Patch Picks: Celebrating Mother Earth

Most of us already recycle. While this is a very important–and easy–way to reduce the impact of human consumption on our planet, there is much more that can be done. While solar energy and electric cars are huge advancements in eco-friendly living, these things are not financially feasible for everyone.

In honor of Earth Day 2011, here are a few simple ideas that all Scotts Valley residents can do to help take care of our planet Earth.

1. Composting–Composting turns organic matter, such as kitchen and yard waste, into active organic matter. When added to garden soil this compost will enhance plants’ abilities to thrive in the face of insects and disease. In short, composting reduces landfill space and is a natural way to increase the health of the food we grow. To create a composting bin, use welded wire fencing, approximately 4 feet high, to create a 3- or 4-foot diameter on the ground. Add a 4-inch layer of coarse material, such as sticks or twigs in the bottom of the bin. As you create kitchen or garden waste, add it to the bin. Occasionally add water to keep the pile moist, but not soggy. It can be helpful to sometimes use a pitchfork to turn the pile, but it’s not necessary. The compost is ready for us when the original ingredients can no longer be recognized. Keep finished compost covered. To learn more about composting, visit motherearthnews.com.

2. Collect and Recycle Water–As a community, we waste hundreds of thousands of gallons of water every day. Our shower or bath water goes down the drain, as well as dishwater. We do load after load of laundry and with each cycle the water is simply discarded. But water doesn’t have to be a one-trick pony. Graywater refers to collecting water from these everyday household activities for reuse. While it is not safe for consumptions such as in cooking or drinking, graywater (not to be confused with black water, which comes from the toilet) can be ideal to water the garden or the lawn. Due to carbons from certain oils and soaps, most areas have some restrictions of how the water must be treated for use. Simple filters can be installed to maximize the effectiveness of graywater. Check with your municipality to find out about any requirements in your area.

3. Eating Locally–Consuming locally-grown food reduces the amount of fuel and other resources required to deliver food to your family’s table. It also reduces, and in some cases, eliminates the need for pesticides and preservatives because the food does not have as long and as far to travel. Fortunately, Santa Cruz County is rich with enough restaurants, farmer’s markets and community-supported agriculture that make this an easy initiative to live by. Santa Cruz County’s very own New Leaf Markets are a great place to stock up on groceries.

4. Shop Certified Green Businesses—Certified Green Businesses are businesses that have taken the extra steps to ensure their operations leave the smallest carbon footprint possible. They focus on reducing water consumption, retrofitting lights and other equipment to conserve energy and work to reduce pollution and protect worker safety. Patronizing these businesses helps to support their efforts for a greener planet. And makes you feel better about knowing the waste was minimized in order for your service or product to be fulfilled. In Santa Cruz County, Green Businesses range from auto repair to landscaping to schools. For a complete list of Certified Green Businesses, click here.

5. Recycle or Repurpose Clothing—Reputable consignment and used clothing stores accept items only in gently used, clean condition. Patronizing these establishments helps to generate financial resources for small businesses and also for those placing their items on consignment. It reduces the resources necessary to manufacture, package and ship clothing to traditional retail outlets. Santa Cruz County has a plethora of such shops to choose from. Right here in Scotts Valley, the Encore Consignment Boutique, 5163 Scotts Valley Dr., The Little People Store, 243 Mt. Hermon Road, and Goodwill, 103 Whispering Pines Dr., are all great places to find quality clothing, accessories and household items.

These are just a few ideas of how we, as a community, can help protect our environment and help preserve the place we call home–planet Earth.

What are some of your ideas on how we can make the world a better place?