It’s all smiles when you’re at the Fall Social tasting craft beers!
It is with great excitement I Love A Clean San Diego announces the date of our fall social event, “Brews by the Bay!”
Brews by the Bay ILACSD Fall Social Fundraiser Thursday, October 12, 2017
5:30-8:30 pm
Catamaran Hotel and Resort 3999 Mission Blvd San Diego, CA 92109
Please join ILACSD as we celebrate another year of making a positive difference in our community through environmental education and direct action to protect our precious home.
An evening not to be missed, “Brews by the Bay” will be held on Thursday, October 12th from 5:30-8:30 pm at the iconic Catamaran Hotel and Resort. This lovely evening will include hosted beverages, delicious food, photo booth, live music, raffle, an exciting silent auction, and a special awards ceremony where we will honor those in our community who are making an incredible difference through their dedication to protecting the environment.
Enjoying a glass of wine while basking in the beautiful views at The Catamaran Resort!
Guests will also enjoy fun games, an “Octoberfest Beers & Bites” activity, and much more! Silent auction items include such great prizes as high-end Sony photography equipment, a Hawaiian vacation, Disneyland passes, wine tasting baskets, and many other fabulous treats! Business casual attire is encouraged, but this event will be outdoors on the beautiful Catamaran grounds, so please wear comfortable shoes.
Get your hands on some fantastic prizes with our raffle and silent auction!
Tickets are $45 and can be found online here. A limited number of tickets will be available online the week of the event and at the door for $50 each. Get your tickets early and save!
Don’t miss out on this wonderful event for an even better cause, our beautiful San Diego!
Limited sponsorship opportunities available, please contact Janelle Hickey at jhickey@cleansd.org for more information
We can’t wait to see you at “Brews by the Bay!”
Tickets are $45 August 1st – October 8th
Tickets are $50 October 9th – October 12th
For more information, please visit www.cleansd.org or call 619-291-0103.
The idea of zero waste can seem overwhelming to many, and sometimes just convincing family and kids to pitch in can be enough to stop the most eager zero-waster in their tracks. We’re here to offer some tips and suggestions for getting the whole family on board for practicing (and enjoying) a zero waste life!
Grocery Shopping for the Family:
The key to embracing a zero waste lifestyle at home is as simple as preferring reusable items to disposables. The best place to start is at the store. Grocery stores are full of food that comes prepackaged in disposable wrappers and containers. Most of this packaging, including plastic produce and grocery bags, are considered “soft plastics” and cannot be recycled with other materials. By shopping in bulk and using reusable bags and jars, you are preventing this waste from entering your home in the first place. When you’re done shopping, try making a dish from scratch from the foods you bought and packing lunches for school and work with reusable containers and utensils.
Avoid disposable prepackaged foods. Pack your kid’s lunch with reusable items instead!
Toys, Clothes, and Everything Else that Ends Up on the Floor:
On the topic of shopping, a big culprit of waste can be compulsive buys- things we want in the moment but get minimal use out of before tossing them. This could be anything from clothing to toys to food. To prevent this, buy only what you need or know you are going to use. Yes, this includes all the toys and games your kids probably ask for. It may be tough at first, but encourage your kids to value and take care of what they have (this is a tough one, but we believe in you). When you do need something, use second-hand stores as your first stop to look. Similarly, instead of throwing away good items you no longer need or want, consider giving them a new life through donation.
Buy your toys second hand. When you’re done with them, donate them instead of tossing them!
Cleaning Up that Neverending Mess:
Anyone with children (and without) knows that messes are bound to happen, but they don’t have to set you back on your zero waste journey. To clean up spills or wash surfaces, opt for reusable cloths and DIY cleaning products instead of paper towels and store-bought chemical cleaners. Most DIY household cleaners only require a few ingredients, and chances are you already have most of them lying around! For example, an effective all-purpose cleaner can be made with white vinegar, baking soda, water, and essential oils.
