- Author: Jill Santos
Tackling Food Waste for Climate Resilience
Reducing food waste is a critical strategy for addressing food insecurity, mitigating climate change, and enhancing economic productivity. Achieving the goals set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) in the National Strategy for Food Loss and Waste, which seeks a 50% reduction by 2030, requires collaborative efforts across the entire foodshed[i]. Farmers, producers, distributors, retailers, grocers, and consumers must work together to build a sustainable, equitable, efficient, and circular food system that supports community resilience.
The Scale...
- Author: Jill Santos
Future Design Gives New Graduates Hope
Spring usually brings an abundance of colorful blossoms and excitement for high school and college graduates everywhere. In the past, graduates celebrated their hard-earned achievements, ready to carve their own paths in the world, while parents reluctantly released them into an uncertain future. A study released by The Annie E. Casey Foundation in 2023 reported that Gen Z'ers (ages ranging from 12 to 27) have the highest self-reported mental health concerns compared to previous generations[i]. The source of this distress? Future anxiety.
Today, many people worldwide grapple with daily struggles,...
- Author: Jill Santos
As a Climate Change Educator, I often grapple with the inherent challenges of my role, particularly the somber realities surrounding climate change. The relentless stream of news detailing catastrophic weather events, all linked to the changing climate, weighs heavily on both global consciousness and personal well-being. Moreover, the ripple effects of climate change extend far beyond environmental concerns, permeating geopolitical landscapes and destabilizing economies, livelihoods, and communities. Navigating this complex terrain places educators in a delicate position, tasked with facilitating discussions that inspire constructive action while simultaneously acknowledging and addressing the emotional toll such conversations exact on...
- Author: Jill Santos
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.
– Chinese Proverb
What is your happiest memory that involves trees? Hopefully, most of those memories are positive. Trees provide a multitude of benefits that are hard to overlook. Reflecting on happy memories involving trees often evokes a sense of joy and wonder. These towering guardians not only serve as the backdrop to cherished moments but also provide an array of invaluable benefits.
However, in regions like the Western United States, escalating wildfire risks loom large, burdening homeowners with soaring insurance costs and stringent fuel reduction mandates. Balancing the delicate interface...
- Author: Jill Sarick
Spring marks the onset of the environmental education event season. We've curated a comprehensive list of events scheduled through May, emphasizing environmental literacy, climate education, and participatory science opportunities throughout the County.
Kicking off this weekend is the highly anticipated STEAM Festival on March 8th, 2024, hosted by California State University – Channel Islands (CSUCI). Attendees can engage in hands-on educational activities facilitated by UC ANR staff and various community-based and academic organizations. The event will promote 'science, technology, engineering, art, and math' (STEAM) via interactive exhibits, science experiments, and maybe even some cool rocket launches to inspire...
