Waste Not

For the most part when people are d one with their stuff, they just throw it away. Where is this away? What happens to it?

Unfortunately, away doesn’t exist.  All of our waste just doesn’t disappear, and zero impact is impossible. For the most part, our waste ends up in landfills or gets recycled.  According to the EPA, the average American produces 4.4 pounds of garbage a day, 30 pounds a week, and about 1,600 pounds a year! That’s a lot of TRASH!!! For my assignment I kept track of my trash and looked for ways to reduce it. 

For the first three day period:

Trash:

3 Styrofoam containers

1 chili packet

1 soy sauce

2 pairs of chopsticks

1 plastic fork

1 pepper packet

6 napkins

1 plastic food container

Recycled:

4 beer bottles

2 receipts

1 toilet paper roll

1 plastic bag

6 pages of paper

3 plastic bags

Compost:

5 eggshells

2 bell pepper tops

3 citrus peels

2 bananas peels

1 fruit peel

A little Buck Choy trimmings

1 Onion skin 

I wasted about 16 items, at an estimation of 1-2 lbs. Much of it was from eating out, it consisted of Styrofoam and dining ware. I recently moved to Riverside, and I was unaware that Styrofoam could be recycled at the curb; in Fontana, they don’t recycle it and this was a cool find.

I found various strategies to reduce my waste, some of which I already do. Currently, I try keep my waste levels down and I try to be conscious of all of my stuff; I already do my own composting, have a canteen and reusable dining ware, and use a handkerchief to dry my hands. I want to take it further and try to reduce my waste as much as possible by: buy things with less packaging, remove my name from mailing lists, don’t eat out as much, take my own reusable to go food container to food joints, and to check items for recyclability before buying.

The next 3 days:

Compost:

5 eggs

ginger peels

2 napkins

6 orange peels

3 bananas

Onion peels

Pepper stem

2 eggplant cuttings

2 avocado pits and peels

2 or 3 wilted cabbage leaves

Trash:

1 Soymilk Container

1 pair of chopsticks with wrapper

1 napkin

1 pieces of sushi

3 green mussel shells

Recycled:

3 Beer bottles

2 paper plates

1 Styrofoam

1 plastic container

2 receipts

1 glass honey jar

I wasted 7 items on the next 3day period!!!! I was able to cut my waste by more than half. Much of it was due to, eating out less and less food packaging. I joined a CSA, and my box of produce eliminated much of my food packaging waste and it forced me to eat out less. It was hard to keep things out of the trash, some things were non-recyclable or it was out of my hands. The only time I did go out and eat, the server took my plate before I could eat that last piece!!!!! It was cool though cause I was stuffed from all you can eat, and I wasn’t able to take all the scraps waste with me. Much of our foods come in non-recyclable containers, my soymilk container was made of paper mashed with plastic, and it was not able recyclable. I also saved my honey jar to reuse for future use.

Which of these trash-reducing strategies would I continue? I have not gotten around to it yet, but I wanted to have my name removed from the junk mail list, take my own food container when I take food to go, and I want to keep using a CSA to buy majority of my produce.

Bottled or Tap

Water the essence of life, the centerpiece of societies structure, and a giant commodity readily to be sold.  In America and many other nations around the world, water flows freely from the tap with little effort or consideration. It sits on shelves with fancy labels, with scenic views of nature, using clever verbiage to sell an idea. I was born and raised in the city of Rancho Cucamonga, here I always knew water played a big role in the cities development, but I never knew how deep it went until recently. Due to agriculture, community development, and years of sever drought, the water system flourished into a multi-dimensional network; were water was being imported, pumped from groundwater, and brought in from local canyons and tunnels. According to Rancho Cucamonga’s 2010 water quality report, my city was apart of the State Water Project; the water is brought down from Northern California’s Delta at Oroville Dam through the San Joaquin Valley. It’s also possible that we are getting water from Oregon and Arizona, but I wasn’t able to confirm this. In addition to the imported water, 49% is from ground water from the Cucamonga and Chino Basin Aquifers.  And the final 8% comes from canyons that I grew up hiking and playing in, the Cucamonga Canyon, Deer Canyon, East Etiwanda Canyon, and a few tunnels though the San Gabriel Mountains.

When I looked into the safety of our drinking water, I found that the sources are pretty vulnerable to contamination ranging from: microbial, inorganic and organic chemicals, pesticides, herbicides and radioactive material.  So, basically every stage the water flows the water has the potential to become contaminated naturally and unnaturally, but luckily our water district is very keen on our water quality before, during, and after treatment. To keep to their standard, Cucamonga Valley Water collects and analyzes samples of water every four hours, twenty-four hours a day, and seven days a week.  According to the quality report, “In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems…” They have set limits on the contamination levels and amount of disinfectants, and are constantly monitoring for healthy standards, and by what I could tell from the report the water is far below the given standard.