Fill the Calendar with Zero Waste Family Fun:
It’s important to note that zero waste doesn’t have to be all about the stuff you have; it can also be about the things you do! A great way to get the whole family engaged is to have fun doing activities that let you spend time together without creating trash. Some options include visiting a park or beach, checking some books or movies out from the library, exploring a museum or aquarium, riding bikes, crafting using upcycled materials, and, of course, participating in an ILACSD cleanup! San Diego has an endless supply of places to explore, and by living zero waste you and your family can enjoy them while knowing that you are doing your part in keeping them clean and beautiful!
Participate in zero waste activities as a family. Join ILACSD for a cleanup and enjoy the outdoors while improving it!
Don’t forget, zero waste is a journey. You don’t get kicked out of the club if you slip up or struggle. With a family, this journey does take a little more effort, but your efforts will pay off for your kids. By following even a few of these tips, you’re helping leave the world much better off for your children (and eventually their children) to enjoy!
This article was authored by our Education Specialist, Alaine!
When it comes to going zero waste, composting often seems to be one the most intimidating step to take. Yes, composting definitely requires more time up front compared to swapping out single-use items for reusable options, but the process is not nearly as time consuming or scary as you might imagine. To help ease any fears that might still have you feeling hesitant, some of the ILACSD team is giving you a look into their own experiences with composting for the first time!
Emily showing Lauren and Moriah how to make their own vermicomposting bin!
But let’s get started with a review of some basics when it comes to composting. Composting is the process of converting food scraps and yard waste into compost, an organic, nutrient-rich alternative to fertilizer in your garden or your potted plants. According to the Center for Sustainable Energy’s Equinox Project, organic waste makes up one-third of the waste in San Diego’s landfills. By composting, we can divert organic waste from landfills where it can release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
In the I Love A Clean San Diego office, we have multiple team members who collect food waste to be brought back to their composting bins. This past June, Moriah and Lauren made their vermicomposting bins and began their own composting journeys! With a few simple tools, we enjoyed time in the sun making the bins and learning all the details of vermicomposting!
Both Moriah and Lauren have been using their vermicomposting bins about a month now. With that experience under their belt, we checked back in to see how the process has been going. Lauren explained, “I have to say it’s intimidating to have another thing to take care of in my household, but the simplicity and beauty of this natural process are what astonishes me the most, day after day.” Moriah shared how having Emily – our Education Manager and composting expert – in our office as a resource impacted her experience:
“Having Emily as a resource has been super helpful. She has even responded to Snapchats I’ve sent to her of the bin to let me know if it looks like it is healthy and thriving. Emily’s help and the resources in our office have led to a pretty healthy bin. The worms are breeding and eating everything much quicker than I expected!”
Worms for the vermicomposting bins!
With a flourishing, healthy bin, Moriah has been able to show off her composting skills with her friends and family. By passing along her knowledge and story, she is creating a community she can be a resource for when it comes to vermicomposting.
“Whenever I have people over, I get to be the “worm girl,” showing off the bin and talking about how easy it has been to set up. They are always amazed that it doesn’t smell, that it’s small, and by all the things the worms eat. When we hosted a 4th of July party, people had fun (I think) digging in the bin to give the worms their watermelon rinds. Friends have even given me their rotten vegetables to put in the bin, saving those from going to the landfill.”
Composting does not have to be the unbeatable zero waste giant some imagine it to be. Finding your community, ask questions, and just taking the first step is really all it takes! So why wait? Start your own composting journey today!
On Saturday, June 24th, I Love A Clean San Diego celebrated our annual Summer Social: “Toasts & Tacos”
Delicious tacos from Rubio’s and tasty beer from ChuckAlek at our Summer Social!
This SOLD OUT event brought over 100 guests to the ChuckAlek Biergarten for a fun and relaxed afternoon to support the environmental and educational programming offered by ILACSD. Guests enjoyed delicious tacos from Rubio’s Coastal Grill, as well as signature craft beers by ChuckAlek Biergarten.
