96 gal recycling cans come to Discovery Bay, CA
Three years ago the Garaventa Family, owners of Mt Diablo Recycling Center
64 Gal Garbage Yard Waste
in Pittsburgh, CA had a grand vision and this month in Discovery Bay we get the opportunity to participate in their vision and help make it a reality.
As our bins are being delivered over the next few weeks we have choices to make that effect the way our community embraces and accepts the responsibility that has been bestowed upon us. As in “Field of Dreams,” The Garaventa Family built a state of the art 90,000 square foot recycling facility now it’s our turn to keep it busy.
Choice #1 - Are we going to challenge ourselves to truly reduce our waste? Discovery Bay Disposal is offering all residents three different sized garbage waste containers. Most of us are probably comfortable with the 96 gallon container just in case we need it. But what if we can get by with a smaller container such as a 64 gallon or a 32 gallon container? The benefits are you’ll save money on your garbage bill and more importantly you’ll divert garbage going to our local landfill. Think about it. How much garbage do you think we can sustain in Contra Costa County before we eventually reach capacity? We might not run out of capacity in the next few years but our children may have to deal with it when they are older.
Choice #2 - Are we going to change our habits? If you were going to look through your garbage today and actually separate it into the proper containers you’d be amazed. Here is a list of four types of garbage that could be either diverted or not used at all.
1) Vegetable table scraps -Store them in a waste container underneath your sink until you take the trash out. You can throw them in the yard waste or start a compost pile.
2) Paper towels and napkins - How often do we use paper towels or napkins to just wipe up a quick spill or wipe a dirty mouth. Maybe cloth napkins or hand towels could replace them and it would save money too.
3) Cardboard boxes - If you accumulate a lot of useable cardboard boxes post them on Freecycle.org and someone in your local neighborhood will pick them up to use for moving etc.
4) Plastic grocery bags - stop using them at the grocery store instead bring your own bags. There is a great website called “Bagnetic” that sells bags that hang on a hook so they don’t take up much room in your trunk.
Choice #3 - Teach our children the importance of recycling. We need to lead by example and encourage them to separate the trash. After all it’s probably one of their chores anyway. Mt Diablo Recycling offers school presentations and tours of their recycling facility in Pittsburgh. Talk to your children’s teacher about organizing a field trip or plan a family or neighborhood trip of your own. Contact Nicole Adler at (925) 692-2224, or email her at nicole@garaventaent.com.
In conclusion, let’s get excited about this new recycling program by taking action and changing. By the way did you know that currently 30% of our garbage in Contra Costa County is being diverted from the landfill at the Mt Diablo Recycling Center? Wouldn’t it be great to get it up to 50% or higher?
I invite you to post comments and ideas on what works for you. What changes are you making to make a difference.
Have you ever lit a soy wax candle from Tierra Verde Soy Candle Company?
Don’t you hate lighting a candle that doesn’t have any scent? Does it take away the ambiance or mood or make you feel like you are missing an integral part of the candle experience? Have you ever lit a soy wax candle? If you haven’t got any worthy candles to light, you should investigate the titillating soy wax candle scents created by Jeanette Maurer, Partner and Co-Founder of Tierra Verde Soy Candles
Tierra Verde Soy Candles was conceptualized in June 2010 by Jeanette and her brother Bill. The economy and favorable circumstances brought the two of them together in realizing a vision that they wanted to step away from corporate America and be different by creating a quality sustainable product that was useful and kind to the earth. Tierra Verde means “green earth.” The soy wax candles are produced locally outside Turlock in a 3,000 square foot “pour room” as creating soy wax candles is difficult without a controlled temperature.
A portion of Tierra Verde’s profits are donated to a non-profit horse rescue farm called “Heaven Can Wait” which is located outside San Luis Obispo. It is home to many retired race horses or horses that are injured or abused.
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Jeanette at the San Francisco Green Festival in April 2011. I had to stop at her booth as my eyes feasted on the beautiful array of recycled alabaster glass. My nose enjoyed following the wafting scents as I inhaled the high quality aroma of each candle. I received an extra benefit from Jeanette as she educated me on the benefits of purchasing soy wax candles from Tierra Verde Soy Candle Company
Soy wax candles purchased from Tierra Verde Soy Candle Company are:
• produced from a natural and renewable resource.
• non-toxic and water soluble so it is easy to clean up.
