Green Leaf

Beach Clean-up!!!

2012-02-15T08:30:00.001-08:00

Here is a chance to keep your local beach clean: February 25 in Pacific Beach – Tourmaline Beach. Meet next to the public restrooms by the parking lot.

You're wearing THAT??!!

2012-01-27T08:01:00.000-08:00

While the clothing we buy represents a relatively small portion of our personal environmental impact, there is a $3 billion (and growing) market worldwide for green apparel. Try organic cotton, clothing made from recycled fibers or second hand clothing.

CFL Recycling

2012-01-11T09:39:00.000-08:00

CFL bulbs that no longer work, but are not broken, can be disposed of at Home Depot or Lowes. They need to be disposed of properly due to the very small amount of mercury in them. Check out the following link for more information about dealing with CFL bulbs.

http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/cfl.asp

a little mid winter cleaning can help you save

2012-01-10T09:37:00.000-08:00

A refrigerator with dirty coils works harder, and uses 25 percent more energy compared with a fridge with clean coils. To clean the coils: Disconnect the power; pull the unit away from the wall (if the coils are behind the refrigerator); remove the grill covering the coils (possibly in front at the bottom); and use a vacuum cleaner or a bottle brush to clean. It doesn't take long and is pretty easy to do.

Still taking down the Decorations???

2012-01-06T09:33:00.000-08:00

The City of San Diego Environmental Services Department will be hosting the 38th Annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program from December 26, 2011 through January 23, 2012. Trees can be dropped of at Kate Sessions Park or placed curbside. Check here for more details: http://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/recycling/christmas.shtml

Greening Christmas . . .

2011-12-31T09:34:00.000-08:00

After opening all those Christmas presents, you can reduce the amount of garbage you create by recycling wrapping paper, boxes and old electronics. Check out this website for 15 Things You Can Easily Recycle After Christmas: http://blog.biggreenpurse.com/biggreenpurse/2011/12/avoid-post-christmas-clutter-15-things-you-can-easily-recycle-after-christmas.html

Christmas Gift Ideas

2011-12-07T11:49:00.001-08:00

Why not buy more sustainable gifts when shopping for Christmas gifts this year? Look for quality products made in the USA (less shipping resources consumed, more local jobs supported) that last and have minimal/recycled packaging. Check out the daily green website for some great gift ideas: http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/green-gifts

Light Up Your Christmas and Save . . .

2011-11-28T08:28:00.001-08:00

For those who still have incandescent Christmas lights at home, LED holiday lights are brighter, last up to 100 times longer and use up to 90% less energy. LED holiday lights are cool to the touch making them less of a fire hazard and safer for you and your family.

2011 LED LIGHTING EXCHANGE SCHEDULE: Friday, December 2, 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm and Saturday, December 3, Noon to 10:00 pm during December Nights in Balboa Parkin front of the Prado Restaurant. Please bring a valid California ID or a copy of your recent SDG&E® bill to exchange up to 3 incandescent strings for led strings.

"Small Business Saturday"

2011-11-18T08:50:00.001-08:00

"Small Business Saturday" (November 26, 2011) is about pledging to shop locally to support local, small businesses instead of shopping online or at large box stores. This doesn't have to be just at Christmas time and it helps the environment best when you are buying services or goods that are local not made in China and shipped thousands of miles to get to you. A bonus is that it helps create/keep jobs in the US.

Story of Broke

2011-11-17T20:16:00.001-08:00

Our country can do better for the environment and our economy. This new video from Annie Leonard about our government and our environment is worth a look.

http://www.storyofstuff.org/movies-all/story-of-broke/

2011-11-09T08:18:00.001-08:00

It is almost that time of year again. Try having Apopt-A-Christmas-Tree deliver your tree this year. They have special pricing for early orders. You can keep it and plant it after Christmas or have it picked up and delivered to reforest areas affected by wildfires. www.adoptachristmastree.com

Fair Halloween

2011-10-06T19:16:00.001-07:00

Since Halloween is during fair trade month, why not give fair trade chocolate to trick or treaters. You can get fair trade Divine chocolate at the book store or order smaller treats here: http://sweetearthchocolates.com/level.itml/icOid/242

Clean up the beach!!!

