 | GET A GREAT DEAL ON RAIN BARRELS - SUPPLIES LIMITED!
by Christine Wied
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A rain barrel discount program for City of Ventura residents is now available through Environmental Sustainability and Ventura Water. Working in cooperation with Smith Pipe and Supply at 3060 Sherwin Avenue in Ventura, the Channel/Bushman 60-gallon rain barrel with a retail value of $85.oo will be available for $42.oo plus tax at their store with a Rain Barrel Discount Voucher.
READ MORE.
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Commercial Business Recycling - It's THE LAW as of July 1, 2012
What every Ventura Business Needs to know!
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Conserving our natural resources is essential for the health and wellbeing of our community and our planet.
In keeping with this sentiment, beginning July 1, 2012, the State of California has made business recycling mandatory. According to the newly enacted legislation (AB341), businesses that generate 4 cubic yards or more of trash per week (the equivalent of a large commercial dumpster) and all multifamily complexes with five or more units (regardless of the amount of trash they generate), will be required to recycle.
Compliance is determined by solid waste service capacity. Businesses that share trash service accumulating the 4 cubic yards or more of trash per week must comply even if individually, the businesses do not generate that amount of trash. READ MORE.
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What Can YOU Do To Help Preserve Ventura's Environment?
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Mission San Buenaventura
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Ventura's Natural Beauty
Let's keep it that way!
June 2012
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| Growing Green Jobs & Industries at the Second
Annual Green Jobs Summit
By Maryann Ridini Spencer
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"I'm excited to be here today. I'm looking for a green job and I feel this is the place to get me started."
-Victor Marquez, Ventura College Student
"I work with GIS (Geographic Information Systems). I'm interested in finding out about what types of green jobs are available in the area."
-Ben Coleman, Oxnard resident
"I'm on a mobile home rent review board here in Ventura.I'm here today to find out what's being done to make financing more available for homeowners hoping to install solar energy into their residences."
-Keith York, Ventura resident
"I'm interested in business networking. I want to support green and sustainable businesses locally, in the city where I live and work."
-Kendra Jones, Ventura resident
"We thought the Summit would be a great place to showcase our green products to like-minded businesses."
-Exhibitor Sue Gary, President of Promotional Products USA
These were just a few of the sentiments expressed by students, business people and the general public attending the Second Annual Green Jobs Summit at Ventura's City Hall on Saturday, May 19.
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Environmental Specialist Courtney Lindberg in the Environmental Sustainability Booth at the Green Jobs Summi
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A keen desire and interest to discuss, network and share information concerning green economics, education and employment were the most common thread among the registrants, green exhibitors, educators, government officials, panelists and speakers.
Presented by the City of Ventura, California State Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara), the Ventura Chamber of Commerce
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Assemblymember Das Williams speaks at the Second Annual Green Jobs Summit, May 1
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and the Ventura County Community College District, the FREE event, which was open to the public from 10:00am-2:30pm, featured a complimentary breakfast and lunch, indoor/outdoor exhibit halls showcasing over 20 local businesses and organizations, and panel discussions featuring experts in various industries. "We live in a perfect place to grow a green economy," said Assemblymember Das Williams, as he welcomed attendees to the summit. "California is a highly desirable place to live. Additionally, with all our educational institutions, California produces the most highly trained workforce in the world. Locally, the commercial rates are very reasonable. All these ingredients are in place to support and inspire green business growth. "In the Legislature, we have laid out policy incentives for the green economy. The only area we need to switch signals is with regards to investment in public education. A conscious decision was made when we partnered with a local college for this green jobs summit. We need to continue to coordinate policy and investment with education to make sure our local community gets some of the good-paying jobs and other benefits from clean energy. We need to keep sending this signal of the importance of higher education so that it translates into support at the ballot box, where we'll also be investing when we vote with our dollars."  | |
A full house at the Green Jobs Summit
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Ed Summers, President and CEO of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, who also spoke at the summit commented, "Making sure that we have a skilled and educated workforce to support the demand and innovation of green job growth is essential to building a sustainable economy for future generations." Panel discussions at the summit included: "The Economics of Sustainability and Green Practices" moderated by Ed Summers, President and CEO, Ventura Chamber of Commerce; "Innovation for a Green and Sustainable Future" moderated by Jim Zimmerman, Recruiting Manager at Cool Planet Biofuels and "Greening of Work and Education" moderated by Sharon A. Dwyer, Program Manager, Ventura County Community College District, Division of Economic Development. Panel highlights ranged from underscoring the fact that this region is an incubator for green business growth to best agriculture and green waste recycling practices as well as covering the topic of sustainability consulting.  | |
Green Jobs Summit Exhibit Hall
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Attendees could watch the panel discussions by taking a seat in City Hall Chambers, and/or browse through the indoor/outdoor exhibit halls and view the panels on a large screen monitor in the Community Room while conversing with exhibitors. A sampling of local exhibitors included: City of Ventura Environmental Sustainability, Ventura Water, VCCool, Promotional Products USA, RedBrick Pizza Café, Stay Green, Taft Solar, Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD), VCREA/Energy Conservation Consultants, Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, Center for Employment Training, Ventura County Star/Monster, CAUSE Triple Bottom Line Business Network, Coastal Pacific, Cool Planet Energy Systems, REC Solar, Ventura City Corps, Send Out Cards, DEX, Green Task Force. Caps-TV taped the event to be aired locally. To check dates and times of broadcast, visit: Capstv.org. CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE IMAGES |
 | WORLD OCEANS DAY: CELEBRATE WATER
by Christine Wied
June 8 is World Oceans Day, a time for people around the earth to celebrate and honor the bodies of water that link us all together. Our oceans are a source of the oxygen we breathe, food, a pharmacopeia of potential medications along with regulating our climate and providing a place for recreation and limitless inspiration. Our existence depends on the health of our oceans. What happens in one part of the world can eventually have an impact elsewhere through ocean currents and circulation. 
