Beach Clean-up!!!

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??!!

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

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

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???

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 . . .

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

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