• contained in stunning recycled alabaster glass
• clean burning candles that burn longer at a very touchable temperature
• eco friendly the lid is biodegradable with flower seeds that you can plant
• refillable so you can continue to use your favorite candle glass
Their candles are a versatile product that sells well in spas, salons, casinos and gift shops. They make affordable and memorable gifts. You can catch Jeannette at various spa shows or order on-line. If you can’t wait to try them you can purchase them at the following local Bay Area locations:
Artistic Edge (925) 454-0369
21 S Livermore Ave
Livermore, CA 94550
Charlottes Web
2160 Railroad Ave
Livermore, CA 94550
http://www.ci.campbell.ca.us (408) 866-2119
51 North Central Avenue
Campbell, CA 95008
Frizelle Enos
265 Petaluma Ave
Sebastopol, CA
Skinsense (925) 283-7546
925 Village Center #1
Lafayette, CA 94549
Good Vibrations 530-258-GOOD (4663)
278 Main St.
Chester, Ca 96020
KURE Wellness Retreat 925 837-7600
145 E. Prospect Avenue Suite 202
Danville, CA 94526
Patio Fireplace 925.648.0293
3426 Camino Tassajara
Danville, CA 94506
Sonoma Home (707) 939-6900
497 1st Street West
Sonoma, CA 95476-6608
Trinidad Trading 707.677.0711
460 Main Street
Trinidad, CA 95570
University Art Annex Palo Alto (650) 328-3500
267 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
El Camino Hospital Gift Store (650) 940-7000
2500 Grant Road
Mountain View, CA 94040
3 Steps to Save Money, Save Energy, and Reduce CO2, Doing Your Laundry
I’ve been pondering ways to save money and reduce my energy consumption around the house and I stumbled upon interesting ways to save money doing my laundry.
First a few facts:
1) According to a laundry article I found on the City of Concord’s website, doing your laundry has a significant impact on our environment. Did you know that over the lifetime of a T-shirt up to 9 lbs of carbon dioxide can be release in the air just through washing and drying?
These are general usage cost for a family of 4 for a washer and dryer
Clothes washer (with hot water) -
Electricity kWh/yr - 1,080
Cost /Year - $86
CO2 emitted/yr 1,544
Clothes washer (minus hot water)
Electricity kWh/yr - 99
Cost /Year $8
CO2 emitted/yr 142
Clothes dryer
Electricity kWh/yr - 1,060 -
Cost /Year $85 -
CO2 emitted/yr- 1,516
Surprising huh?
So what is my plan? Well, I have a few obstacles but I can still make a difference. First the simple fix……
1) Wash my clothes in cold water. I had no idea that the hot water consumed 90 percent of a washers energy usage.
Second fix a little more challenging but doable……
2) Line dry my clothes. This is FREE SOLAR ENERGY and another big way to save on energy, laundry supplies and to preserve the longevity of your clothing. Have you ever smelled line dried sheets and towels? They are the best! Did you know the sun is a natural whitener as well as a natural antibacterial? A couple of challenges are living in a community that doesn’t let you hang your laundry as mine doesn’t allow you to hand your laundry outside. I’m thinking about hanging my laundry in the garage or you can watch this funny video clip that is trying to get a petition signed so it is a right to hang your laundry. Check it out here.
Another advantage to line drying is you don’t need to use bleach or fabric softener, just shake, snap and hang your clothes upside down. If you really don’t like the stiffness of your jeans just toss them in the dryer for a couple of minute on wrinkle release.
3) Finally, use a really good biodegradable phosphate free laundry soap.
Here’s a link to some laundry soap options
Is There a Green Light for the “Kia Ray” to Enter the Hybrid Market?
At the recently held 2010 Chicago Auto show, Kia unveiled a snazzy concept hybrid car “The Kia Ray” that turned a few heads at this prestigious show. Upon a first glance, this car proves to be very eye catching with its EcoDynamic inspired design. This amazing four seat compact sedan has a proposed mileage range of about 746 miles with an impressive fuel rating of 202 mpg. The battery alone can power the car for about 50 miles on a single charge. This truly green car reduces its carbon footprint by utilizing roof top cool glazing solar glass and recycled materials whenever possible
Kia’s popularity has been gaining momentum in the US market since it’s official entry into the market in 1994. Recently Kia opened a plant in Georgia employing 2,500 people and creating an additional 7,500 jobs in the surrounding area. Their best quarter sales were stated in 2009. They continue to diligently and methodically market themselves and are spreading their consumer awareness through providing an affordable vehicle and a solid 10 year 100,000 mile warranty.