2011-09-13T19:35:00.000-07:00

Join your fellow Californians on CA Coastal Cleanup Day at Tourmaline Beach (or many other sites around San Diego), September 17 from 9am until noon. http://cleanupday.org/cleanupsites.htm?id=C&id2=109

buy local and fresh

2011-09-13T19:30:00.000-07:00

Buying your fruits and vegetables (and nuts and honey, etc.) from your local farmer's market is a great way to get healthy food, support family farms and the local economy (many fruits and veggies, even organic ones, come from other countries or thousands of miles away). Tuesdays: 2-6:30 pm on Bayard St from Garnet ave to Hornblend St
http://www.sdfarmbureau.org/BuyLocal/Farmers-Markets.php

paper-less

2011-09-13T19:29:00.000-07:00

To stop receiving unwanted catalogs that use a lot of paper, go to http://www.catalogchoice.org/. They cancel catalogs for you. You can also call the catalogs directly.

back-to-school SHOPPING

2011-08-22T17:49:00.000-07:00

When shopping for back-to-school products (or anything else, for that matter). Stay away from vinyl (PVC) in your products. This #3 plastic (PVC) is called the "poison plastic" by the Center for Health, Justice and the Environment.

In addition to negative environmental effects, plasticisers used in PVC can leach out into the air over time. One of them--DHEP--is a suspected carcinogen.

Clean Water

2011-08-17T08:09:00.000-07:00

The ELCA website has some great resources for "Our Faith In Action". Here is a link for information about the issue of clean water and how you can be an advocate for clean water. Clean Water for Our Communities - click here

living in the dark???

2011-08-10T13:34:00.000-07:00

Here are 5 ways to save money and the environment this summer: close the shades, upgrade to an energy star air conditioner or rely on passive cooling, shade your air conditioner, line dry your laundry and get an energy audit.

Sandwich bag alternatives

2011-08-10T13:33:00.000-07:00

For those picnics at the beach or your lunch at school or work, there is an alternative to ziploc sandwich bags. Try Fresh Pak's velcro closure, insulated sandwich bags made from 50% recylced material. http://www.blueavocado.com/products/fresh_pak-48-6.html

Medals and Ribbons

2011-07-15T10:08:00.001-07:00

For those who have medals for running marathons, half marathons and triathlons and aren't interested in keeping them, you can donate them instead of throwing them away. Medals4Mettle awards these medals attached to a Medals4Mettle ribbon to children and adults fighting debilitating illnesses. http://www.medals4mettle.org/

mmmmmm - Ice Cream

2011-07-11T07:46:00.000-07:00

How about enjoying some fun summer treats that are more earth friendly than most "treats". Some of the ice cream ingredients are Fair trade, organic or non-GMO (genetically modified organisms). Two brands, So Delicious and Ben and Jerry's, are even fairly common in stores. http://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/201107/enjoy-icecream.aspx

Morning after the Mess

2011-06-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

This year's "Morning After Mess" cleanup is Tuesday, July 5, 2011, 8AM to 11AM at Belmont Park. Last year, about 1,000 volunteers collected more than 8,000 pounds of trash.

Clean up and Surf!

2011-06-15T14:45:00.000-07:00

International Surfing Day is June 20. A good excuse to go surfing and do a little beach cleanup. There is also a Beach cleanup on June 25th in Pacific Beach - Crystal Pier at the end of Garnet Ave. Meet at the grassy area on the north side of the pier at the end of Garnet Ave. You can help keep our beaches and oceans clean.

Riding the Train

2011-06-15T14:44:00.000-07:00

A great way to skip traffic on I-5 if you are headed to Orange County or LA is to take the Pacific Surfliner. Great views of the coast and if you are headed to Disneyland or an Angels baseball game the train stops right at the Angels stadium (less than two miles from Disneyland).

Block the Sun (in a good way)

2011-06-02T20:24:00.000-07:00

When possible, choose sunscreens that physically block the sun (using minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) in preference to chemical absorbers, which can have effects on the environment and possibly on your body. These aren't as common, but are available at places like Whole Foods, Jimbo's and Henry's.
Also check out
the daily green for more information on sunscreens

And an interesting video that might make you think differently about why to use sunscreen
. . . dear 16-year-old me

Yum - Fruit!

