September & October 2021
Do you use LED light bulbs in your home? If not, trade in your old bulbs for energy efficient LEDs to save energy, save money, and lower your carbon footprint. City of Ventura residents can trade in old light bulbs, including incandescent or CFLs, for LED bulbs (limit 5 LED bulbs per household).

If you do not currently use LEDs, you probably have incandescent bulbs or Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs) in your home. Incandescent bulbs use a lot of energy to generate heat and light, and CFLs contain mercury, which is hazardous waste and cannot be disposed of in the trash. All types of lightbulbs will be accepted for proper disposal at this event, but please note, only one type of lightbulb will be offered: LED 9 watt A19 bulb, 800 lumens, warm appearance (2700 K). Register for the LED Lightbulb Swap to try out LEDs at home!
Help Get Ventura Moving!
One supporting part of the City's General Plan is the Active Transportation Plan (ATP). This effort will enhance policies, actions, and programs designed to make walking, biking, and transit great transportation choices in Ventura.
 
To get involved, share your ideas in a two-part survey:
 
Visit www.ActivePlanVentura.com to learn more and register for email updates. The ATP website and supporting surveys are also available en Español.

Coastal Cleanup Day is Back!
Even after a year apart, we’re still connected from the mountains to the ocean. Join us on September 18th for the Ventura County Coastal Cleanup Day and help throughout the month to clean up your neighborhood or wherever you find your happy place.
 
For self-guided cleanups, download and use the free CleanSwell data collection app to record and report your cleanup efforts. For more information and site locations in Ventura County, visit www.vccoastcleanup.org.
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Environmental Program Updates
Green Business
Diversity and Inclusion in the Green Business Program

We are always looking to expand the reach of our Green Business Program, and we’d like our Green Businesses to reflect the diversity of our City.
Close to half of our Green Businesses are located in the designated Disadvantaged Community (DAC) area of Ventura, which covers the Westside and part of Downtown. However, many of those businesses are not owned by people who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, or other underrepresented populations. Do you know a business from an underrepresented population or hard-to-reach area that would make good Green Business? Send them our way!

We are happy to assist all types of businesses with any level of environmental awareness, and we have Spanish speakers to help businesses through the certification process. Contact Program Coordinator, Lars Davenport at ldavenport@cityofventura.ca.gov, (805) 652-4595.
Green Schools
The Lunchtime Recycling Program is Back!

Schools are back in person at many local campuses. Now that students are on campus, the lunchtime recycling program is also making a comeback. The lunchtime recycling program gives students the opportunity to sort their waste: trash, recycle, and compost during mealtimes. This program started in 2013, and diverted over 150 tons of waste from the landfill each year.

The City of Ventura's Green Schools Program is offering campus support throughout the fall semester to ensure students know how to separate their waste and divert materials from the landfill.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about the Green Schools Program, contact Kelsey Hammond at khammond@cityofventura.ca.gov

Food Waste Prevention
In the US, food loss and food waste occur at each stage of the supply chain, with the majority happening at consumer-facing businesses (restaurants and retail) and in homes. 37% of food waste occurs in the home and equates to about 30 million tons of food! Help save the food and use these techniques to keep food from being wasted:
 
  • Get creative with leftovers or cook smaller portions to avoid over-abundance of leftovers 
  • Take stock of what you have before grocery shopping and make a list 
  • Don't shy away from "ugly" fruits or veggies 
Recycle Coach Tip
Old paint cans and household cleaner piling up? Bring them to one of our Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) drop-off events listed below! HHW events are held on the third Saturday of each month, excluding December. On Saturday, October 9, we are hosting an additional HHW event at the Ventura Avenue Adult Center. Proof of City of Ventura residency is required for all HHW events. For more information about HHW events, visit our website.

Download the Recycle Coach App and use the what-goes-where search function to learn how to dispose of items properly.
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