In the United States annually, Americans Drink 8.6 billion gallons of bottled water. Almost everywhere you go you could find this commodity. In the 1970’s many companies began to sell the idea of tap water.  Many people buy bottled water assuming that it is cleaner and comes from fresh sources, but the reality of it is that over 1/3 of it is just filtered tap water. When it comes to bottled water the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees bottled water products and the processing plants. The regulations and standards for bottled water are far different from tap water. FDA has set Current Good Manufacturing Practices to set standards for bottled water. According to the FDA website this requires bottled water companies to:

•    Process, bottle, hold and transport bottled water under sanitary conditions.

•    Protect water sources from bacteria, chemicals and other contaminants.

•    Use quality control processes to ensure the bacteriological and chemical safety of the water.

•    Sample and test both source water and the final product for contaminants.

The FDA is supposed to regulate of bottled water products and its process according to the food safety program. When FDA inspects, they are to verify if the product are coming from authorizing sources, inspect the washing and sanitizing procedures, inspect bottling operations, and if the companies are testing their water sources and product for contaminates. It feels like the majority of the regulation and testing of quality is left to FDA and in the good faith of companies; the FDA doesn’t have the capacity to keep an eye on each and every single bottle effectively and honestly to healthy standards. 

   

So, the reality of it is that bottled water is less regulated compared to tap water. Even though FDA standards try to reflect EPA standards, the FDA is unable to make sure that all companies are making the standard. In addition, the FDA's standards are based on the premise that bottled water is not a potential risk to public health, while EPA’s are. In an independent study of bottled water conducted by the Environmental Working Group, “…found that 10 popular brands of bottled water, purchased from grocery stores and other retailers in 9 states and the District of Columbia, contained 38 chemical pollutants, with an average of 8 contaminants in each brand.” So the image that bottle companies try to sell us of mountain springs and of fresh clean sources, is not always up to par on quality and safety.

Bottle water might seem convenient, but another draw back is the pollution from the bottle waste. Only 1 in 5 bottles are recycled and it contributes to 3 billion pounds of waste, cost thousands of times more and water rights being taken away from the public. Bottled water is in essence just an idea that is being sold to us, and that is mostly unregulated, and is not always meeting always safety standards. While our tap is being highly regulated, yet underrated and could save us from the byproducts of production.

http://www.nrdc.org/water/drinking/bw/exesum.asp

http://www.cvwdwater.com/index.aspx?page=58#77

http://www.onlineeducation.net/bottled_water

http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/water/bottled/bottled-water-bad-for-people-and-the-environment/

http://storyofstuff.org/bottledwater/

Maui Gold Pineapple

HUMMMMMM PINEAPPLE!!!! 

Maui Gold Pineapple(MGP) is grown across 1,350 acres on the slopes of Haleakala, on the island of Maui in Hawaii. The pineapples are grown exclusively on the island using traditional methods, and are organically grown using sustainable agriculture methods. These Pineapples are greatly apart of the culture here, and have been proven to be healthy and nutritious.

The local farms of Maui Gold Pineapple Company were started by former Maui Pineapple Company employees over 25 years ago, and have continued to preserve traditional methods used on the island.

 The MGP Company has made great efforts and has been innovative, when it comes environment impact and local sustainability. At the main headquarters a grey water reuse program has been implemented and the water is reused as irrigation water for seed cane. In addition, those fields that have become fallow are being held over to a Reforestation Project that is planting of native plants, to keep local species populations steady.

Not only are pineapples super juicy and delicious, they are very very nutritious. They are a rich source of vitamin C; according to the MGP website “ They provide 100% of the daily recommended value and three times the vitamin C of traditional pineapples.” Vitamin C is known to help build protection with the immune system and cardiovascular health. Along with the rich vitamins they contain a protein-digesting enzyme that is only found in pineapples, that is capable of being treating inflammation and indigestion.

One awesome thing that I found on the MGP website and inspired me to try it on my own was how to grow our own pineapple in just 18 months!!!  The instructions below are from site.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• The crown (top) of the pineapple


• A pint canning jar or other glass container


• A 12-inch diameter pot


• Potting soil that drains well

PLANTING DIRECTIONS:

• Cut the crown from the pineapple just above where the stem comes out of the top of the body


• Remove any of the fruity part of the pineapple from the crown


• Pull off the outer leaves of the crown, leaving 6 to 8 big leaves near the center


• Set this shoot aside for 2-3 days to dry out


• Put the shoot in water (about 1/2-inch deep; water shouldn't touch the leaves)


• Place it in a bright spot out of direct sunlight for a few weeks to encourage roots to develop


• After you see the roots beginning to grow, transplant the crown to a medium-size pot containing soil that drains well


• Place the pot in a bright location and water your plant daily


• Once the young plant is established, pour a cupful of well-balanced, diluted, water-soluble liquid fertilizer into the top of the plant once a month.