If you are curious about how the various Kia vehicles perform, rent a Kia on your next vacation or road trip. Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Dollar, National & Alamo all provide Kia car rentals. Do your own research, make your own decision and remember, invest your money wisely. Choose companies and products that resonate with your core beliefs.
Buy Sustainable Carpet Made from Recycled Bottles and Corn Sugar?
February 6, 2010 by Diana
Filed under Do It Yourself, Our Blog
Yep, you heard it right here. I am amazed by what kinds of buying choices we can make these days when it comes to
Carpet
From a sustainable standpoint:
• Every 7 yards of SmartStrand carpet produced saves one gallon of gasoline unlike a 100% petroleum based polyester carpet.
• Mohawk uses over 3 billion recycled plastic bottles to manufacture carpet (Mohawk EverStrand carpet)
• The “Triexta” fiber has been placed into their own subclass by the Federal Trade Commission so this fiber is NOT associated or categorized as a “polyester or nylon” carpet.
• The manufacturing process generates on average around 63% less greenhouse gases and 30% less energy that a nylon manufactured product
What is so special about the quality of Trixeta Smartstrand Sorona Carpet?
• Kid friendly
• Allergy Free
• Bleach resistant
• Soft texture
• Virtually no static
• Durable and wears well.
Overall, most of the reviews I’ve read on the internet have been positive. Consumers purchasing Triexta Smartstrand Sorona carpet are making a strong green statement that says we all can make better decisions about what companies we support and that we do have the choice to purchase quality products that make a difference. I encourage you to look in your neighborhood and find a flooring company that carries this carpet and make your own decision.
7 things to renew, change and Green in the New Year!
It’s time to take all the green ideas I learned in 2009 and start applying it with zest and zeal in 2010! I love New Years Day. I hung my new calendar up on the wall it’s all blank and waiting with expectation for what I will fill it with this year. My head is full of ideas, hope and inspiration for the new year.
So what am I going to do this year that is different from last year? I’m going to take small baby steps like Bill Murray did in his endearing role in “ What About Bob?.” Although I am not fearful of what the new year holds for me I am conscience that I want to do my part to leave this earth in better shape than when I arrived. After all, through birth I was put upon this earth not through my conscience choice. But I do have a choice to become a servant leader and act like a guest that is temporarily visiting our planet.
With that in mind I want to continually grow in awareness of what I can do to change.
1) Read more books. Leaders are readers and I will read, absorb and summarize for my loyal fans interesting and thought provoking books pertaining to anything green. I’ve already selected my first two books. Go Green, Live Rich: 50 Simple Ways to Save the Earth and Get Rich Trying
2) Work towards not generating as much trash. I’ve noticed over the past year my trash can isn’t overflowing like it used to but there has got to be a more efficient way to recycle that doesn’t require continually walking all the recyclable material to the garage, separating it and either giving it to our disposal company or taking it to the recycler ourselves to make a little money. I’m pondering ideas that don’t create the trash in the first place.
3) I’m definitely growing the garden again especially tomatoes I learned a few things that worked and I’m going to not use miracle grow or any pesticides this year. I’m going to figure it out naturally. I was not successful at composting last year I created some nasty smelling sludge. I think I’m interested enough that I will invest in a good composting bin. I’ll check in with Ed Begley and see what he’s up to.
5) I’m working on making better food choices. I don’t know how I can eat or get my family to eat more fruits and vegetables so I’m committing myself to learn a few in season recipes so I can save money on our grocery bill, provide better nutrition and I think seasonal eating will be interesting. We tried spaghetti squash last night and it was really good.
6) I will bike and walk more. We are blessed to live in a community where we are within walking distance to our school, church, pizza, sushi and friends. I’m going to be more conscience about not driving a few blocks when it is not necessary. I know I do not have the discipline to exercise as a pastime and so I need to incorporate exercise in part of my daily activities.
7) I’m looking for like minded local businesses whom I can support and endorse in my community. You don’t know what you don’t know. I’m going to take my purchasing power and spend it more wisely this year.
Okay, I’ve committed in writing for all the world to see that although I’m not an expert on anything green, I’m not an environmentalist or an activist (yet) I truly want to continually educate myself and others that we do have options, we can think outside the box, and yes we can change the world. Don’t let anyone tell you any differently.