Currently our oceans face a number of challenges from pollutants such a plastic debris and oil spills.  Although a valuable food source and industry, fishing has had an impact. If you are a seafood fan, one way to celebrate World Oceans Day might be to download the latest edition of Seafood Watch, the Sustainable Seafood Guide published by the Monterey Bay Aquarium. There are guides for various regions of the country, including one specifically for the West Coast. If you are planning a trip to Hawaii or the East Coast, you could also download guides for those regions to take along. The increased demand for seafood throughout the world has led to over-fishing or sometimes even destructive fishing and fish farming practices. The Guide provides a list of "Best Choices" in seafood as well as those to avoid because they are over-fished or farmed in ways that may harm other marine life or the environment. Some selections are marked for limited consumption due to mercury or other contaminants that have sadly crept into our waters. This is important not only for adults but especially for young children whose bodies are still growing and more vulnerable to these substances. Another good source of information on sustainable seafood is the Marine Stewardship Council.  Look for the blue MSC ecolabel to identify fish suppliers and restaurants that adhere to certain standards. Here in Ventura on the Pacific Ocean, we have a constant reminder of the beauty and benefits of our oceans. Without a healthy ocean, we cannot have a healthy sustainable planet.  GET THE SEAFOOD WATCH app for Android and iphones, CLICK HERE. |
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GREEN MOVES WITH POLLY BOXBy Maryann Ridini Spencer
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Pollybox.com
823 Medford Place Ventura, CA 93004, 805-922-9200
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The average move for a three bedroom home can take anywhere between 80-100+ cardboard boxes (depending upon the amount of items a family has acquired). "Cardboard and paper products that are sent to the landfill instead of being recycled, make up to 41% of the waste in landfills," said Gia Allen, co-owner of the new Ventura-based moving company, Polly Box which opened for business in April 2012. "My husband Bill and I wanted to work in a local business that would also contribute positively to the environment offering an eco-friendly alernative to the cardboard moving box." Out of the 41% of the paper and cardboard waste in the United States, only 25 percent gets recycled. The rest goes into landfills. When tree pulp is processed to create boxes, it releases emissions into the atmosphere and uses energy. When cardboard decomposes in the landfill, it releases methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. So, cutting down the use of cardboard can help our environment by saving trees (cardboard is made from trees) as well as cutting back on greenhouse gas emissions. The boxes used by Polly Box are made from high-density polyethylene, are durable, reusable,  easy-to-stack as well as to maneuver. No assembly is needed. Each box is 20x24x12 and holds up to 60 pounds (supporting up to 300 pounds when stacked). Lids are attached to the boxes so no taping is required. The boxes can be secured with a zip or tie lock. Handles are also built into the box for easy moving. Vinyl stickers adhere to the outside of the boxes for easy content identification (50 labels and 50 zip ties cost $5.00). Boxes are sanitized and are rodent and water resistant. Standard rentals are two weeks, but can be extended if needed. Boxes are delivered and then picked up at your new location when you have finished with them. In order to keep with their "green" mission, Polly Box services all moves located within a 40 miles radius. "Although, if a move was further out of town," said Gia, "We're open to creative ideas and thinking 'out-of-the-box' to share transportation costs." "When you do the math," continued Gia, "Buying cardboard boxes runs anywhere from $200-$300 on up for a local move. With Polly Box, the cost is $199 for a two-week rental of 50 Polly Boxes which can move a three-bedroom house. Using the boxes also reduce your packing, labor and loading time." SAVING THE PLANET BY DIVERTING CARDBOARD FROM THE LANDFILL For every 25 moves with a Polly Box, up to 2,000 pounds of cardboard are diverted from going into the landfill. A single ton of cardboard saves the equivalent of approximately 17 trees, 80 gallons of oil, 7,000 gallons of water, 4,100 kilowatts of electricity, 50 gallons of air pollution and three cubic yards of landfill space. "We have to do whatever we can to help save the environment for our children and future generations," said Gia. "Polly Box helps save the environment and our customer's pocketbook." Polly Box serves the cities of Ventura, Oxnard, Moorpark, Camarillo, Ojai, Port Hueneme, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley and Fillmore. Visit: Pollybox.com
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Water Wise Tips for Summer
Did you know that more than half of the average household's water expense is from outdoor water usage?
