Public Workshop for Proposed Water Dedication and In-Lieu Fees for Development

 

 

Did you know that 11 billion pounds of mail was delivered in the US in 2008? That equals 900 pieces (100 lbs) for every household. Out of that amount, only 40% is recycled.

 

Over 660,000 tons of phone books enter the waste stream annually. Only 20% get recycled. Nearly 70% of adults in the U.S. "rarely or never" use the phone book.

 

If you are tired of getting tons of junk mail in your mailbox and would like to save trees, reduce the waste that goes into our landfills and care about reducing greenhouse gas emissions, there is a way you can make a difference.

 

 

Catalog Choice is the largest independent mail preference registry in the United States. When you sign up, it's FREE and you get to opt-out of receiving all forms of advertising mail and unwanted phone book deliveries. The great thing about Catalog Choice is that with a database of more than 5,500 titles (and increasing daily) that you choose what you want to opt-out of receiving. Under the Fair Information Practice (FTC), your information will also be kept private and be protected.

 

CLICK HERE TO JOIN!

To get our GREEN TIPS
text VENTURA to 39798

YES! You can Recycle Cartons in Ventura

 WATCH THE SHOW

Sustainable Ventura July 2013 TV Show

 

Also watch Sustainable Ventura weekly on Caps-TV!

 

Storm Drains & Discharge Points

 

 

  

Assemblymember Das Williams at the third annual Green Jobs Expo

"Businesses that make a commitment to implement sustainable practices and develop environmentally-friendly products are smart companies," said Courtney Lindberg, Environmental Specialist for the City of Ventura's Environmental Sustainability Division.

 

As education and awareness builds worldwide regarding our planet's compromised natural resources and our society's individual and collective impact on the environment, many businesses are adopting "green" initiatives to ensure the longevity of their respective businesses as well as the earth's finite resources.

 

LtoR: Environmental Specialist Courtney Lindberg and Dana Bogdanich in the Environmental Sustainability Booth

 

"It's good business," continued Lindberg. "Consumers want to know that when they buy something, that it's not harming them (or the planet) in the process. When it's important to the buyer, it becomes important to the supplier."

 

This sentiment is also echoed in the 2011 study conducted by MIT, which indicated that 70% of corporate businesses in the United States have adopted environmentally friendly practices, and as a result, have seen an increase in company profitability.

Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson at the Green Jobs Expo

 

 

Assemblymember Das Williams, a longtime advocate of environmental industry and practices, first got involved with the green jobs expo concept while working as an organizer for CAUSE, a Ventura based non-profit and economic justice advocacy group.

 

"In 2010, after I got elected to the state Assembly, I wanted to continue to develop and expand the Green Jobs Expo in order to continue to bring together people and businesses with green products, educators that train people in the green job workforce and green technology business owners," continued Williams, "CAUSE didn't have the capacity or funds, so I sought out partnerships. This year, through a partnership with the City of Ventura, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Ventura County Community College District, this event has really taken off. "

 

 

 

 

Your lawn's watering schedule will also depend on the type of device, soil type, slope and the plants on your property.  For example, if you have a clay soil running an irrigation system for more than five minutes will result in unwanted runoff.  In the City of Ventura, many properties have a sandy loam soil.  This type of soil has a relatively good absorption rate.  Using a cycle soak (using shorter watering cycles), will help minimize runoff.

 

A good rule of thumb when gardening is to consider that less is more.  Overwatering grass and plants can cause root damage and increase susceptibility to disease.  So it's best to start with a more conservative watering program.  If you walk across your lawn or grass and see footprints, or if your plants begin to look stressed, then gradually adjust your watering schedule.

 

Traditional Lawn

Letting your grass to grow longer also provides many benefits.  Taller grass allows for a greater surface area to carry out photosynthesis, this in turn will result in healthier plants. A longer lawn also thwarts weeds from germinating, which can eliminate the need for the application of herbicides and pesticides. You'll also save on grass mowing time, gasoline and wear and tear on garden equipment by keeping your grass a little longer.

 

"It's best for water to be applied in short cycles with time in between to soak in," said Jeremy Scarlett of Scarlett's Landscape (scarlettslandscaping.com). Scarlett. "Properly designed drip irrigation systems and the use of high efficiency rotating nozzles and/or rotator sprinklers work best, applying water that the lawn and garden can absorb without runoff."

 

READ MORE and WATCH LAWN & GARDEN VIDEOS 

 

Chemical fertilizers and pesticides applied to lawns and gardens wash off and pollute streams and water bodies. In addition, yard clippings and leaves can wash into storm drains and contribute  excessive nutrients and organic matter to the watershed. Use  chemical pesticides and fertilizers sparingly and always in strict accordance with the application directions. Use compost and other non-toxic alternatives whenever possible. For more information about pesticide use in your lawn and garden, go to: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/controlling/garden.htm.