October 21, 2023 VC Star Goodwill stores in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties have a new tool on their counters, and it is helping customers envision great Halloween costumes. It’s called the “Look Book,” with suggestions for pairing commonly available thrift store items with seasonally available accessories. Stores in other areas have used similar books…
October 14, 2023 VC Star Three barriers stood between wasted food and the hungry residents of a shelter on Harvard Street in Santa Paula. “Time, temperature and moisture are the enemies of food recovery,” said Kay Wilson-Bolton, volunteer director of Spirit of Santa Paula, the nonprofit administering the shelter. To feed the hungry, not landfills,…
September 24, 2023 VC Star “Like a lot of people my age, I live in an apartment, so it isn’t practical to charge an electric vehicle at home,” said Nick Benitz, who nevertheless has been driving an impressive 2022 Ford Lightning electric pickup truck for almost a year. He uses the truck for his business,…
September 16, 2023 VC Star A retired teacher raised her hand after my presentation about environmental education to a conference of the California Retired Teachers Association last year. “Why is it that the same kids who leave their lunchtime waste on the tables in the cafeteria are the first ones to sign up for a…
September 9, 2023 VC Star Last year, garbage industry worker fatalities rose nearly 65%, according to the Solid Waste Association of North America, or SWANA. The organization operates several programs to improve safety, but the actions of their customers are also crucial for keeping these workers safe. Trash truck drivers are usually safe when they…
September 2, 2023 VC Star Honeybees work all day in service to their hive and their pollination is essential for the growth of many plants, but the whole venture is sustainable only because the bees are paid. Payment is made by plants in the form of nectar. The lesson: work must be rewarded to be…
August 26, 2023 VC Star Food at the fairgrounds has a reputation for providing quick energy and guilty pleasure, but an upcoming event will offer a different kind of deliciousness. Rather than the Ventura County Fair’s deep fried Snickers bars and cream-filled funnel cakes, or the X Games’ Monster Energy drinks and Jarritos fruit-flavored soda,…
August 19, 2023 VC Star University of California’s Cooperative Extension in Ventura County has opened a training opportunity and will accept up to 40 new applicants to become master gardeners. Master gardeners develop expertise and use their knowledge to educate the public. Master gardeners also have great social gatherings centered on food more delicious than…
August 12, 2023 VC Star By David Goldstein “How is recycling really going?” Versions of that question come to me by phone and email every week. Scott Meckstroth, a professional engineer and deputy director of Ventura County’s Water and Sanitation Department, explained the reason for his and others’ challenging questions about the intentions and results…
August 5, 2023 VC Star By David Goldstein In an online banner, the Plastic Free Foundation claims over 100 million people were inspired by the organization’s Plastic Free July events, challenges and pledges last month. Locally, Ventura County’s sustainability division awarded prizes such as reusable metal straws to participants in a waste reduction challenge event.…