2011-05-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

In 2010, the twelve fruits and vegetables that had the highest pesticide levels—even after peeling and washing included celery, peaches, strawberries, apples, blueberries, nectarines, bell peppers, spinach, kale, cherries, potatoes, and imported grapes. Buying organic versions of this produce is safer for you and the environment.

recycle/re-purpose your flipflops!!! - and then get some new ones.

2011-05-11T11:28:00.000-07:00

From April 22nd to May 21st Old Navy Stores within the continental US will collect used, dirty and broken flip-flops. Each store will have a box located near the entrance where you can drop off your flip-flops. TerraCycle will repurpose the flip-flops into playgrounds that Old Navy will give away to a few lucky schools or community organizations.

Enjoy some fresh air - Bike to Work

2011-04-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

San Diego Regional Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 20, 2011. Here is a link if you would like to register or check out the location the 75 pit stops planned for this year. http://www.icommutesd.com/Events/BikeToWorkDay.aspx

Celebrate Earth Day

2011-04-10T09:39:00.001-07:00

Sunday, April 17th at Balboa Park is the largest Earth Day environmental fair in the world (as far as we know)! Come join the fun and find out ways to help protect and preserve the world we live in. (http://earthdayweb.org/EarthFair.html)

A life without plasic

2011-03-29T08:20:00.000-07:00

There is growing evidence that plastic is not only bad for our planet, it is bad for our health as well. Why not try giving up plastic on a trial basis for the rest of Lent for a start (or at least reducing your use of plastic). check out this website
learning to live without plastics

Water less

2011-03-23T13:37:00.000-07:00

In honor of World Water Day (which was on March 22nd): You can support companies that are trying to reduce their water footprint when you need to buy new clothes. Levi's WaterLess™ jeans reduce water usage (normally about 42 liters per pair) by an average of 28% per pair--and up to 96% for some styles. It's a step in the right direction.

Green Bargins

2011-03-18T08:29:00.000-07:00

Here is a way to get a good daily coupon emailed to you and to support businesses that focus entirely on green bargains while giving a percentage of sales to designated non profits. Sign up at:Green Box Top

What's hiding under your refridgerator?

2011-03-10T14:25:00.000-08:00

Don't wait until you lose something under the fridge to clean under there . . .
A refrigerator with dirty coils works harder, and uses 25 percent more energy compared with a fridge with clean coils. To clean the coils: Disconnect the power; pull the unit away from the wall; remove the grill covering the coils; and use a vacuum cleaner or a bottle brush to clean.

Meatless Mondays

2011-03-02T07:55:00.000-08:00

There is a quiet movement of "meatless Mondays" where people around the world are cutting meat out of their diets one day a week for their health and the health of the planet. Plenty of colleges and universities are trying this including UCSD. More information here: http://www.meatlessmonday.com/the-movement-goes-global/

Water Reminder

2011-02-23T07:16:00.000-08:00

This may seem obvious, but it is easy to forget. So, remember to turn off your automatic sprinklers when it rains. It saves water, money and reduces runoff.

BEACH CLEAN UP

2011-02-16T07:49:00.000-08:00

From 9-11am on Saturday the 26th of February at Tourmaline Beach there is another beach cleanup. With more rain potentially washing trash into the ocean and onto the beach, it is a good time to help clean up your local beach. Remember to bring your own reusable trash bucket if you have one to cut down on trash bags used for the cleanup.

"Green" clothes

2011-01-27T07:22:00.000-08:00

bring back your gadgets

2011-01-22T08:44:00.000-08:00

Starting this month (January), you can opt in to Best Buy's "Buy Back Program" when you get a new TV, phone, laptop, or tablet. Any time within two years, you can bring your gadget back in and get a gift card worth as much as 50 percent of its original price. It costs a little upfront, but ensures you get some money back for your "old" electronics and that they get recycled.

