VC Star December 8, 2024 Christmas trees have something in common with trees cut to make paper: Replacing them with other materials does not really save trees. Both types of trees are grown on managed land, essentially tree farms, and few of these sites would exist were it not for the market demand caused by…
VC Star November 16, 2024 Some dogs pull sleds, some sniff for drugs at the border. Even some nonworking dogs have jobs, such as my little cocker spaniel who used to drag in the newspaper every morning. But all dogs can contribute to the household by eating food waste. Dogs are most helpful when food…
Moorpark Acorn November 23, 2024 An unexpected problem arose on California’s way to a better recycling future. Buyback centers disappeared. Those who recycle only through their curbside programs may not have noticed, but many people need their California Redemption Value money back, and many more see convenient buyback recycling as a matter of basic fairness.…
Camarillo Acorn October 26, 2024 If you have not yet bought a costume for Halloween, you still have time and options. A fast solution is to order a cheap, plastic costume online or pick one up at a big box store. Beware, though: Many of these single-use, disposable costumes may look adequate on the packaging…
VC Star October 12, 2024 David Goldstein Special to Ventura County Star California’s 2023-24 legislative session wrapped up last month with some new laws to reduce waste. The governor also vetoed related bills but provided explanations sure to give lawmakers reason to adjust proposals and try again next year. Assembly member Jacqui Irwin, D-Thousand Oaks,…
Moorpark Acorn September 20, 2024 California celebrates its 40th annual Coastal Cleanup Day on Sat., Sept. 21, and one local city got a head start by cleaning one of its own streams leading to the ocean. The City of Agoura Hills hosted its annual Lindero Creek cleanup on Sept. 14 and, judging by the photos…
VC Star September 15th, 2024 David Goldstein Special to Ventura County Star When Coastal Cleanup Day volunteers mass along beaches from 9 a.m. to noon on Sept. 21, they could find less litter than they did in the previous 39 years of the event. Mechanical devices treating captured water prevent trash from washing down storm…
Moorpark Acorn August 31, 2024 By David Goldstein Many residents might be surprised to learn that they may actually be contaminating their curbside recycling cart with unrecyclable items. However, if you knew that your cart might not be collected because of contamination, would you make more of an effort to find out what might be…
VC Star August 17th, 2024 National Honeybee Day on Saturday has a lesson for Monday’s upcoming National Aviation Day. Considering the way certain types of bee populations have recovered while others are in decline may provide insight into solutions for environmental issues such as the problem of greenhouse gas pollution from air travel. The flight…
VC Star August 10th, 2024 It is hard to muster sympathy for seagulls. If you leave food unattended on your beach towel while taking a dip in the ocean, by the time you’re waist deep in water these rats of the sky will likely have ripped apart your wrappers and flown off with your feast.…