Your plant should develop a red bud after about 12 months. From this stage, the pineapple fruit will begin to develop and in three to six months, it should be ready to enjoy!

Another cool thing that guy with the tasty pineapple is my uncle!

http://www.pineapplemaui.com/nutrition.php

http://www.skagitfoodcoop.com/pineapples.html

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/bromelain-000289.htm

http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/the-benefits-of-vitamin-c

How "Green" is RCC???

There are multiple factors that could be taken into account to judge how “green” a campus is, but I believe if an assessment was to be done, it would have reflect the organizational structure of higher education establishment, and the all the people who are involved needs. Currently, there are multiple assessments for colleges to use, but the most effective and transparent one I have found would be the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS). Currently, 130 college campuses are participating STARS program, and each campus is able to share their assessment rating and give input for learning and collaboration. Based off the STARS assessment, there would be several broad topics that would be evaluated: Campus background info, education and research, administration and finance, and operations.

A key aspect of the STARS evaluation is the collecting of background data. Here the information would allow collaboration and goal setting with schools with similar backgrounds. Data such as population, community type, campus space, and financial info, allow the AASHE (organization that created the STARS assessment) better understand how certain characteristics affect sustainability.

Education and Research

With the STARS evaluation schools are raked on academic curriculum, co-curricular education and staff development and training, and research. The evaluation of education and research is a crucial aspect to learning and performing on green issues; this could make a deep impact by granting knowledge and having the ability to research potential goals. Here students and staff alike are given the opportunity to share of knowledge and engage in sustainable activities.

Shasta Community College has set an example in sustainable development and has provided variety courses to educate its community on renewable energy. Two renewable energy programs have been emplaced to give people the training for Photovoltaic Solar and Wind-Generation Technology. These high demand trades are equipping students and colleges with the ability to be the difference. Dependence solely on nonrenewable energy is not only irresponsible, but they are technologies which are outdated.  sBy having educational institutions instilling of sustainability into their curriculum, not only would students and staff would be able learn of “green” methods, but in time would help create a new social norm.

Operations

            Everything from the Buildings, Dining Services, Energy services, Energy and Climate, Grounds, Materials Recycling and Waste Minimization, Purchasing

(“Green” products or environmentally friendly products) and transportation are inspected and graded.

This part of the rating system could be simply stated as management of resources. Determining how “green” our campus operates reflects the school’s consumption and what it dose with its byproducts (whether that be recycled or land filled). If our school would simply recycle it would have a great impact that would ripple through out the world socially, economically and environmentally.  According to the UC annual sustainability report, ”All ten campuses have met the goal of diverting at least 50 percent of municipal waste from being sent to landfills, and five campuses have already achieved a 70 percent diversion rate.” Collectively the whole UC system has chosen to set standards and benchmarks when it comes to operating recycling and reducing landfill waste. UC Davis since1985 has had Project Recycle which organized and implemented of recycle bin collection by students. According to the Davis’ Sustainable 2nd Century website, the 67 percent of waste is currently being diverted from landfills. It is not just the UC system that’s taking action, Orange Coast College has a full running recycling center that is open to the public.

Administration

This point of the “green” evaluation we would be looking at our infrastructure and investment management. Everything from creating a Sustainability Committee, setting goals, and building community relationships would to be the glue to the mission. Individuals and small groups could plan all they want, but without organization and steady funding, school-wide goals would never hold; It is most essential to have everyone involved and on the same page. Many schools have formed Committees and created action plans to present current data of consumption, and presented benchmarks to be targeted. In 2010, UCR created a compressive Climate Action Plan, that illustrated campus energy usage, estimated carbon emissions, and gave clear Reduction Measures. The dense plan really helped the committee gain a solid foothold on making a difference in the terms of sustainability and allowed everyone to see where the school stood.

In addition to the STARS evaluation, I would I would also include things like amount of trees and foliage on campus, native species, and edible landscaping.

http://www.aashe.org/documents/stars/STARS_0.5.pdf

http://www.shastacollege.edu/cms.aspx?id=6821

http://sustainability.ucdavis.edu/news/2011/january/waste_reduction.html

http://rs.acupcc.org/site_media/uploads/cap/379-cap_1.pdf

http://www.orangecoastcollege.edu/about_occ/facilities/recycling_center/

Lets be the CHANGE

Hey EVERYONE ! Would you mind helping RCC by Signing this Petition and spreading the word? Leave a comment and let your voice be heard!