The end of Christmas Celebrations

2011-01-04T08:55:00.000-08:00

San Diego's 37th Annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program runs from December 26, 2010 through January 23, 2011. The closest drop-off location to Christ Lutheran Church is at Kate Sessions Memorial Park (Soledad Road and Loring Street). For more locations go to: http://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/recycling/dropoff.shtml

tie a striing on your finger

2011-01-04T08:50:00.000-08:00

Remember to shut off your sprinkler system when it rains. It will save water, money and excessive runoff from ground that may be already saturated.

Green Christmas

2010-12-15T14:48:00.000-08:00

Instead of wrapping all your Christmas presents in paper that is probably expensive and may not be recyclable, try to be creative with more environmentally sensitive methods. You can use old comic strips, old maps, reusable cloth or paper bags. There are more ideas here: http://life.gaiam.com/article/top-10-green-gift-wrap-ideas

Green Gift Guide

2010-12-08T13:49:00.000-08:00

Still having trouble figuring out what to get people for Christmas? Treehugger.com has a green gift guide for helping you through this gift giving time of year. http://www.treehugger.com/giftguide/?campaign=TH_more_slideshows

Energy in Common

2010-12-02T08:38:00.001-08:00

The team at EIC has developed a quick and easy process that allows absolutely anyone to help fight poverty, to help fight climate change, and to help create their own carbon offsets – all from the comfort of their own home or their office or anywhere with internet, actually. http://www.energyincommon.org/

lighting up the world with LED

2010-11-17T10:21:00.000-08:00

It is that time of year when SDG&E is again exchanging your old incandescent Christmas lights (up to 3 strands) for new multi-colored LED Christmas lights. Some of the upcoming events are: November 27th in Seaport Village and December 3th and 4th in Balboa Park. www.sdge.com/le ds

AMERICA RECYCLES - and you can too!

2010-11-10T14:08:00.000-08:00

Celebrate America Recycles Day on November 15th. It’s easy to find an event for everything from recycling your old electronics at Sony to t-shirts that are recycled and turned into paper at Disney stores for a special discount. Here is a link to events around San Diego: http://earth911.com/america-recycles-day/?zip=92109

Reduce and Re-use and if you must, then Recycle.

Keeping your Fridge Alive!

2010-10-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

Save energy by keeping your refrigerator full, but there should still be enough empty space around your items for the air to circulate efficiently. The freezer should be more tightly packed, since your items will help to keep each other cool. If you don't have enough food to fill the space, you can use water filled containers.

Get together to stop Global Warming

2010-10-08T07:58:00.000-07:00

On Sunday 10/10/10 people all over the world (187 countries) are gathering in work parties (6391 events) to take action against global warming. To join in, find an event near you at 350.org

Green and the Government

2010-09-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

An important green act is voting for propositions and candidates that seek to preserve our environment. For more information on how to vote for the environment on November 2nd check out the California League of Conservation Voters website. http://www.ecovote.org/

Fishy decisions

2010-09-23T08:01:00.001-07:00

Whole Foods has recently decided to label their products with the color-coded sustainability ratings of the Blue Ocean Institute or the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This is a great step forward, but please avoid the red labeled fish as it is presently caught in ways that harm other marine life or the environment.

Coastal Cleanup Day - coming soon!

2010-09-16T17:03:00.001-07:00

Sat Sept 25th is Coastal Cleanup Day from 9am to 12pm! There are over 80 cleanups throughout SD County. The nearest sites to Christ Lutheran Church in PB are Tourmaline Beach and Pacific Beach Drive. See link for more locations: http://www.cleanupday.org/

Coastal Cleanup Day - coming soon!

