City of Thousand Oaks Logo  Environmental Programs
    E-Newsletter: September - October 2011
In This Issue:
► Zero Waste Lunches
► Household Hazardous Waste Collection & Free Material Reuse Program
► Coastal Cleanup Day
► Free Landfill & Recycling Day
► Community Enhancement Grant Program
► Fall Compost Workshop
► Sustainable Gardening Workshops
► CalRecycle Beverage Container Grant

Compost Bin

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Greetings! 

With Fall right around the corner and kids heading back to school, we start this edition of our newsletter with a few tips on packing greener lunches that can help the environment, and your pocketbook...

Zero Waste Lunch Tips

Packed School Lunch

 
Did you know a typical student can generate more than 67 pounds of lunch trash each year?

More parents and students are joining the movement to pack 'zero waste' lunches using only reusable and recyclable containers.  Here are some simple ways to reduce waste in your family's school lunches.

  • Opt for reusable bags or lunch boxes instead of plastic and paper bags.
  • Buy in bulk and pack small. You can get more value than buying lunch-sized portions.
  • Use Tupperware containers to hold food - they keep food better than plastic bags and aluminum foil.
  • Go reusable with stainless steel or BPA-free plastic beverage containers.
  • Pack reusable forks and spoons.
  • Consider packing cloth napkins to eliminate paper waste.
  • And don't forget to write your child's name on all containers before sending them to school!

Not only is a zero waste lunch good for the environment, it can save you money.  Research suggests that packing waste-free lunches can save nearly $250 per person per school year!*

* Source: www.wastefreelunches.org

Household Hazardous Waste Collection & Free Material Reuse

Household Hazardous Items

Only three more opportunities to dispose of your hazardous materials for free this year!


September 10  -  October 1  -  November 5


Advance registration is required.
  Appointments available 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  Open to Thousand Oaks and Unincorporated Ventura County residents only.  Visit our website for guidelines and online registration >  


Paint BucketAnd while you're there, be sure to visit the Free Material Reuse Program for free cleaners, paints and other reusable household materials.
 

T.O. Municipal Service Center 

993 Rancho Conejo Blvd, Newbury Park

 
 
Some limitations apply, visit our website for program details>

California Coastal Cleanup Day  

Coastal Cleanup Day 9.17.11 Poster


Saturday, September 17, 2011

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  
Borchard Community Park: 190 Reino Road, Newbury Park

 

Help clean the coast in Thousand Oaks!  Visit our website to find out how >

FREE Landfill & Recycling Day  

Free Simi Valley Landfill Day Check-In

Sunday, September 18, 2011

7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  
Simi Valley Landfill & Recycling Center
2801 Madera Road, Simi Valley
(805) 579-7267

  

It's time to clean out the backyard and garage for our annual free Simi Valley Landfill & Recycling Day.  Open to Thousand Oaks residents only, proof of residency required.  Visit our website for details > 

 

No Hazardous Waste - No Commercial Vehicles - No Landscaping Companies

2011 - 2012 Community Enhancement Grant Program

Community Enhancement Grant Project

Application Period Begins October 1, 2011!

 

The City of Thousand Oaks Public Works Department will accept online applications for the 2011-2012 Community Enhancement Grant Program beginning October 1 through October 31, 2011.

 

The program provides grants for non-profit community and school groups, such as clubs and booster organizations, who conduct a community beautification or environmental project. A total of $45,000 is available in grant awards.

 

Visit the Community Enhancement Grant web page for more information >

CompostFall Compost Workshop

Hands in CompostSaturday, October 8, 2011
10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Conejo Community Park, Covered Picnic Area #1
(enter at 350 W Gainsborough Road on Jeaunine Drive)

Free for Thousand Oaks residents!  "Dr. Compost" (aka Eric Werbalowsky) brings his uniquely entertaining and insightful compost workshop back to Thousand Oaks!  Free compost (while supplies last), giveaways and more!

Visit the event homepage for more information and to register on-line >

Sustainable Gardening Workshops 

The Ventura County Master Gardeners continue their sustainable gardening workshop series for Thousand Oaks residents.  All workshops are at the Goebel Center (located at 1385 East Janss Road in Thousand Oaks).  Admission is free, however advance registration is required.

Flowers and flower pot 

Exploring Soil Types:  Saturday, September 24, 2011:  9:45 - 11:30 a.m.

Click here for information and registration > 

 

Gardening Myth Solutions:  Saturday, October 22, 2011:  9:45 - 11:30 a.m.

Click here for information and registration > 

 

UC Davis Arboretum All-Stars:  Saturday, November 12, 2011:  9:45 - 11:30 a.m.

Click here for information and registration >

 

Find out more about Ventura County Master Gardener programs and resources > 

CalRecycle Beverage Container Recycling Grant Opportunity

CalRecycle announces Beverage Container Recycling Grant Opportunity


The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) is seeking projects that implement new or enhance existing programs to provide convenient beverage container recycling opportunities in various locations statewide.  The grant opportunity is open to anyone - individuals, government entities, businesses and non-profit organizations.  Deadline for concept submission is 3 p.m. October 10, 2011.  Visit the CalRecycle Beverage Container Recycling Grant web page for more information and application material > 

  

Planning to apply?  We'd love to know about your project.  E-mail us at GoGreen@toaks.org and share your plans to recycle in Thousand Oaks!

Find More Online

Learn more about these and other City of Thousand Oaks Environmental Programs online at  
www.toaks.org/GoGreen
Environmental Programs - City of Thousand Oaks Public Works Department