- Author: Chris M. Webb
The County of Ventura Integrated Waste Management Division website is a great resource for the community. At the site you will find information about recycling, reusing and reducing waste. It is the spot to find out about local hazardous waste collection dates and locations. You will also find links to other programs and websites for more information and opportunities to reduce your carbon footprint – for both individuals and businesses.
On Saturday March 27, 2010 the County of Ventura Integrated Waste Management Division will be holding their 2010 Truckload Event. They will be selling backyard compost bins and rain harvesting barrels at a greatly reduced cost. Check the flyer for details.
Composting and rain harvesting are both great ways to improve water quality and water quantity.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Farmers markets are a great place for farmers to sell their produce and for the public to support local agriculture . These regular events around our county attract many people.
Who regulates our local farmers markets? The County of Ventura Agricultural Commissioner’s office is responsible for this task. Their website has a great collection of information for both farmers and consumers. Useful links can be found at the site, including:
- California Dept. of Food and Agriculture Certified Farmers Market program and other related programs
- California Organic Program
- National Organic Program
- Local Fresh Food Guide
- Ventura County Certified Farmers Markets
- Author: Chris M. Webb
There is much community and grower support to stop the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) from becoming established in Ventura County. While it has not yet been identified in our county, it is very close. An ACP was found recently in Van Nuys.
This is an extremely dangerous pest because it can carry the vector for the disease, Huanglongbing (HLB, also known as citrus greening), that destroys citrus trees, orchards and related industries in locations were ACP becomes established.
Invasive pests and disease, such as the ACP/HLB pest-disease complex negatively affect agricultural productivity, public health, natural resource biodiversity and our own backyards.
Thank you all for your support. Please contact our office if you would like hard copy outreach materials for yourself or for groups.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
A good diet is important to staying healthy. The USDA has a fantastic collection of recipes in their recipe finder database to make healthy meals at low cost. All recipes are submitted by nutrition and health professionals and organizations. Nutritional quality and low cost, readily available ingredients are required components for inclusion.
In addition to the low cost and high nutritional quality of the recipes, another helpful aspect of the database is the user-friendly setup. Here are some of the ways it can be sorted:
- Ingredients
- Recipe
- Author
- Nutritional value (more calcium, less fats, etc.)
- Time to prepare
- Ethnic recipes
- Cooking equipment required (including no cooking required option)
- Cost per recipe or by serving
Food prices are projected to climb 2.5 to 3.5% in 2010. Please take a few minutes to check the site out. It is a great resource for all of us!
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Did you know your local UCCE office is a great place to get fire-safe information? Natural Resources Advisor, Sabrina Drill has done much work to make this knowledge easily available for you.
Two free publications that provide great tips and ideas on how to make your property fire safe are: Making your property fire safe and S.A.F.E. landscapes in the wildland- urban interface.
Other great fire-safe information can be found on our website by clicking the “fire information” button on our home page, or by clicking here.