Iliana Ortiz & Dee Jay Acoustic Duo (featuring David Sullivan on drums!)
Lively music was provided by the local group, Dee Jay & Iliana Acoustic Duo (featuring David Sullivan on drums), kept the party going with their fresh takes on some of our favorite songs. A lively raffle was held with terrific prizes such as homemade jam made by an ILACSD Board Member, tickets to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, a set of tickets to an upcoming San Diego Padres game, lunch for two at the Liberty Station Slater’s 50/50 restaurant, and the most sought after item—a one night stay at local luxury hotel, Tower 23 in Pacific Beach with a generous gift certificate for dinner for two at adjoining restaurant, JRDN.
Can’t win if you don’t play! A few attendees hoping their raffle tickets are lucky!
Funds raised at this event support the ongoing educational programming, community cleanup events, recycling and hazardous household waste information services, robust internship program, and other volunteer efforts of I Love A Clean San Diego. We are so appreciative of all our new and old friends who joined in this terrific event! Save the date for the next ILACSD fundraiser, our annual fall social, “Brews on the Bay”, which will be held on Thursday, October 12th from 5:30 pm-8:30 pm at the beautiful Catamaran Resort Hotel. Limited sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Janelle Hickey, Development Manager, at 619-704-2788 or via email at jhickey@cleansd.org.
Did you miss out on the fun at “Toasts & Tacos”? Make sure to reserve your tickets ASAP for “Brews on the Bay” when they go on sale on August 1, 2017!
This article was authored by our Development Manager, Janelle!
Plastic is ubiquitous, and sadly, it does not biodegrade. Instead, it goes through a process called photodegradation, which means the sun’s UV light actually breaks down the plastic into smaller and smaller pieces until it is so incredibly tiny we can hardly see it. Microplastics and the chemicals and toxins that it takes to create plastic will regrettably be in the environment forever.
We need to move away from plastic dependency.
Today, we will identify some main plastic pollution offenders and then offer suggestions and alternatives you can apply in your journey to becoming plastic free! So let’s tackle a low hanging fruit, straws. The history of straws is built mostly on convenience; they are impractical, not recyclable. It’s easy to say no to straws, simply ask your server or local barista to go sans straw, it might be intimidating the first couples tries, but with enough practice and exposure, it will become second nature to ask for a drink without a straw. If you can’t live without a straw, because driving and drinking smoothies can be dangerous, grab yourself a reusable straw for when you are on the go.
Kick your plastic habit and switch to a reusable straw!
Next, swap out your traditional toothbrush for a bamboo handle toothbrush. Instead of heading to a landfill like a traditional toothbrush, the bamboo one is biodegradable, but remember to remove the bristles from the handle before you toss it into a compost bin. Alternatively, you can purchase toothbrushes that are made from recycled plastic, one of the more well-known brushes is created from old yogurt cups!
Another great area to reduce your plastic consumption is in hygiene products. From toiletries to dish soap to laundry detergent to cleaning supplies, they practically all come in plastic packaging. Rethinking the way you purchase these products will drastically reduce your plastic footprint. Purchase bar soaps for the shower and specialized bar soap for the kitchen sink. Make your own chemical free cleaner and house it in an old jam jar. Craft your own 3 ingredient toothpaste. Purchase powder laundry soap that comes in a cardboard box. Choose to implement just one of these and you are on your way to a plastic free mentality.
Make your own 3 ingredient toothpaste and eliminate excess packaging!
Next, buy fresh, buy smart, and buy in bulk. When you purchase fresh food, it normally doesn’t come in packaging. So it only makes sense to be smart about your purchasing habits. Instead of reaching for the conveniently packaged and peeled baby carrots, grab a handful of loose large carrots instead. In the mood for trail mix? Instead of purchasing plastic bagged fruits and nuts, search for a grocery store near you that offers trail mix by the pounds in a do it yourself bulk section, and bring your own glass jars to fill it up!
