The EPA estimates that 40% of all food in the United States is wasted. Food service establishments generate a significant amount of wasted food, costing the commercial food service industry roughly $100 billion annually. Locally, StopWaste is working with industrial kitchens to reduce food waste, improve operational efficiency, save money, and increase food donation to people in need. Working with community groups, our programs have helped deliver 7.6 million pounds of delicious foods to hungry people, not the landfill!
Spectra by Comcast Spectacor, the provider of Food Services & Hospitality to both Oakland’s O.co Coliseum and the Alameda County Fairgrounds, is not participating in the Smart Kitchen Initiative, a program by Alameda County public agency StopWaste.
Check out these links for everything you need to know about sheet mulch, a zero-waste, chemical-free way to convert your lawn to a water-saving garden. Also find lawn-to-garden designs from local Bay-Friendly Qualified Professionals, rebate info and more.
Whether it’s a drought or El Niño year, the use of compost and mulch are two simple and beneficial practices to improve soil. Organic material improves soil quality by helping soil to act as a sponge - preventing runoff and erosion during storm-events, and storing water for use by trees and plants during the dry spells. Replacing thirsty lawns by sheet mulching creates beautiful drought-tolerant landscapes, uses local compostable material, increases soil water-retention, sequesters carbon, and helps keep our waterways clean.
Did you know that you don't need chemicals to kill your water-thirsty lawn? Sheet mulching is an easy process of layering cardboard and mulch right on top of the grass. Plus, you can plant your new garden straight into the mulch.
On September 15, 2015, StopWaste provided technical assistance to the California Department of General Services during a demonstration of the sheet mulch technique for quick, easy lawn removal. Over 1,000 square feet of lawn were converted to a new drought-tolerant landscape that will save over 59,000 gallons of water per year.
The Mandatory Recycling Ordinance, which is expected to keep hundreds of thousands of tons of “good stuff” out of the landfill every year, went into effect in 2012. It requires businesses and multi-family property owners to establish adequate recycling collection service. Most jurisdictions are participating and the majority of businesses and properties are in compliance. After multiple communications, outreach and technical assistance attempts, the few businesses and properties that are still in violation are now facing fines.
OAKLAND, Calif. – November 17, 2015 - The Alameda County Waste Management Authority (the Authority) has begun issuing fines to businesses and multi-family property owners still in violation of Alameda County’s Mandatory Recycling Ordinance. To date, over 100 citation notices have been served, and more are expected as routine inspections continue. Of the locations inspected this year, the majority was found to be in compliance with the Ordinance at the time of inspection, according to the Authority.