Sustainability Interest Group - Getting Plastic Out of Your Life!
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
*** Fair Oaks EcoHousing video is coming soon
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Getting Plastic Out of Your Life! |
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
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We made it through the holidays and may have even gone through the item return rodeo to narrow down those gifts (including gifts to yourself) to the one that finally meets all your criteria. PFAS-free cookware? Plastic-free clothing? A printer without ink that dries up after a couple uses? Hopefully, we’re all at least slowly going through that evolution of ridding ourselves of plastic one product at a time. Let’s share some of that in-depth research you might’ve done before, during, or after the holidays and learn from each other. What works for you? Was there a more plastic-free version of that holiday gift? Maybe we’ll figure it out together before next holiday season! |
Facilities
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California Recycling Facility to Transform Food and Beverage Cartons into Building Materials |
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Waste360, January 29, 2025
A partnership between the Carton Council, Elof Hansson USA Inc. and the Upcycling Group will bring a new recycling manufacturing facility to Lodi, California, by the end of Q3. Designed to transform post-consumer food and beverage cartons into durable, sustainable building materials, the facility will support regional recycling efforts and help meet the growing demand for sustainable construction materials. The manufacturing method involves shredding used gable top and aseptic cartons and bonding them into large, durable sheets.
The bill mandates that certain apparel and textile producers establish a Producer Responsibility Organization to fund reuse, repair and recycling programs in California. This initiative aims to combat the estimated 1.2 million tons of unused textiles dumped in California landfills in 2021.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. |
Recycling
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Resource Recycling, January 28, 2025
The U.S. EPA’s recent recycling infrastructure report was largely focused on the investments needed to improve the system but also included new recycling rate estimates for specific materials... PET bottles: 23.2%. PET rigids: 5.9%. HDPE bottles: 22.7%. Aluminum: 36.9%. Steel: 31.2%. Cardboard: 53.5%. Paper: 29.6%. Glass: 41.4%. Total: 38.9%. |
Organic Waste
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Ventura County Star, January 26, 2025
You paid to get into an event. You waited in a line for food. When you finish eating and are eager to enjoy the event, are you willing to spend time looking for a recycling container?
Unless recycling at events is convenient and well marked, many otherwise decent people, in their rush to return to activities, may just throw away all their leftovers in one container. Bottles, cans and food leftovers sent to landfills waste resources. Food sent to landfills emits methane gas, a climate-changing gas far more powerful than carbon, when it rots without oxygen. |
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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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Thyme |
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Size: 12 x 8 inches Water Requirement: Medium Type: Perennial Ground Cover
Edible Uses: Leaves and flowering tops - raw in salads, used as a garnish or added as a flavoring to cooked foods, going especially well with mushrooms and zucchinis. It is an essential ingredient of the herb mix 'bouquet garni.' It retains its flavor well in long slow cooking. The leaves can be used either fresh or dried. If the leaves are to be dried, the plants should be harvested in early and late summer just before the flowers open and the leaves should be dried quickly. A nutritional analysis is available. An aromatic tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves. Pungent and spicy.
Physical Characteristics: Thyme is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year and in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Known Hazards: A comment has been made in one report on medicinal uses that the plant should be used with caution. No explanation was given. It quite possibly refers to overuse of the essential oil. All essential oils, since they are so concentrated, can be harmful in large doses. Avoid if inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Internal use contraindicated, especially in pregnancy. Caution if sensitive to grasses. Dilute oil in carrier oil before topical use. |
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February 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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Feed your Asparagus |
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Asparagus shoots will start to pop up in February. It’s a good time to feed them a balanced fertilizer. |
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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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Place Mulch Around Trees |
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Add three inches of mulch under your fruit trees and shrubs to keep weeds down. Keep the mulch at least an inch away from the trunks to avoid rot. |
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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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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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Radish, Squash, Pumpkin, Cucumber, Carrot, Lettuce, Chard, Tomatoes, Spinach, Parsley, Basil, Rosemary, Marjoram, Chives, Dill |
Apricots, Corn, Fennel, Beans, Kale, Broccoli, Kohlrabi, 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. |