2010-09-16T17:03:00.000-07:00

Sat Sept 25th is Coastal Cleanup Day from 9am to 12pm! There are over 80 cleanups throughout SD County. The nearest sites to church are Tourmaline Beach and Pacific Beach Drive. See link for more locations: http://www.cleanupday.org/

Offset your sending habits

2010-09-08T18:57:00.000-07:00

Did you know that for a small per package fee (as little as 5 cents), you can use UPS carbon neutral to easily offset the carbon dioxide emissions generated by the transportation of your shipment. Just select the carbon neutral option before paying when creating shipments online or ask a clerk about it at your local UPS store.

surf , recycle and create concrete

2010-08-27T10:54:00.000-07:00

Did you know you can even recycle surfboards? Pacific Beach Surf Shop, Miramar landfill and Solana Beach lifeguard station and Patagonia will accept your old surfboard. Usable boards are donated to LA non-profits and broken boards will be ground up and used in mixing concrete

composting our way to more space

2010-08-27T10:52:00.000-07:00

Composting is a great way to reduce what you send to the landfill, but it is important to know what you can put in your compost pile. You may not have known that items like old bread, crackers, cheese, wine corks, egg shells and even hair trimmings can be composted. http://earth911.com/news/2010/08/09/i-didnt-know-that-was-compostable/

FREE ELECTRONICS RECYCLING

2010-08-03T15:18:00.000-07:00

There is a free electronics recycling event at Liberty Station (Farragut Rd) in Point Loma for you to dispose of your old electronics responsibly on Saturday, August 7th. http://www.allgreenrecycling.com/upcoming-events/ecycling-event-san-diego/

When Bulk is Good

2010-05-16T16:01:00.000-07:00

Buying in bulk can reduce the amount of resources you use when you buy groceries. More and more grocery stores are expanding their bulk sections and if you bring your own reusable bulk food bag you can save even more resources. http://www.simplefamilyliving.com/Food-Bags-c276/

Commuting

2010-05-06T18:41:00.000-07:00

Save Money and the Environment. Commuting takes a real toll: on your car, on your health, and on the environment. Sharing a ride to work in a carpool or vanpool can be a great way to save – even if you only do it one day a week. http://www.icommutesd.com/Commuters/RideMatcher.aspx and as an added bonus you get to know someone else a little better.

Creation Stewardship and Advocacy

2010-04-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

If you would like to learn more about how you can be more involved in "Creation Stewardship and Advocacy", there is a one day workshop at Camp Stevens in Julian on May 15th. This event is being created by an interfaith environmental community here in San Diego. Talk to Erin or Tim Martinson if you would like more information.

FREE ELECTRONICS RECYCLING

2010-04-01T09:57:00.001-07:00

Recycle San Diego is hosting a FREE electronics recycling event Saturday, April 10th from 10am to 2pm which is open for consumers. Bring any amount of accepted eWaste to have it recycled for free at: Recycle San Diego Parking Lot, 8222 Ronson Road, San Diego, CA 92111. http://www.recyclesandiego.org/e-waste_events.htm

Turnin old into new

2010-03-17T19:49:00.000-07:00

An interesting way to reuse: Turn Your Old Sweaters Into Brand New Items.
Send an old sweater to Reknit (http://www.rekn.it/) and they’ll unravel it and use the materials to create a new item of clothing (gloves, a hat, a scarf, etc.). Reknit creates a different piece of clothing each month. Or, if you can knit, try it yourself.

Water Issues - Fiim on March 22

2010-03-04T13:25:00.000-08:00

If you would like to learn more about water isues join Surfrider for a free showing of "The Cycle of Insanity - The Real Story of Water" film on Monday March 22nd at The Loft @ UCSD. Please RSVP to water@surfridersd.org

advocacy networking

2010-02-24T11:41:00.001-08:00

Sign up for the ELCA e-Advocacy Network! E-Advocacy empowers ELCA members to advocate for peace, justice, and care of creation. You'll receive timely updates from the ELCA on a wide variety of issues, including hunger, poverty, and the environment.
http://ga6.org/elca_advocacy/join.html?r=Jp3LhqSqHw9jE

Takin' Out the Trash

2010-02-17T14:49:00.000-08:00

A good way to motivate yourself to reduce the amount of trash you generate is to do a "Trash Audit". Here is a link to an article about someone who did one and wrote about how to do one yourself: http://earth911.com/news/2010/02/15/true-life-trash-audit/

Valentine's Gifts

2010-02-10T08:10:00.000-08:00

If you are still looking for a gift for Valentine's Day, stop by Open Door Books (Pacific Beach in San Diego) to get some fair trade chocolate or coffee. You can also find Marcy Sweets (a local, organic, fair trade chocolate company) at Whole Foods or Jimbo's Naturally stores.