Many cities in Ventura County currently prohibit irrigating during the day. In Ventura, we encourage watering before 9:00am and after 4:00pm to avoid evaporation from sun and wind. With temperatures on the rise during the summer months, below you'll find some great water-saving, eco-friendly tips that will help you save on your water bill too.
*Water early in the morning
Water lawns before 8:00 or 9:00 am, when less water is lost to wind and evaporation.
*Don't water when it rains or if the soil is wet
Touch the soil. Is it dry to a depth of one inch? If so, then it's okay to water. You can purchase a rain shut-off device at a local hardare store for about $30.00.
*Water deep vs. often
When your landscape is dry, water it well, soaking the soil to a depth of 4-5 inches. This will promote root growth and make your lawn and other plants more drought tolerant.
*Don't use sprinklers on windy days
The use of sprinklers on windy days can lead to uneven watering and overspray onto the sidewalks and streets. Installing a drip irrigation system and/or low angle sprinkler heads also helps keep water near the ground vs. blowing away.
*Know your landscape and your plants
Are your plants brown at the tips? If so, you're plants are drowning. They do not need more water. Get to know your lawn and plant watering needs. Learn to recognize the signs of moisture stress.
Run your sprinklers for 2 or 3 short cycles instead of one long cycle on the days you water to ensure that water soaks into the ground rather than running off into your yard.
*Use Drip or sub-surface irrigation systems & weather-based smart controllers
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Smart Controller for Landscape Irrigation
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Sub-surface irrigation systems are the best means of watering your lawn and garden. These systems, especially when applied with a weather-based smart controller, apply water directly to the roots, where the water is needed and avoids evapotranspiration (evaporation into the earth's atmosphere).
*Watch for and fix leaks!
The next time you run your watering cycle, check for leaks, puddles and runoff. If you notice a neighbor's got a leaky problem, let them know immediately.
*Use Mulch and Apply CPR
 Save money and the environment by "rain harvesting." Currently, in the City of Ventura, the Environmental Sustainability Division and Ventura Water are working in conjunction with Smith Pipe and Supply at 3060 Sherwin Avenue in Ventura providing discounts on rain barrels. Channel/Bushman 60-gallon barrels (with a retail of $85.00 a piece), will be available for $42.00 plus tax at Smith Pipe while supplies last. Along with the voucher, proof of Ventura residency such as a Ventura Water bill or other utility bill or document that shows a City of Ventura address (not a driver's license) must be shown to receive the discount. Two rain barrel discounts are available per residential address with voucher. For a rain barrel voucher, visit:
http://www.cityofventura.net/pw/es/resrecycling or call 652-4584.
For more landscape watering tips, visit:
Test your water IQ by visiting:
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| NEWS Highlights from May
May 12 - Festival in the Park The 9th Annual Family Festival at Barranca Vista Park offered day long activites and fun for the entire family. From 9am-5pm, there were performances of dance, theatre, music and hands-on activities, exhibits and refreshments. This event was FREE to the public.
| May 19 - Second Annual Green Jobs Summit
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Exhibit Booths outside the Atrium at City Hall at t
he Second Annual Green Jobs Summit
(see above article)
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 | | LtoR: Roy Tennant, Jodi Litchman, Shelia Fundaburk and Storm Capps from Panera Bread in Ventura provided delicious pastries for the complimentary breakfast at Green Jobs Summit. |
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May 19 - Truckfest
Children and families got to
have a FUN hands-on
experience with all kinds of
vehicles - big, bright,
loud and fascinating.
The event was FREE and
open to the public.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY BILLBOARDS IN VENTURA
WATCH for Environmental Sustainability billboards around town focusing on recycling used motor oil and preventing stormwater pollution.
GREEN THUMB POP DISPLAYS  If you happen to be wandering down the isles at Green Thumb Nursery at 1899 Victoria
Avenue, take notice of the "Less Toxic Pest Management" tags (for ants, snails and weeds), that direct consumers to more eco-friendly choices for their home, lawn and garden maintenance.
OCEAN FRIENDLY GARDENS
Link to an Ocean Friendly Gardens' article that ran May 24, 2012
Listen to
Sustainable Ventura
podcasts on iTunes.
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Environmental Sustainability
is Everyone's Responsibility! 
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