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/green-the-cafeteria.html

My Nature Circle

I decided to take a walk into a field near my house where I usually like to walk my dog; in the day I’ve seen all sorts of life here taking a night stroll here was quite interesting and fun. After picking a clear spot to sit, I cut the light and submerged myself into the darkness to embrace of this alienated beauty for twenty minutes. With the moon above me, and with nothing but nature around me, I sit as my eyes adjust. Here, this evening there was a cool western breeze and crisp moist taste in the air. Here being stil,l I began to pick up on all of the sounds, there was steady tempo of crickets chirping to be heard; later when I got home I looked into crickets chirping, and I found that only the male cricket chirps. I always thought that the cricket would create the sound by rubbing their leg together, but I discovered that this was not true, they produce the sound by rubbing the top of one wing along the teeth of the bottom wing. I also found that there is a correlation between the sound rate and temperature, if you count the number of chirps over 14 seconds and then add 40, you would get the Fahrenheit temperature.

Listening to more sounds, I heard an owl’s screech somewhere above me, and another unknown bird in the distance.  As I sat here quietly I seen twenty or so rabbits (probably Desert Cottontail) hopped to feed on some grass, I was amazed to see how many there were, I am not sure if they live in groups or gather to eat in the same area. As my eyes adjusted I looked to see what was growing around me, I spotted some Californian buckwheat, and some white sage; from what I know, both plants were used by native peoples for edible and medicinal purposes. I also found the buckwheat is great for attracting beneficial insects.  As I was getting ready to leave I heard a pack of coyotes yelping in the distance, wondering if they were just playing or closing in on their evening prey.

    Doing my observation at night was a great experience, there’s much contrast compared to the day. Usually, I wouldn’t hear as many sounds or see as many rabbits congregating to fest. It was great to learn about the crickets and their chirps, I think I might try and check the temperature by chirp next time.

http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_erfa2.pdf

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas/Zoo_p055.shtml

What if solar got fossil fuel subsidies?

I thought this was a great illustration for the lack of solar subsidies in Amerika, and how much is being put towards non-renewable resources. Really shows that how lobbyist really get their way, and sustainability is compromised. If it could work in other places around the world, why not make it work here.


Green energy gets a bad rap in America thanks to an avalanche of fossil fuel lobbyists, but what if solar was playing on a level playing field in term of subsidies? The answers are illuminating.

From: http://holykaw.alltop.com/what-if-solar-got-fossil-fuel-subsidies-infog

Something Interesting from Ch.1

Chapter 1 was a excellent introduction of the book, it brought up a lot of great concepts and issues which were very easy to follow. Also, it uses a few visual aids which bring things into clear perspective. One section that I really learned interesting was about our environmental problems and how unsustainable our societies are. I knew that we have population and consumption dilemma, but the ratios for developed compared to undeveloped countries for human impact is really shocking. In addition, the equation of PxAxT=I is really interesting, it really puts things into perspective, and allows us to dissect the issues and put it to together again.

RCC Sustainability

Come join us and learn to love your environment.
http://www.facebook.com/groups/sustainableRCC/
or
https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en#!forum/sustainabilityclubrcc

Bio of Me

Humm... Lets see, my name is Ryan Andrew Sendejas and there's much more to me than this blog could comprehend. I grew up in the city of Rancho Cucamonga the land of vast vineyards and deep history. As a child I'd always spent my time in the clouds imagining great things, and exploring fields that had much to offer. Now as an adult not much as changed aside from the fact that I must pay taxes and have gained 100lbs. I have a German Sheppard which I found one night at a drive-in, I brought him home, named him Freddy and we been best friends ever since.

 I've been a student at Riverside City College for some time now; I’ve experienced various avenues and worked with all spectrums of people. At one point I was studying Business Administration, I believed that learning management skills would help form the person I wanted to become, and would lead me to a career that I would enjoy. But always leave it to time and experience to change ones mind, I have come to realize that there wasn't much joy or dreams on that path of business, and I sought to discover an educational path that I would be proud to pursue.

After participating in RCC Student Government, I've learned that I was able to take responsibility with my own hands, and venture achievements with others. Soon after I struck some interest in the Sustainability Club, here I met some amazing people with some stellar ideas and with a great outlook on life. At the time I was not too environmentally engaged aside from appreciating the outdoors.  After having Enviro-Epiphany, I’ve chosen to change my major to Environmental Science, and try to take on any challenge that I was bestowed with.

­­I’ve chosen this class for many reasons, but I would have to say the main reason is because I want to learn much about the subject and would like to gain some hands on experience. I would also like to work with some like-minded students, and make some real change. A question of questions I would like to answer… How could we convince developed countries to consume and waste less?