Eco-Tip for 6-2-19 Green Roofing Options By David Goldstein, Ventura County PWA A literally “green” roof, featuring living plants, insulates, absorbs carbon, filters air, retains storm water, and can look beautiful, but it requires the investment of money and energy for building with materials strong enough to support soil and water. However, there are many…
For Eco-Tip, VC Star 5-26-19 Options for discard of flags By David Goldstein Tomorrow is Memorial Day, so it may be an appropriate time to remind anyone wanting to correctly “retire” their tattered, soiled or badly faded American flags that they may drop off flags at their local chapter of the American Legion, Elk’s Lodge,…
Eco-Tip for 5-26-19 Flag Retirement: Repair for Reuse, Avoid Plastic, and Help Service Organizations By David Goldstein For Memorial Day, at 10:30 AM tomorrow, Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park in Westlake Village will host a concert and remembrance event featuring a B-25 flyover and the Air Force Band of the West Coast. Through posters…
Eco-tip for 5-19-19 Revamped Public Works Day Uses Hands-on Learning to Expose Students to Environmentally Beneficial Careers By David Goldstein, Ventura County Public Works Agency, IWMD and Katie Yates, Consortium Media The theme of this year’s annual Public Works Day, “Lean Forward. Leading Excellence,” refers to an emphasis on innovation, opportunity, and accomplishment in careers…
Eco-Tip for 5-12-19 Bike to Work Week Offers Entertainment, Opportunities and Prizes By Susana Andres and David Goldstein An inspiring bicycling event is coming to Ventura County in the middle of Bike to Work Week. This Thursday, May 16, from approximately 1 PM to 5 PM, some of the world’s best bicycle racers will complete…
Eco-tip for 5-5-19 Making it Last: Extending Product Life to Reduce Waste By David Goldstein, VCPWA, IWMD An adage of conservation says, “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” That bit of frugal advice saves resources, but it can also lead to a house full of ugly furniture, uncomfortable clothing,…
Eco-Tip for 4-7-19 Earth Day 2019: Events, Opportunities, and Inspiration By David Goldstein, Ventura County IWMD, PWA An Earth Day e-card already making the electronic rounds this year sarcastically says, “I admire your determination to save the planet despite your inability to save a houseplant.” Another says, “I’m hoping Earth Day will make Polar bears…
Eco-Tip for 4-14-19 Batteries not Included in Your Garbage Can or Recycling Cart By David Goldstein, Ventura County Public Works Agency, IWMD Lithium-based batteries are turning an important environmental issue into an urgent one. Proper management of discarded batteries has always been important to conserve resources and avoid toxic contamination, but now improper disposal of…
For Eco-Tip 3/31/19 Pet License Amnesty, Options, and Reasons By David Goldstein, Ventura County Public Works Agency Animal licensing can help reunite you with a lost pet, and although licensing is not as effective as having a microchip implanted under your pet’s skin, licensing has additional advantages. Importantly, a license proves your pet is vaccinated…
Eco-Tip 3/24/19 Certifications Give Clear Signals Amid “Green Noise” By David Goldstein, Ventura County PWA/IWMD A greeting card I recently received had a statement printed on the back, “Printed on paper made from responsibly managed forests.” People overwhelmed by the “green noise” of environmental claims may not pay attention to details, but this claim was…