Always prepare to shop smart with reusable bags and jars for buying in bulk!
So there you have it, a little inspiration to jump start your journey to going plastic free!
Just remember, you are not expected or encouraged to give up plastic cold turkey. Ease into it. Decide to make a couple personal lifestyle adjustments and other plastic free alternatives will seep into your routine naturally, you’ll see.
This article was authored by our Education Specialist, Katie!
Did you know I Love A Clean San Diego received more than 13,000 inquiries in 2016 through the WasteFreeSD.org database and call center combined? That’s right! WasteFreeSD.org answers all your recycling questions and it is just a click away! With that in mind, Ani, our incredible Recycling Programs Manager, has created our newest recurring blog series that features frequently asked questions from WasteFreeSD.org that we will be calling WFSD FAQ!
Go to WasteFreeSD.org to answer all of your zero waste questions!
WFSD FAQ: Top Recycling Questions from 2016
This year I Love A Clean San Diego staff worked hard to build WasteFreeSD.org into a Zero Waste Database. The redesigned site houses information beyond recycling including repair options, reduction tips, and donation locations. We thought we would share with our readers the top recycling questions we received last year. Any guess on what the number one most asked about item (non-hazardous) was in 2016? Drumroll, please! It was…refrigerators!
2016’s Top three most asked about items (non-hazardous):
As previously mentioned, refrigerators were the number one item residents are looking to recycle. Refrigerators are bulky and most residents call to inquire about pickup services, fees apply. Some recyclers that accept appliances will actually pay you for bringing it to their facility to recycle, it’s a few cents a pound but hey anything helps! The redesigned WasteFreeSD.org allows for users to search for repair services including services that repair refrigerators. Make appliances last longer with proper maintenance and hire a professional to fix.
It’s no surprise that as new technology rolls out people are looking for the latest and greatest. Televisions ranked second as the most asked about item for recycling. There are plenty of recycling options for electronics including e-waste collection events and household hazardous waste collection facilities. Some businesses even offer pickup services, fees apply. Opt to buy any new technology, televisions were made to last! Believe it or not, there are still places that repair televisions, at a reasonable price.
Keeping electronics for longer and properly recycling them afterward ensures that they do not end up in the landfill.
Christmas in the Summer? Just kidding! We receive a large number of inquiries in January after the holidays about recycling Christmas trees. When you take your recycling tree to a collection site, the trees are made into mulch, which is then used to improve soil health at public parks, local farms, and homes. If your waste hauler offers a pickup service, make sure you read the curbside instructions and plan early! Many waste haulers will only pick up Christmas trees immediately after the holidays. Be prepared to take down that tree before the service goes away!
Do you have any recycling questions that need answers? Do your part to keep items in good condition out of the landfill, search for repair options and donation locations today! Check out the redesigned WasteFreeSD.org and tell us what you think!
Today’s blog post was written by guest contributor and High Tech Middle Media Arts 6th grader, Regan G.A.
You may be wondering where the salt goes after desalination? You might think that it wouldn’t be harmful at all to where it’s put, right? After all, “It’s just salt”.
Desalination Explained
Desalination is the process of removing salt from ocean water to make it pure and drinkable (Desalination by reverse osmosis). A desalination plant is where this process is done. They collect the water from the ocean and remove the salt.
Most of the time they put whatever is left of the “Salt” back in the ocean at some distance from the desalination plant (Answers Corporation). This can be very harmful considering that the salt can become a chemical that can be difficult to break in the process of desalination (Green Garbage Corporation). Some plants like the Tampa’s Plant, in Florida, have found a different way to dispose of the brine. The Tampa’s Plant has discovered a way to use the brine as energy. They use brine to produce part of the energy for desalination. I don’t really understand why they don’t share their amazing discovery with the rest of the facilities.
