Many of us are slowly getting back to normal following the massive rain storms of Presidents’ Day weekend, and for some of us, there’s a long way to go — Big Sur and the Santa Cruz Mountains in particular.
As we get into spring, sustainability and green living news ramps up, and here’s a smattering of items that are on the horizon.
• Looking for a way to dispose of certain types of household waste that can’t go into your regular garbage, but you’re a homebound senior or are disabled? There’s now a mobile collection service that will come to your home, if you live in the area served by the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority.
The Safe Disposal Mobile Collection service helps homebound Salinas Valley seniors 65 years or older as well as residents with disabilities to safely dispose of special wastes they may have in their home or garage.
Among the materials that can be collected are household and automotive batteries, fluorescent light bulbs and tubes, used motor oil and filters, antifreeze, latex paint, electronics like TVs, computers and phones, and medical sharps in approved containers.
The program is funded by a grant from CalRecycle. To schedule a pickup, call 424-5520 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
More information is available at SalinasValleyRecycles.org.
• There’s news from the Plant a Tree Pose Movement, which is now planning an event to create a Guinness World Record beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 18, at Gilroy Gardens family theme park.
Plant a Tree Pose, the inspiration of Monterey Peninsula resident Annette Cain, is a campaign that combines yoga and environmental consciousness. For the past several years, PTP has been gathering funds to plant trees around the world through its website, where people can donate a dollar and then upload a photo of themselves doing a tree pose — typically with arms raised, palms pressed together and standing on one foot.
The upcoming event on March 18 aims to gather a large number of participants to stand on one leg at the same time for at least 2 minutes. Those who register for the World Record attempt will have 36 trees planted, and will also receive a T-shirt, world record attempt plantable wristband, and goodie bag as thanks for participating. Parking is included with registration fee and refreshments will be served after the attempt.
Registration is $30; To register, or for more information, see plantatreepose.com/part-guinness-world-record-attempt.
• A whole host of sustainable living skills workshops are coming up in the next few months, courtesy of TimeBank Santa Cruz, with the focus on self-sufficiency and building community.
This spring, you can choose from Graywater Laundry to Landscape on April 8, Bokashi Composting on April 22 and Zero Waste: How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint on May 13.
Workshops are either free or have a nominal fee; registration must be received by the Thursday prior to the event at timebanksantacruz.org/events.
TimeBank is also offering a spring plant sale on March 18 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 1973 42nd Ave., Capitola and a get-acquainted coffee social on March 25 at 10 a.m. in Scotts Valley; for information, see timebanksantacruz.org or email admin@timebanksantacruz.org.
Do you have questions or tips about sustainable living around the Central Coast? Send them to Kathryn McKenzie at kathymckenziewriter@gmail.com. Follow Kathryn McKenzie at www.facebook.com/kathrynmckenziewriter.
