Get Clean reminder

Dusty condenser coils cause a refrigerator to work harder; which translates into bigger energy bills and a shorter life expectancy for the fridge – not good. To prevent this from happening, use a vacuum or broom to remove dust build up from the coils every three months (once a month if you have pets). The coils will either be located behind the refrigerator or underneath the refrigerator. To access coils located underneath, remove the grill at the bottom front of the fridge.

Food for thought (and consumption)

One way to preserve your fruits/vegetables in the refrigerator longer is to store them in a cloth bag instead of a sealed plastic bag. They can be used dry for purchasing your items at the store or market and for storing dry fruits, like apples, and you can store misted vegetables, like greens, placed in the dry bag in your refrigerator crisper drawer. Some organic cloth bags from Amazon available here: http://amzn.to/16nrv8n

Here fishy fishy fishy!!!

As the popularity of sushi (and fish tacos, of course) has spread from coastal areas to all over the world, over fishing is becoming a bigger problem. To help ensure a healthy population of fish in our oceans, consult  Seafood Watch Guide when selecting fish at a market or restaurant. 

Clutter No More

Are you still getting phone books delivered that you never use? There is a way to remove the clutter, hassle of recycling and save some trees. Check out the link to opt out of phone book delivery.https://www.yellowpagesoptout.com/

RISE ABOVE

Surfrider is calling this month, Raptober, as they challenge you to "Rise Above Plastics". The first of 10 Ways to Reduce Your Plastic Footprint is to stop using single use plastic water bottles. See the rest here: http://www.raptober.org/10-ways/?cid=SOUP20121015

Desalination - needed or not???

On Tuesday, October 2nd at 6:30pm there is a public meeting regarding the Water Purchase Agreement for the proposed Carlsbad desalination plant. This meeting will be held at the San Diego County Water Authority, at 4677 Overland Avenue. This will be a chance to learn how the proposed desalination plant will affect rate-payers and the risks the County Water Authority is taking on with this project.http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Desalination-no-panacea-for-Calif-water-woes-3885771.php#photo-3491884

World Oceans Day

Join San Diego Coastkeeper and friends to celebrate the ocean on World Oceans Day by participating in a cleanup and educational event at La Jolla Shores. Meet in front of the lifeguard tower in the grassy area. Visit www.sdcoastkeeper.org for more details. 

DIY appliance fixes

We can often save resources and money by repairing our appliances when they break instead of throwing them out and buying new ones (with the exception of some inefficient older appliances). You can save even more money by fixing things yourself instead of calling a repairman. Here is a site that has some tutorials. http://home.howstuffworks.com/appliance-repair.htm 

Biking, biking, biking

Save some money, the planet and get some exercise this is month. This year's Bike to Work Week is May 14-18 and Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 18. Get out on those bikes!

reduce your impact . . .

Wouldn't it be great if all manufacturer's worked at reducing their impact on the environment and provided proof of where and how there goods are made? Checkout Patagonia's interactive supplier map and ask your favorite company (via email or in person) to do the same. http://www.patagonia.com/us/footprint/?sssdmh=dm23.146245&src=043012_mi1 

Use(d) your clothes

Buying used clothing is a great way to save money and reduce your impact on the environment. If thrift stores aren't your thing, you might be interested in Patagonia's website with some great used items that are well made with the environment in mind. http://www.patagonia.com/us/ebay/used-gear?src=040512_mt1 

YUM!! Seafood

For information on how to find Sustainable seafood (restaurants and retailers) in San Diego, check out this link: http://www.sdcoastkeeper.org/blog/marine-conservation/item/230-how-to-find-sustainable-seafood-in-san-diego.html

Story of Stuff

The "Story of Electronics" is very informative about how electronics affect the environment. Always recycle your old electronics, care for the ones you have (so they last longer), and purchase from companies that use recycled materials in their products, if possible. http://www.storyofstuff.org/movies-all/story-of-electronics/ 

a little mid winter cleaning can help you save

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.

living in the dark???

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.

Green and the Government

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/