Outdoor Water Use

2010-01-20T22:16:00.000-08:00

During the "rainy" season in San Diego it is a good time to consider all the different ways that we use (or overuse) water in our landscaping.

To optimize some of your outdoor water use try using the City of San Diego's Landscape Watering Calculator found here: http://apps.sandiego.gov/landcalc/

Saving Water

2010-01-18T09:26:00.000-08:00

Two ways we can save water in San Diego. One is to report a water leak, meter leak or pressure problem. The number to call is (619) 515-3525 (good to have in your cell phone). The second way is to turn off your sprinklers when it rains.

March 24 - April 5 Getting From Here to There

2009-03-24T21:18:00.001-07:00

Transportation seems to often be one of the biggest culprits in creating global warming. We want to be able to move freely about our cities and country, automobiles are maybe the biggest symbol of that freedom. But this comes with a price. As Americans we are wasteful with the fossil fuels we use – and this translates into wasteful spending and wasting time.

There are ways to turn this around. To improve quality of life – and maybe even take time to smell the roses.

Here are things that Gershon suggests in his book.

1 – Walk or Bike to where you need to go
2 – Use Public Transit
3 – Combine your trip
4 – Carpool
5 – Negotiate alternate work schedules/telecommute
6 – develop fuel-efficient driving habits (SLOW DOWN)
7 – Find and plug oil leaks
8 – keep you car well maintained
9 – buy a fuel-efficient vehicle
10 – re-consider vacations
11 – take a hike in the woods

March 22 - 28 Energy Efficiency

2009-03-18T10:57:00.000-07:00

Would you believe that there are ways that we can use energy efficiency to get MORE comfort and MORE benefit from our energy use while using considerably less energy. How is that possible??? Americans waste as much as 75% of the energy we use through inefficiency and lack of awareness? By making small changes we CAN be better stewards of energy resources.

Here are some things you can do to help out. (As suggested in the Green Living Handbook)

1 – turn off the lights when you leave the room
2 – unplug appliances that you are not using (like the toaster and coffee maker and TV)
3 – turn off your computer when you are not using it for 2 or more hours
4 – install energy efficient light bulbs
5 – keep wearing your clothes until they are ACTUALLY dirty
6 – keep your water heater at 120 degrees F
7 – make sure your refrigerator is well sealed
8 – keep your thermostat between 65 and 68 – wear a sweater
9 – make sure you get an annual tune-up for your furnace
10 – get your air conditioner tuned up every 3 years
11 – insulate windows and doors
12 - use fans to cool your house
13 – fuel up in the evenings (or early morning) when the air is cool – this reduces gasoline vapors that contribute to smog

14 – Start your day by watching the sunrise.

March 15 - 21 What's all the fuss about Water?

2009-03-12T13:10:00.000-07:00

Water is the elixir of life; 80% of the earth's surface, 70% of our body weight. Did you know that only 1% of the water on earth is potable (drinkable).

It's hard to imagine a world with little drinkable water. But for many people around the globe that has become, or is becoming a reality. The movie FLOW (For Love Of Water), which came out last year, gives an in depth look at the crisis we are facing as we turn a blind eye to this life-giving resource as well as a hopeful look at what can be done.

David Garson reminds us, "to be stewards of this precious resource requires that we use it carefully . . . and at a personal level . . . Stewarding our precious and finite supply of water is an essential part of living an environmentally sustainable lifestyle."

As we are called to be stewards of the earth, let us remember all the ways water is useful to us - as well as how we best care for this precious resource.
Here are ideas from the "Green Living Handbook"

1 - find leaks in your home and repair them
2 - reduce water used for flushing toilets
3 - reduce the number of times you flush
4 - install water saving devices (low flow shower heads, faucet aerators . . .)
5 - reduce shower and bath water
6 - reduce water used in personal care (turn off water while brushing teeth, shaving, soaping up . . ._

7 - reduce water used to wash dishes
8 - drink refrigerated water
9 - minimize salt used by water softeners
10 - Check Water purity
11 - wash your car on grass or gravel (or better go to a car wash that treats and recycles the water)

12 - reduce the amount of water going in to the sewer system
13 - reduce water used on lawns and gardens (or better yet xeriscape your yard)
14 - reduce use of weed killers and fertilizers
15 - create a sustainable stream side ecosystem

March 8 - 14, "Dumping on Garbage"

2009-03-05T13:30:00.000-08:00

In the book Green Living Handbook (see also sidebar) author David Gershon writes "There is no such thing as garbage in nature. Everything nature creates is used to create something else . . .

