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December 2024
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Service Reminder
Trash and recycling service delayed by one day for holiday observance.
To allow our waste collection staff time to enjoy the holiday with their families, trash service will be delayed by one day. Please plan to set your bins out after Wednesday, Dec. 25.
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Holiday Tree Recycling Program
This holiday season, residents can recycle their holiday trees through the City’s curbside collection program, available from Dec. 26 through Jan. 11.
Program Details:
* Waste Management Customers: Place your tree at the curb on your regular collection day from Dec. 26 through Jan. 11. Please note that flocked trees (those with artificial snow) cannot
be recycled and will be disposed of as trash during regular sweeps.
* Valley Vista Services Customers: Place your tree curbside on your regular collection day during the program period. For flocked trees, please contact Valley Vista at 800-422-6454 to
schedule a bulky item pick-up, as these trees are considered trash and cannot be recycled.
Recycling Preparation: Before placing your tree curbside, please remove all decorations, tinsel, and stands to ensure efficient collection and recycling. Trees do not need to be placed
in plastic bags. We appreciate your time in properly preparing your trees for an efficient collection.
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Eco-Friendly Holiday Gift Wrapping: The Furoshiki Way
Tired of the usual holiday wrapping paper that ends up in the trash? There is a beautiful and eco-friendly alternative that adds charm to your gift-giving—furoshiki!
Originally used in Japan to wrap and carry belongings, furoshiki has evolved into a lovely tradition for wrapping gifts in a thoughtful, reusable way.
Why Furoshiki is Perfect for Holiday Wrapping
* Eco-Friendly and Reusable: Skip the single-use wrapping paper and opt for a reusable fabric that can be used for years.
* Budget-Friendly: Save money by using items you may already have at home, like scarves, tea towels, or fabric scraps. While a fabric wrap may seem like a bigger investment at first,
you’ll save in the long run by reusing it year after year.
* A Gift That Keeps Giving: With furoshiki, the wrapping itself becomes part of the gift. The person receiving it can use the cloth for wrapping future gifts, as a scarf, or even as
a decorative item, making it a lasting part of their holiday memories.
How to Get Started with Furoshiki
* Start with a square piece of fabric, place your gift in the center, and follow some basic folding techniques to create a neat and attractive wrap.
* There are many simple tutorials online to guide you, whether you want a basic wrap or a more decorative style.
As you celebrate the season, give your gifts a touch of elegance and sustainability. It is a small change that makes a big difference—both in reducing waste and adding extra thoughtfulness
to your presents.
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Reduce Holiday Food Waste with These Simple Tips
The holiday season is a time for festive gatherings and delicious meals, but it is also when household waste spikes. Much of this wasted food means wasted money.
Here are some simple tips to reduce food waste and save more this season.
At Home:
* Take stock and plan: Before shopping, check what you already have in your fridge, freezer, and pantry. Make a list of only the items you need to plan your meals for the week. Midweek,
check your fridge again to adjust your plan based on what is left.
* Rotate and use older items first: When restocking, place older items at the front of the fridge or pantry to remind yourself to use them before they spoil.
At the Store:
* Stick to your list: Holiday specials are tempting, but extra items that do not get used just go to waste. Focus on your list to avoid overbuying.
* Watch bulk purchases: Buy perishable items like produce or dairy in bulk only if you are sure to use them. If you do buy extra, portion out foods right away and store them properly
for longer freshness.
Storage and Prep:
* Store foods separately: Keep bananas, apples, and tomatoes separate from other fruits and vegetables, as they release gases that can make nearby produce spoil faster. Only wash produce
when you are ready to use it to prevent mold.
* Freeze and use overripe produce: If items are nearing their expiration, freeze them or add them to soups, casseroles, or baked goods.
* Donate: If you have food that is not going to expired, consider donating to a local food pantry. A list of local food rescue organizations can be found on the City website <https://www.diamondbarc
a.gov/1139/Edible-Food-Recovery-SB-1383> .
With these easy adjustments, you can enjoy all the holiday flavors while reducing waste and saving money. Happy Holidays!