Plants like the Tampa’s Plant are located next to waters with a high energy swell. When the salt/brine go back into the water it will mix better. An energy swell is a powerful large pushing movement. The further away the salt goes, it goes into a pipeline. This pipeline helps reduce the effect that the salt and brine can cause onto sensitive marine life. It acts sort of like a filter that takes the brine away from some sensitive marine life like seagrass and reef systems.
How It Can Affect the Environment
Putting the leftover brine in the ocean can be very harmful (Marine Impacts). The brine is so rich in salt that it can contaminate any environment it is placed in. This can also damage the plants and animals around it. If the Tampa plant would just share their idea, the brine would stop killing plants and animals. If they came up with this idea and don’t share it with other desalination plants, then is it really any use to the environment?
There are also some more effects that can harm the bottom of the sea (Green Garbage Corporation). When the salt is filtered from the water it is put aside as “Waste Water”. The water is heavier than the sea water so if it is incorrectly put in the ocean then it would sink to the bottom in calm water from the lack of oxygen. It will come down in a plume of salty water that can kill organisms and animals at the seabed. This is terrible because some microorganisms live deep in the water and can get killed. Some of these microorganisms help the temperatures of the planet stay low by producing oxygen through photosynthesis.
One Phytoplankton microorganism
Thank you for reading this now you know where the salt and brine goes and how it can affect us. Now, remember that it’s not “Just Salt.”
About the Author:
Regan is a 6th grade student at HTMMA on the Brady/Joy/Grace team. She enjoys writing, art, science, reading, and dancing. She really hopes that you found this helpful and enjoyable. Thank you!
This article is originally posted on the HTMMA “Are We All TIDE Up, Or Do You CURRENT-ly SEA the Problem?” Project Page and is reposted here with permission. Check out the entire collection of articles from the HTMMA students here.
San Diego summertime is pretty much unbeatable. Start with a beautiful, sunny beach day, enjoy drinks with a view, and load up on some tasty tacos with friends. How can you really top that? That’s why this year’s Summer Social has it all! It’s all said in the event name: Toasts & Tacos!
Taking place on June 24th at the ChuckAlek Biergarten, our Summer Social brings together some of San Diego’s finest attributes together: sunshine, craft beer, delicious tacos, and a good cause– keeping San Diego clean. Your ticket to the social gets you one free craft beer from ChuckAlek Biergarten and access to our taco bar featuring food from Rubio’s Coastal Grill. All of that for only $15! How can you beat that deal? With games, a raffle, live entertainment and more, this is an event not to be missed!
All proceeds benefit I Love A Clean San Diego and help provide educational and community-based programming focused on a zero waste, litter-free, and environmentally engaged San Diego region.
Happy supporters of ILACSD at the 2106 Summer Social! Pick up your “Toasts & Tacos” tickets today!
There is still plenty of time to be a part of this exciting mixer that also benefits our local environment. Get all the details below, and reserve your spot today. I’ll see you there!
I Love A Clean San Diego’s Toasts & Tacos: Summer Social 2017
Spring is among us, and summer will be here before most of us even know it. By San Diego standards, that means cookouts, beach days, and barbecues galore. For zero waste enthusiasts, the often-present plastic utensils, plates, and bottles can sometimes overshadow the excitement of these events. Whether you are a seasoned party host or it is a special occasion, the I Love A Clean San Diego team wants to help prepare you with some tips to make it the top, zero waste soiree of the season!
Gathering Supplies
Preparation is key to a successful, sustainable cookout. To create an eco-friendly environment for your event, you will want to consider stocking up on some reusable party essentials. For grilling, reusable metal skewers and grilling baskets come in handy. Instead of plastic plates and utensils, head to your local thrift store to mix and match reusable dishware and utensils. You may even find some great serving platters while you’re at it! The eclectic plates can add a funky touch to your décor. Ditch the wasteful paper napkins and plastic tablecloths for reusable cloth napkins and tablecloths. This will immediately make your party style stand out while saving on waste! Red plastic cups can be substituted with Ball mason jars and reusable straws to class up any cocktail!
