Eco-tip: Workers of waste need your help for safety

September 9, 2023 VC Star Last year, garbage industry worker fatalities rose nearly 65%, according to the Solid Waste Association of North America, or SWANA. The organization operates several programs to improve safety, but the actions of their customers are also crucial for keeping these workers safe. Trash truck drivers are usually safe when they…

Public Works

Eco-tip: ‘Pure’ food festival will bring heirloom varieties to fairgrounds

August 26, 2023 VC Star Food at the fairgrounds has a reputation for providing quick energy and guilty pleasure, but an upcoming event will offer a different kind of deliciousness. Rather than the Ventura County Fair’s deep fried Snickers bars and cream-filled funnel cakes, or the X Games’ Monster Energy drinks and Jarritos fruit-flavored soda,…

Public Works

Eco-tip: Master Gardener trainees sought

August 19, 2023 VC Star University of California’s Cooperative Extension in Ventura County has opened a training opportunity and will accept up to 40 new applicants to become master gardeners. Master gardeners develop expertise and use their knowledge to educate the public. Master gardeners also have great social gatherings centered on food more delicious than…

Eco-tip: New reports measure progress on organics recycling

August 12, 2023 VC Star By David Goldstein “How is recycling really going?” Versions of that question come to me by phone and email every week. Scott Meckstroth, a professional engineer and deputy director of Ventura County’s Water and Sanitation Department, explained the reason for his and others’ challenging questions about the intentions and results…

David Goldstein

Eco-tip: Plastic Free July wraps up with loss of recycling opportunity

August 5, 2023 VC Star By David Goldstein In an online banner, the Plastic Free Foundation claims over 100 million people were inspired by the organization’s Plastic Free July events, challenges and pledges last month. Locally, Ventura County’s sustainability division awarded prizes such as reusable metal straws to participants in a waste reduction challenge event.…

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Eco-tip: Crying carrot pleads for recycling of organic waste

July 29, 2023 VC Star The latest effort to boost participation in countywide food waste recycling programs features a charismatic crying carrot. “Please don’t throw me in the landfill,” the cute root pleads. “I want to help create compost.” Harrison Industries, a trash collection and recycling company based in Saticoy and serving much of Ventura…