. . .the new motto for a responsible global citizen is 'What I bring into my house I steward.' Accepting this maxim asks us to think carefully before we step into the role of stewarding something. The question, 'Do I have a way to reuse or recycle this object?' needs to be our basic approach to using Earth's resources".

These are issues brought before us as people of faith because we are called to be stewards of the earth and all her resources (Gen 1:28 - 30). Since nothing that God/nature creates is "trash" or "garbage" - are there ways that we can move again toward all things being seen as products of value throughout their lifetime?

Is it even possible live in a NO GARBAGE household?

There are a number of things we can be doing to move in that direction - at least to take the steps. (the following are from David Gershon's book - see side bar)

1 recycle
2 re-use bags
3 bring your own containers for "doggy-bags" or carry-out orders
4 use each little inch of paper to take notes (both sides)
5 learn about composting (you probably know someone who does this already
- ask them for tips to get started)
6 use cloth instead of paper (napkins, cleaning counter tops . . .)
7 get items repaired instead of tossing them
8 donate or sell used goods
9 use re-usable party products
10 mulch your grass
11 plant trees

Recycling Electronics

2009-02-13T07:47:00.000-08:00

I know many people are confused by all the "rules" for recycling. Here are some helpful tips that I've found (scouring many websites) for those of us living in the San Diego area:

Batteries:

One time use batteries can be recycled at the Miramar Recycling Center or at Recycle San Diego for a small fee. There are also special events for e-waste that usually will accept these at no charge. Check this website for upcoming events:

http://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/recycling/reselectronics.shtml

Light Bulbs:

The "old" incandescent light bulbs that have been around for many, many years can be disposed of in your normal household trash.

Compact Flourescent Lamps (CFL's) have a trace amount of mercury in them and need to be disposed of as hazardous waste at the Miramar Landfill or a hazardous waste collection event.

Computers, Monitors, TV's and other miscellaneous electronics:

Most of these things can be recycled for free at Miramar Recycling Center, Recycle San Diego or at any of the special e-waste collection events.

Cell Phones:

These can be recycled at any of the Recycling centers listed previously or at most retailers that sell cell phones and even some post offices will accept them.

This may not cover everything you maybe concerned about, so feel free to comment and ask questions. There may be others with the same question and I will post a reply with the answer (if I can find it).

p.s. With the much needed rain we've been getting, turn off your sprinkler system , if you have one, to save our very precious resource of clean, drinkable water.

Water Rationing in San Diego

2009-02-09T13:56:00.000-08:00

The Union Tribune reported on 2/7/09 that SD leaders are developing a plan for water rationing based on a "budget" for residents and businesses to use as they see fit. If businesses and residents go over a pre-determined cap, they could be charged fees up to 5 times the regular cost of water.

Critics of the plan feel that those who have already been conserving water will be penalized the most because now they will have to cut back the same percentage as those who have been squandering water all along.

Public meetings are being held on February 9, 10, and 12 to hear public comments (see U-T, 2/7/09: Super savers may not see fairness in rationing plan).

What's your solution?

2009-02-04T20:58:00.000-08:00

Team - I think we are off and running!

Welcome

2009-01-07T20:42:00.001-08:00

If you have made it this far - welcome. Welcome to the conversation and the challenge of making your life, neighborhood, community, a little more "green". We hope that we can be in conversation to inspire and support one another in this journey.

I know there are lots of resources out there - let's help one another find more resources that make sense for us.

Over the next few months we will be posting information and conversation starters to be living more "green" - we all need a little nudge sometimes.

Good Luck and Happy New Year