Sustainable Claremont

Today’s STT has 2 parts! 1. Melt broken crayons into new ones - you can do solid colors or create cool mixes!... 2. When you dine out with kiddos (when it’s safe to do so) bring your own crayons or keep the ones from the restaurant. The crayons are typically trashed after this single use - such a waste! If you want to carry your own set, a reused pill bottle is great for this. To make crayons: 1. Break pieces so they’re small enough to fit comfortably in the silicone mold of your choice. 2. Heat in the oven at 275 for 15-20 minutes. Time depends on size of molds, quantity of crayons etc. 3. Take out & cool in the freezer. Not only does this give old crayons new life, it’s a great activity for kids!

With just 4 days left in our Year-End Fundraiser, we are half way to our ambitious goal. Check out why one of our founders, Freeman Allen, is asking YOU to support Sustainable Claremont! Please consider making a donation in any amount today! https://donorbox.org/sc2020

Last minute gift? Plant a tree! Make a donation through our PLANT A TREE program and we will plant a tree at the YWCA WINGS Domestic Violence Shelter, which does amazing work for men, women, and members of the LGTBQ community. Please consider supporting our work and help us plant more trees! https://sustainableclaremont.org/what-we-do/plant-a-tree/

In the spirit of Giving Tuesday we wanted to shine a spotlight on amazing organizations in the area that transform their communities and the world. Please consi...der donating today. Please click on their links and bio's. Ophelia's Jump Productions Sustainable Claremont Claremont Museum of Art Claremont Heritage The Claremont Forum & the Prison Library Project Children's Foundation of America House of Ruth, Inc. - Claremont, CA #givingtuesday #supportlocal #nonprofit #givingback

Have you reached out to our Sustainability Resource Center in the past? Or attended a Dialog? Maybe you've received a newsletter of attended Earth Day? Those are all made possible by Angela, our amazing Resource Center & Community Engagement Manager. Check out what she has to say about our year end fundraising, and why you should donate today! https://donorbox.org/sc2020

We are in the final leg of our Year End Fundraiser, and we still have a ways to go! Check out this quick message from SC's Executive Director, Stu Wood, on why we NEED your support. We simply cannot do it without you! https://donorbox.org/sc2020

Dick Haskell, SC's Board Chair, on Sustainable Claremont's impact in 2020, and what we are excited about in 2021! We need your support so we can continue our work in the community. Please consider making a donation today! https://donorbox.org/sc2020

Check out today’s Sustainable Tidbit Tuesday here : https://www.instagram.com/p/CIRsW-zBd2e/

Just 10 days left in for our year end fundraising campaign! Our goal is to reach 15K to help continue and expand our impact. Please consider donating, and check out what Board member Carson has to say about why we need your help! https://donorbox.org/sc2020

How do we put your donation dollars to work, you might wonder? Glad you asked!

Sorrel is our Board Secretary. From planting trees to leading our advocacy efforts for clean, sustainable sources of water--she helps make our community a better place to live. Check out why she supports Sustainable Claremont, and please consider donating today! https://donorbox.org/sc2020

Vinita joined the SC Board more than a year ago. Her amazing design expertise and passion for the environment help create a more sustainable community--in Claremont and Beyond! Check out why she supports SC, and please consider supporting local sustainability by donating today! https://donorbox.org/sc2020

As we wrap-up our year-end fundraiser, our Board Members are sharing why they support Sustainable Claremont. See what they have to say and please support us today! https://donorbox.org/sc2020

Sustainable Tidbit Tuesday: Swap tape & glue that comes in a plastic bottle for wheat paste! The 2 ingredient recipe is super simple & can be used as glue, or you can coat thin pieces of paper to create tape! The paste dries clear and can be used on paper, cardboard, & glass (on glass it is a little opaque). It also gives you a very clean look! You can apply with a brush or even your fingers if you’re in a pinch.... Store in a clean jar in the fridge - the paste will thicken up but you can add water if you want it thinner. Recipe is from Zero Waste Chef, you can see her website below for more details! Ingredients: 1 cup water 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour Instructions: 1. Add the water to the pot. Over medium-high heat, while slowly adding the flour, whisk the mixture aggressively & continuously. The paste will begin to bubble. Keep whisking. Within a couple of minutes it will thicken. Turn off the heat. 2. Remove from heat when the paste has reached the consistency you like. 3. Store leftover wheat paste in a clean glass jar in the refrigerator. https://www.google.com//07/plastic-free-glue-wheat-pa/amp/