While some may be the official cookout host among their cohort, there are options for hosting a zero waste shindig without stocking up. Whether you lack the space to store all the extra dishes or just rarely host, rental companies can often come in handy. This option may not be right for everyone, but renting can sometimes come out to be cheaper for the infrequent, eco-friendly host. They can supply everything from serving platters, dishes, cutlery, glassware, napkins, and tablecloths.
Food and Drink
While shopping for foods, don’t forget to bring your reusable mesh or cloth bags, jars, and other containers. Buying in bulk is always a cornerstone to any zero waste tips list. Check out the bulk food section for all your party snack foods. Skip out on those individually packaged cheese slices and opt for the deli counter or a local farmers market. The farmers market is also a great place to get locally sourced, organic vegetables. Focusing your grilling around vegetables can help make your party even more eco-friendly.
No party is complete without a varied selection of drink options. However, you can cut back on the waste by offering bulk drink options in large glass dispensers. Water, lemonade, and sun tea (you can compost those tea bags) all work well for this serving style. This drink technique also helps cut out all of the single use water and soda bottles. You can look into local breweries and wineries to fill up reusable bottles and growlers for your party as well. Growlers of San Diego’s finest craft beers are sure to take any celebration up a notch!
Clean Up and Compost
Just as we mentioned in our Zero Waste Festival Guide, it is best to make your set up as easy as possible for those who are less experienced with recycling and compost. Consider setting up a row of bins that are all clearly labeled for compost, recycling, and landfill. You may also want to set another bin out with a bit of water for a location to collect all of the dishes. This can make the cleanup process a bit quicker when bringing in the plates and cutlery for cleaning. For any leftovers, keep your Bee’s Wrap handy. The reusable alternative to plastic wrap can also be used around kindling to start a fire if your party lingers on into the night.
Pick up more tips and knowledge by attending our second annual Zero Waste Fair on June 17, 2017, in Encinitas! For more information on how to adopt a waste-free lifestyle visit WasteFreeSD.org. For more information about our educational programs, contact education@cleansd.org.
The holiday season is in full swing, which often means family and friends coming together to celebrate. Hosting a holiday party can seem counter to conservation efforts at times but your efforts should be not be neglected! This is the perfect time to continue saving energy while striking conversations about why you partake in these conservation-minded behaviors. In lieu of Energy Action Month, which takes place every October, we thought we would remind our readers about the simple ways to save energy when guests are over for the holidays.
Set your refrigerator temperature between 35° – 38° F. The cooler the temperature, the more energy is being used.
Thaw food items in the refrigerator overnight instead of running water over them. Saving water saves energy! Collecting, treating, and distributing water can be costly and energy intensive.
Use a power strip to easily turn off power to several devices. Chances are you will be too busy mingling to be using your game console, television or computer.
Invest in appliances that save money and energy. SDG&E’s Marketplace makes shopping convenient and informative. Compare prices on typical models, calculate how much energy would be saved over periods of time and explore energy scores for each product.
SDG&E provides no-cost energy and water saving kits
During Your Holiday Celebrations
Kindly remind guests to turn off lights when leaving a room. Making this simple practice a habit will create energy savings all year long.
Phantom energy draws electricity from outlets when devices are plugged in but not in use. Remember to unplug fully charged devices and unplug chargers that are not in use to avoid phantom loads.
For overnight guests, encourage shorter showers to conserve water and energy. Have a discussion about the importance of water and energy savings on the individual level and praise your guests for incorporating this simple action into their routine. The best way to instill good practices is to remind others about how easy it is to conserve.
Turn off the juice when not in use!
After Guests Leave
Remember to fully load the dishwasher. One full load will save between 25% – 50% more energy than two small loads. Not to mention the water savings as well!
The same applies for your washing machine. Use full loads AND set the water temperature to cold. Using cold water costs about 4 cents, compared to hot/warm water which can cost up to 68 cents per load.
