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Home My WebLink AboutEnviroLink - July 20241 Tara Reyes From:listserv@civicplus.com Sent:Monday, July 1, 2024 10:03 AM To:Tara Reyes Subject:City of Diamond Bar EnviroLink- July 2024 CAUTION: This message originated outside of our City of Diamond Bar network. CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders. July 2024 2 Plastic Free July Is a global movement that encourages individuals, communities, and businesses to reduce their use of single-use plastics throughout the month. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the environmental impact of plastic pollution and inspires long-term habits that contribute to a healthier planet. Participants are challenged to make conscious choices to avoid plastic products, opt for reusable alternatives, and adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives. The Problems with Single-Use Plastics Single-use plastics, like bottles and bags, are used once and then thrown away. The same properties that make plastics so useful — their durability and resistance to degradation — also make them nearly impossible for nature to completely break down. Our heavy reliance on these disposable items causes big problems for the environment, society, economy, and our health. Simple Swaps: o Reusable Utensils: Instead of using single-use utensils, bring your own reusable set or refuse utensils if you’re taking food home. o Reusable Water Bottle: Skip single-use plastic bottles and invest in a reusable water bottle. Over time, you’ll save money by refilling it. o Shopping Bags: Bring your own reusable bags to the store to reduce plastic waste. 3 Get more ideas to cut your single-use plastic consumption here: https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/get-involved/what-you-can-do/ Used Oil Filter Exchange July 13 Did you know that used motor oil and filters contain harmful contaminants that, when improperly disposed of, can harm human health and the environment? By recycling these items, you prevent this pollution threat and conserve valuable resources and energy. If you change your vehicle’s oil at home, you can take advantage of a free used oil filter exchange event taking place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, at AutoZone, located at 303 W. Diamond Bar Boulevard. Each Diamond Bar household is eligible to receive two replacement oil filters with a maximum cost of $15 each. While supplies last, you can also get a free used oil recycling kit that includes an oil container and funnel. 4 Wildfire Preparedness Tips As wildfire season intensifies, the Los Angeles County Fire Department is urging residents to enhance their preparedness efforts. Chief Daryl L. Osby emphasizes the importance of creating defensible space around homes and adopting fire-resistant measures. Here's a breakdown of essential steps residents can take to protect their properties and ensure safety. Fuel Modification Zones The Fuel Modification Plan is mandated for new developments but outlines important tips for all residents, especially those living in fire hazard severity zones. Creating defensible space zones around your home can significantly reduce fire risks by limiting flammable vegetation and maintaining low fuel loads. o Zone A (30 feet from the structure): Maintain an irrigated area with low- growing, high-moisture plants. Avoid planting hedges within five feet of structures, and use non-combustible mulch (such as rocks, gravel, or decomposed granite) within five feet. o Zone B (30-100 feet from the structure): Slightly denser planting than Zone A, but avoid woody plants larger than three feet. Ensure proper spacing between plants to prevent fire transmission. o Zone C (100-200 feet from the structure): Thin native vegetation to slow fire spread and reduce intensity. This zone should consist of 30-50% thinned native plants. 5 Key Tips for Residents o Vegetation Management: Remove dead or dying vegetation, clear roofs and gutters of dry leaves, and maintain a 10-foot clearance between tree branches and roofs. o Emergency Supply Kit: Assemble a kit with essentials such as non-perishable food, water, medications, clothing, and important documents. Keep an extra kit in your car. o Evacuation Readiness: Identify multiple evacuation routes, designate a meeting location outside the hazard area, and keep pets and large animals prepared for transport. Stay safe and prepared this wildfire season by following these critical steps. For more detailed information and resources, residents are encouraged to visit the Los Angeles County Fire Department's website at https://fire.lacounty.gov/. Go Green and Save South Coast AQMD Lawn Equipment Rebate Programs offers two programs aimed at improving air quality by replacing gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment with battery-electric alternatives for those in its four-county jurisdiction. The Residential 6 Electric Lawn Mower Rebate Program provides eligible residents with up to $250 in rebates for purchasing cordless, battery-electric lawn mowers. The Commercial Electric Lawn and Garden Equipment Incentive & Exchange Program supports commercial landscapers, gardeners, local governments, schools, colleges, and non-profits. By offering 50 to 85% discounts on new equipment like trimmers, chainsaws, blowers, and various types of mowers through pre-authorized dealerships. For more information, visit AQMD’s Lawn and Garden homepages: Electric Lawn Mover Rebate Program Commercial Electric Lawn Equipment Program Report Organics Recycling & Food Donation Violations (SB1383) This Senate Bill addresses the environmental and public health impacts of organic waste in landfills, specifically the methane gas emissions produced from decomposing organic material. It mandates a 75% reduction in organic waste disposal by 2025 and requires that at least 20% of edible food currently thrown away be 7 recovered for human consumption. By reducing organic waste, SB 1383 aims to combat climate change and promote sustainability. Reporting violations helps ensure compliance, benefiting the entire community by reducing methane emissions, which contributes to a cleaner environment and better public health. Types of Violations o Improper Disposal: Organic waste being thrown in regular trash or recycling bins instead of designated organic waste bins. o Contamination: Organic waste bins that are contaminated with non-organic materials. o Edible Food Recovery: Businesses that generate large quantities of edible food but do not have a food recovery program in place. o Non-compliance by Haulers: Waste collection services not providing the necessary organic waste bins or failing to properly collect and process organic waste. Visit https://www.diamondbarca.gov/883/Report-a-Concern to complete the form. After entering the location, select the “Organics Recycling & Food Donation Violations (SB1383).” 8 Ways to save this summer As summer temperatures rise, outdoor water usage tends to increase. With ongoing drought conditions in Southern California, conserving water is crucial. Here are some ways to reduce water consumption during the hot months: o Use a Broom: Clean hard surfaces like sidewalks, walkways, driveways, buildings, structures, parking lots, or patios with a broom instead of hosing them down. o Cover Your Pool: Prevent evaporation and reduce the need to refill your pool by using a cover. You can also apply for a pool cover rebate and receive a $50 account credit. Visit www.wvwd.com/residential-rebates for more information. o Limit Watering: Restrict watering and irrigation of your lawn or landscape to three days a week. o Avoid Midday Watering: Water your plants and lawn before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m. to prevent evaporation. o Use Car Wash Facilities: Wash your car at a car wash facility that uses recycled water. For more information, visit https://walnutvalleywater.gov/sustainability/drought- resources/ Save the Date Paper Shredding and E-Waste Collection- Aug. 10 America Recycles Day- Nov.16 paper shredding, E-waste collection, textile recycling, and mulch giveaway Contact Information 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. If this newsletter was shared with you, sign up to receive your own copy at www.diamondbarca.gov/signup and select "EnviroLink Newsletter" 9 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share via Email Copyright 2024 City of Diamond Bar. All Rights Reserved. 21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765 If you no longer wish to receive emails from us, you may Unsubscribe. Powered by Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.