HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity of Diamond Bar EnviroLink- April 2025CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
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April 2025
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Earth Day 2025
Celebrate sustainability and environmental awareness at the Earth Day Celebration 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, April 19 at the AQMD Parking Lot located at 21865 Copley Drive.
Enjoy a variety of free eco-friendly activities and workshops, including:
* E-Waste Recycling, Paper Shredding, and Textile Recycling– Drop off electronics, securely shred personal documents, and recycle unwanted clothing and linens. Batteries and light bulbs
can be dropped off at ACE Hardware located at 303 South Diamond Bar Boulevard.
* Mulch and Compost Giveaway– Bring your own container and shovel to take home free mulch and compost.
* Smart Gardening Workshop (10-11:30 a.m.)– Learn how to compost and receive a free compost bin while supplies last.
* Movie Screening (10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.) – Watch the award-winning documentary “Plastic People” and join a student-led discussion on reducing plastic waste.
* Live Bee Hive Demonstration (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) – Discover the fascinating world of bees and their role in our ecosystem with the Beekeepers Association of Southern California.
* Discovery Cube Eco Warriors Show (11 a.m. and 1 p.m.) – Participate in an interactive presentation on reducing, reusing, and recycling.
* Electric Trash Truck Display and Student Exhibits – Explore the future of waste collection and view sustainability projects created by local students.
The event will also feature educational booths, hands-on activities, and community resources to help you live a more sustainable lifestyle. For more details, visit the City's website
<https://www.diamondbarca.gov/1137/Earth-Day-Celebration> , contact 909-839-7015 or email greendb@diamondbarca.gov <mailto:greendb@diamondbarca.gov> .
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A Sustainable Easter: Ditch the Plastic Grass for an Eco-Friendly Alternative
Easter baskets are a cherished tradition, but many of us do not think twice about the plastic grass that fills them. Unfortunately, this filler is not recyclable and often ends up in
landfills or as litter that can harm wildlife. This year, make your Easter more sustainable by swapping out plastic grass for a do it yourself alternative using materials you already
have at home.
Make Your Own Eco-Friendly Easter Grass
Instead of buying plastic filler, try shredding junk mail, old newspapers, or scrap paper to create a festive, eco-friendly alternative.
* Gather Paper– Look for colorful junk mail, newspaper, or construction paper. Avoid anything glossy or coated.
* Shred or Cut– Use a paper shredder for thin strips or cut the paper into long, thin strips with scissors.
* Crumple for Volume– Lightly crumple the paper to add texture and volume to your basket.
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Preventing Fires in Trash and Recycling Trucks
Trash and recycling truck fires are on the rise, with a 38% increase in incidents last year. These fires pose risks to workers, emergency responders, and communities, often sparked by
hazardous materials thrown in the trash—such as batteries, propane tanks, and chemicals.
Why it is a Problem
Hazardous items in trash and recycling bins can ignite under heat and pressure. Lithium-ion batteries from phones, laptops, and power tools are a major cause. When crushed, they can
spark and ignite flammable materials, leading to dangerous fires that threaten lives, damage equipment, and pollute the air.
How to Prevent Trash Truck Fires
Residents can take simple steps to keep waste collection safe:
1. Dispose of Batteries Properly- Never throw batteries in the trash or recycling bin. Take them to Ace Hardware located at 303 South Diamond Bar Boulevard or contact your waste hauler
for curbside pickup.
2. Check Labels Before Tossing- Items like propane tanks, aerosols, and chemicals require special disposal methods. Always follow local guidelines.
3. Handle Hot Ashes Safely- If discarding fireplace ashes or BBQ coals, let them cool completely and store them in a metal container before placing them in the trash.
By following these simple precautions, we can help prevent dangerous fires, protect waste collection workers, and keep our community safe. For more disposal tips, visit the City’s website
<https://www.diamondbarca.gov/342/Going-Green-in-Diamond-Bar> or contact your waste services provider.
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Spotting Greenwashing: How to Make Truly Sustainable Purchases
Sustainability is a growing focus, but not all eco-friendly claims are real. Greenwashing is when companies mislead consumers into thinking their products are more sustainable than they
actually are. To shop responsibly, it’s important to recognize these tactics and choose truly green products.
What is Greenwashing?
Greenwashing happens when brands use misleading claims to appear eco-friendly. Common tactics include:
* Using vague terms like "natural" or "eco-friendly" without proof.
* Highlighting one green feature while ignoring harmful practices.
* Using nature imagery (trees, leaves, etc.) to imply sustainability.
How to Spot Greenwashing?
Being an informed shopper takes a little research. Here’s how to identify genuine sustainability:
1. Look for Trusted Certifications- Legitimate eco-friendly products display recognized certifications, such as:
* Fair Trade – Ensures ethical labor practices.
* Energy Star – Indicates energy efficiency.
* USDA Organic – Certifies sustainable agriculture.
2. Check Specific Claims- Watch out for vague phrases like "environmentally friendly." Instead, look for concrete claims like “made from 100% recycled materials” or “biodegradable within
six months.”
3. Read the Fine Print- If a product claims to have "sustainable packaging," check whether the whole product—not just the packaging—meets eco-friendly standards.
4. Research the Brand- A truly green company is transparent about:
* Its supply chain.
* Carbon footprint reduction efforts.
* Long-term environmental goals.
5. Don’t Be Fooled by Green Imagery- Just because a product has pictures of trees or leaves doesn’t mean it’s eco-friendly. Always verify claims beyond the branding.
Tips for Sustainable Shopping:
* Choose Quality Over Quantity – Durable products reduce waste.
* Support Ethical Brands – Buy from companies with real sustainability commitments.
* Shop Local – Reduces transportation emissions and supports communities.
* Reduce & Reuse – Opt for reusable items over disposables.
* Ask Questions – Brands with genuine eco-initiatives will provide clear answers.
Why It Matters
Making informed purchases helps support truly eco-conscious businesses and reduces environmental harm. By avoiding greenwashing, you ensure your money supports genuine sustainability
efforts. Thoughtful shopping choices contribute to a greener future!
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Simplify Your Health Care Routine for a Healthier You and Planet
Your health care routine impacts both you and the environment. Many medications contribute to pollution, affecting water systems and wildlife. Even when they pass through our bodies,
pharmaceuticals can harm aquatic life. For example, hormones from birth control pills can alter fish reproduction. By using medications wisely and disposing of them correctly, you can
help reduce pollution.
* Think Before You Medicate- While medicine is sometimes necessary, natural remedies can be effective for minor issues. For colds, allergies, or mild pain, try herbal teas, essential
oils, or other green alternatives. Choosing eco-friendly options, when possible, reduces pharmaceutical pollution.
* Dispose of Medications Responsibly- Never flush unused or expired medications. Instead, use take-back programs where drugs are safely discarded.
Local options include:
* CVS– 300 South Diamond Bar Boulevard, Diamond Bar, CA 91765
* Sav-On Pharmacy– 235 South Diamond Bar Boulevard, Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Simplifying your health care routine benefits both your well-being and the planet!
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Save the Date
* America Recycles Day
Nov. 15, 2025
AQMD Parking Lot- 21865 Copley Drive
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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