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What is your New Year’s Resolution? Become a Master Composter Volunteer in 2008!
The County of Santa Cruz is currently accepting applications for the 2008 Master Composer Training Program. Master Composter training enhances the skills of community leaders, educators, environmentalists, gardeners, and recyclers. The training includes workshops and field trips on composting and worm composting. In exchange for this exceptional training, Master Composters donate their time staffing public outreach events to educate other community members about the County’s composting and recycling programs. To learn more about the Master Composter Training, or to download a training schedule and application visit
www.compostsantacruzcounty.org
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Has Berkeley Unlocked the Energy Revolution?
On Nov 7th, a delegation of Santa Cruz business people and decision makers met with Mayor Tom Bates and Berkeley City Staff to learn more about Berkeley’s plan to install thousands of solar power systems and energy efficiency upgrades. The Berkeley plan, approved by it’s City Council on Nov 6, eliminates the need for the homeowner to commit upfront cash to pay for an expensive solar power system. Rather, the City will cover all costs then bill the property owner for repayment over 20 years. These payments will become part of the annual property tax bill.
In other words, if you sell your property, you only pay for the amount of time you use the solar system. This eliminates the risk that an investment in solar (typically $15,000 to 25,000) would be lost upon sale of the property. Additionally, the plan could pre-qualify solar installers, giving homeowners confidence in the quality of the system (design and installation), removing yet another barrier to the solar revolution.
With peak oil at our doorstep, the smartest economic move we can make is to locking in the community’s energy supply at today’s cost. We’ll be able to brag to our children’s children about that.
Read Berkeley's Press Release here
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Big Sur Half Marathon Races For Waste Reduction
They may not have been aware that the waste reduction race was on, but event participants and onlookers alike were able to get a leg in by giving a hand to the recycling efforts underway during the event. Tossing a bottle or can into a blue recycling bin was their ticket for admission to the waste reduction race. By recycling, everyone present at this year’s events was a waste reduction race winner!
Read on....
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Eco-Winterize Your Vehicle
Brought to you by Water Star Motors: Import Car Repair a Certified Monterey Bay Area Green Business
Written by Henry & Lisa Carter
In the world of cars, winter is a term relative to the area you live in. If you live in Santa Cruz, winter is a relatively mild term compared to, say, North Dakota. The amount of service required winterizing your cars here is a little different than elsewhere. Winterizing your vehicle reduces the potential for toxic leaks and helps your vehicle run efficiently, imporoving your gas mileage. Here are the top 5 things that should be addressed regardless of where you are driving.
- We recommend having your wiper blades replaced and your windshield washers adjusted.
- Have your tires inspected. Proper tire pressure has been shown to improve gas mileage by almost a 30% in fleet studies, and also affects performance and safety when driving.
- A thorough inspection of exterior lights is in order. This is the season to have your fog lights working.
- Check your car’s electrical system. Batteries are a common failure in the cold. Starters that are weak to begin with tend to fail in lower temperatures also.
- The last thing to check for a Santa Cruz Winter is your heater system. With cooler temperatures and higher humidity, it is best to have your defroster working properly.
In addition to these great tips from Water Star Motors, remember if you are changing your own oil be sure to recycle it! Motor Oil and oil filters are now accepted free at 18 oil recycling collection centers throughout Santa Cruz County and in all curbside recycling programs. For drop-off locations, call:1-800-CLEANUP To find other Certified Green Businesses, please visit
Earth's 911
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National Experts Present: Winterizing Your Horse Property
Nationally known speaker Alayne Blickle and Aerated Static Pile Composting expert Peter Moon will be presenting a day long workshop on how to best manage horse properties in winter. Come learn proven methods that will make your horse property easier to manage this winter. Don’t miss this one time event!
Managing Horse Properties in Winter
Saturday, December 8th
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
101 Livestock
4400 Hwy 101
Aromas, CA
Register Now!
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Help Ecology Action continue to provide innovative programs that benefit our environment by making a tax deductible donation now!
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