostly unsaturated or monosaturated. A more detailed nutritional analysis is available. An edible oil is obtained from the seed.
Physical Characteristics: This deciduous tree grows at a slow rate. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by wind. The plant is not 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution. Female trees, which bear fruit, produce seeds that have a putrid odor after rotting on the ground for several days.
Known Hazards: The seed contains a mildly acrimonious principle that is unstable when heated. It is therefore best to cook the seed before eating it to ensure any possible toxicity is destroyed. This acrimonious principle is probably 4'-methoxypyridoxine, which can destroy vitamin B6. It is more toxic for children, but the raw nuts would have to be eaten often over a period of time for the negative effects to become apparent. Avoid if known allergy to Ginkgo or cross-react species (cashew, poison ivy). Not recommended for children. Avoid if on blood thinning medication (e.g., warfarin). Discontinue prior to surgery. Avoid parenteral use as possible hypotension, shock, dizziness. Excessive seed ingestion can cause 'gin-man' food poisoning. |
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October Gardening Tips |
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Rake and Remove Only Some Leaves |
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Experts say raking and removing leaves can be worse for your yard – and for the planet, too. Mow and mulch and/or leave some in your yard to help fertilize your grass and other plants, provide shelter for animals (though beware of facilitating a rat habitat), and even reduce emissions from landfills. Your leaves are not likely to “smother” your grass since there is enough stored energy in the turf that it will not die unless the turf is not well established, or you have a lot more than a good four to six inches of leaves. Especially if your HOA requires it, you prefer it aesthetically, or for safety over concrete (slips and falls), you can also rake and bag the leaves to use for a good nitrogen layer in your compost over time. However, one study suggests leaving leaves, leaves biogenic persistent free radicals especially if toxic, and if leaf litter has degraded over multiple wet and dry cycles. |
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Spread Compost Material |
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Now is a good time to spread your compost material around your beds before planting winter crops.. |
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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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Clear your Summer Garden |
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Your summer garden is getting limited returns. It’s time to throw your summer vegetable garden in the green waste. |
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Avoid Pest Problems |
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Clean up and discard your unwanted fallen fruit and vegetables – avoid composting pests. Pests can thrive and survive in them through next year. |
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Plant Trees |
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This is a great time for planting new trees and shrubs. They will have the fall and winter to establish themselves. to avoid stem rot, plant the top of the root ball so it is about an inch above the soil line to allow for settling. |
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Plant Garlic |
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Guidance varies but September to December is a good time to plant bulbs. Planting earlier in the season tends to result in a higher yield at harvest. The way to be sure is to use a soil thermometer. When the soil temperature is 60° at a depth of 4 inches, then plant your garlic. Be patient, it can take 9 to 10 months to harvest. See the UCCE Master Gardener guidance for more. |
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Tomato Hornworms |
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If you’re not going with the no-till gardening approach, look for hibernating tomato hornworms in your soil about four inches under your tomato plants and get rid of them. They are about two inches long.
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Dried Hachiya Persimmons (Hoshigaki) |
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As nighttime temperatures drop below 50°F, you can cut down any Hachiya persimmons with the stem still attached so you can hang it by the stems. Use a vegetable peeler to peel the skins and massage it over the next 6 weeks to get the sugars to come out.
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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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Beets, Brassicas (e.g., Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kohlrabi, kale), Melons, Lettuce, Peppers, Tomatoes, Strawberries, Carrots |
Sage, Other onion family plants (garlic, leeks, shallots, chives, scallions) |
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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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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. |