I was skeptical as I watched hundreds of loud and rowdy elementary school kids bounce into the school cafeteria of Rio Real School in Oxnard last Tuesday. My skepticism grew as the students packed in tightly to on-floor seating while teachers retreated to standing positions in the rear of the room. How could a message…
VC Star April 13, 2024 Breakthrough technologies and innovative programs often start as pilot projects. When the project serves a public purpose, public agencies sometimes provide incentives. Two upcoming events, coordinated by the Ventura County Recycling Market Development Zone, provide examples and show public agency support on the city, county, state and federal levels. The…
VC Star March 30, 2024 At EarthDay.org, which bills itself as the global organizing hub of the “world’s largest environmental movement,” an announcement proclaims this year’s Earth Day theme, “Planet versus Plastics.” Organizers are “demanding a 60% reduction in the production of plastics by 2040 and an ultimate goal of building a plastic-free future for…
Waste Advantage March 14, 2024 Responsible for managing SB 1383 compliance on behalf of unincorporated Ventura County, the Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) has contracted with Abound Food Care, an Orange County-based food recovery organization, to implement a regional food recovery program on behalf of the County of Ventura and the cities of Camarillo,…
The Acorn March 8, 2024 Before another atmospheric river flows through, it’s important to remember that mulch and compost can help prevent erosion from heavy rain. Mulch on the soil surface works immediately after being applied correctly, reducing the impact of rain and slowing the flow of runoff. Compost, incorporated into soil, works long after…
VC Star March 2, 2024 Ship captains are reducing the speed of large vessels passing through the channel off our coast, providing three environmental benefits. They cut fuel consumption, reduce air pollution and greatly decrease the likelihood of striking whales. This program expanded last year, despite the end of financial incentives for participation. From 2014…
VC Star February 24, 2024 Last week, volunteers installed smoke alarms provided to residents of Oxnard by the American Red Cross and the Oxnard Fire Department. Calling the program “Sound the Alarm,” the new devices came with fire prevention education and were meant to address a common problem. Many people do not replace smoke detector…
VC Star February 17, 2024 Not just to avoid waste and conserve resources, but also out of respect for a keystone of our civilization, book reuse, rather than book recycling, should be our first resort for discarded books. Books free of mold, mildew or water stains may be donated to thrift stores; sold on sites…
February 10, 2024 VC Star Among other benefits, mulch and compost can help prevent erosion from heavy rain. Mulch on soil surface works immediately after being applied correctly, reducing the impact of rain and slowing the flow of runoff. Compost, incorporated into soil, works long after being applied by promoting the growth of soil-holding roots.…
VC Star February 3, 2024 By David Goldstein No one I know would intentionally dump plastics into the ocean, but we are all doing it unintentionally. Steve Sprinkel, an Ojai Valley farmer, returned last month from the 44th Annual EcoFarm Conference at Asilomar, in Pacific Grove, where he learned about the extent of ocean pollution…