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Free Home Energy Efficiency Reviews Available for San Gabriel Valley Residents
The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) is offering free home energy reviews for both renters and homeowners. This program is designed to help residents save energy and
reduce utility costs.
Appointments are limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis, be sure to schedule yours soon either online <https://scheduleesgv.as.me/schedule/3a795c45> or in person.
What to Expect During Your Energy Review: Each resident receives a 30-minute consultation led by SGVCOG staff. Using a "whole house" approach, this review will look at all aspects of
your home that affect energy usage and efficiency. Within about a week, SGVCOG will provide a follow-up email with any additional resources discussed and a personalized report detailing
specific recommendations for energy savings.
Each Energy Efficiency Review Includes:
* A comprehensive overview of your home’s energy usage and performance using the "whole house" approach. This analysis will cover everything that impacts energy efficiency in your home.
* Information on incentives and rebates available through local utility companies, federal programs, rate reduction assistance, and more.
* A customized home energy action plan with project recommendations for immediate and long-term energy savings
Note: This program does not cover renewable energy installations. For more information on renewable energy options, visit the FAQ section <https://smex-ctp.trendmicro.com:443/wis/clicktime/v1/query?u
rl=https%3a%2f%2fwww.sgvcog.org%2fesgv&umid=7c4645c6-e028-4bd1-b0fd-6d29cbc45bfc&auth=589d86035e46dfb775117eeb1d511b342cc6d6a5-4048804bcfead6eb5ecf55ef876dae560694bc9f> .
Take advantage of this opportunity to reduce energy usage and cutting costs by booking your free home energy review today!
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Kids Korner: Get Growing with Egg Carton Seed Starters!
Jump-starting your garden during the winter is easy and fun by planting seeds indoors! Using simple materials like cardboard egg cartons (or other small cardboard boxes like tea or cereal
boxes), you can create biodegradable seed pots perfect for sprouting new plants. This activity is simple, eco-friendly, and suitable for all ages.
Here is what you need to get started:
* A cardboard egg carton
* Potting soil
* Seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Fill each compartment of the egg carton with soil, keeping it loose instead of tightly packed. Loose soil allows seeds to sprout more easily.
2. Plant one seed in each compartment. Quick-growing seeds like basil, tomatoes, and kale are great options to get things going.
3. Use a spray bottle to mist the soil gently or pour a small amount of water over each compartment to moisten the soil. Avoid overwatering, as this can make the soil too soggy for sprouting
seeds and may cause water to leak from the carton. If water does seep out, place a tray under the carton to catch any excess. Keep the soil consistently moist.
4. Place your egg carton in a sunny location, such as a windowsill, to ensure the seeds get plenty of light.
5. Once the seedlings are strong and begin to outgrow their egg carton compartments, cut each compartment apart and transplant them directly into larger pots or the ground. The egg carton
are biodegradable, so they can be planted as-is, breaking down naturally in the soil. Alternatively, you can gently scoop the seedlings out if you prefer to transplant without the carton.
Starting seeds indoors in the winter brings a touch of spring into your home and prepares you for a thriving garden when the warm weather returns. Happy planting!
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Vendor Spotlight: Zero Foodprint
The City is excited to partner with Zero Foodprint, an innovative nonprofit dedicated to creating a sustainable future through better food systems. Zero Foodprint supports farms by providing
grants for eco-friendly practices like composting, cover cropping, and planting hedgerows. These practices help farms build healthier soil and capture more carbon, making agriculture
part of the solution for a cleaner, greener environment.
Working with Zero Foodprint will help the City meet the goals of SB1383, California’s organic waste reduction legislation, which requires cities to invest in compost and other organic
waste products to bring organic waste recycling full circle. The partnership allows these materials to be applied strategically and purposefully to support regenerative farming practices
and enable the City to meet these targets in the most cost-effective manner.
Contact Information
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City of Diamond Bar | Environmental Services
21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765
For information about this newsletter, contact the City Manager's Office at (909) 839-7015 or greendb@diamondbarca.gov <mailto:greendb@diamondbarca.gov> .
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