Looking for a gift this holiday season that will make a difference? Well I have exciting news! Sustainable Claremont is partnering with YWCA San Gabriel Valley. When you make a donation through our PLANT A TREE program, we will plant trees at the YWCA WINGS Domestic Violence Shelter, which does amazing work for men, women, and members of the LGTBQ community. Please consider supporting our work and help us plant more trees! https://sustainableclaremont.org/what-we-do/plant-a-tree/

STT: If you haven’t bought wrapping paper yet, ditch the plastic - wrap with what you have + natural materials! Use items like brown paper from shipments, magazine pages, newspaper, pieces of cloth, paper grocery bags, reused jars, dried , flowers, & slices! Those drawstring bags that come with bedsheets are also great. Cloth is awesome because it can be reused for years. ... You can also use part of your present as wrapping - wrap items in scarves, blankets, or stick items in a tote/purse you’re gifting! Most of these options save $$, along with resources. After all, wrapping doesn’t have to be perfect, it’s the thought (and some would say what’s inside ) that counts! Check out more examples here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CIj5HCUBMKK/

Friends and neighbors! Today is #GIVINGTUESDAY, a global day of giving celebrating the generosity of our community. We need community support every year, but this year has been especially difficult. Due to budgetary constraints at the City of Claremont, local nonprofits and Community Based Organizations, including Sustainable Claremont, will receive no financial support from the City. Please consider us in your year end giving plans so we can continue to power sustainability in our community. And to sweeten the deal, all gifts up to $3,000 will be matched by our board!

Next up in our Dialog Series: Energy Efficiency at Home with a representative from Energy Upgrade California. Join us for information and inspiration on how to become an energy saving champion!

In case you missed it, check out our latest Sustainability Dialog with Assemblyman Chris Holden where he discussed state and regional efforts to mitigate climate change. Available online: https://youtu.be/ZuKj6UROcOc

STT: Carry reusable utensils & a cloth napkin with you! When you visit an eatery that uses disposables, simply request no utensils, straw, or napkins Disposable cutlery creates so much unnecessary trash & the less plastic you expose yourself to, the better! Keep the utensils in your car, backpack, or purse & include whatever you regularly use. That could be a boba straw, chopsticks, fork, spoon and/or butter knife. There are sets you can buy, but using what you have is always the best option! You can also look up DIY cutlery pouch if you want to make a simple holder for your utensils.

Join us for a presentation with Assemblymember Chris Holden from California’s 41st District. Assemblymember Holden will present on a range of important issues from the Energy and Utilities Committee, which he chairs, and plans for mitigating climate change in Claremont and beyond!

Today's STT Topic: Urban Heat Islands! Urban areas have much warmer temperatures than surrounding areas - up to 10F warmer during the day & 22F in the even...ing! -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Heat islands are caused by human-driven waste & energy that manifests as trapped heat. Structures, like buildings/roads, also absorb & re-emit the sun's heat more than natural landscapes. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Heat islands have lots of harmful effects, like: -Increased heat-related illnesses & deaths -Poor air + water quality -Harm to aquatic ecosystems -Overuse of cooling elements in the summer, which leads to power outages -------------------------------------------------------------------------- HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP! -Invest in energy efficient appliances + reduce unnecessary energy usage -PLANT TREES to create shade + cool the air! -Support community green spaces See more

Sustainable Tidbit Thursday? A couple days late but this week we’re talking PUMPKINS! It’s estimated that more than 1 billion pounds of pumpkin is sent to American landfills every year There, the pumpkins cannot breakdown properly and release greenhouse gases. To cut down on Halloween pumpkin waste, you can:... Buy pumpkins specifically meant for baking or cooking - you can use the common pumpkin but there are more flavorful varieties out there! You can make soups, breads, sauces, you name it. Bake the seeds! You can go savory, sweet, or spicy. Eat them alone or add them to a trail mix or granola. COMPOST your jack-o-lanterns. If you don’t compost, ask your neighbors if they do or reach out to us about joining our composting program. You may also be able to bring it to a local garden/farm when you make a trip to pick up some local produce! Got any other ideas? Let us know!

The perfect little gift to show your Claremont Pride! And, it supports local sustainability. Time is almost up!

An AMAZING duck-themed baby basket is perfect for any gender. The bundle includes a super soft hand-knit sweater with matching hat, a plush duck friend, a few rubber ducklings and a hoop toy for the bath, a picture book, a baby blanket, and a card. One day left!

Patagonia apparel starting at just 10 bucks! All Patagonia items may be exchanged for a different size. Have a look at our amazing items and support local sustainability by bidding today!

Incredible original works of art starting at $75! Everything from abstract figure painting, to acrylics of local landmarks, and ink tree illustrations--there's something for everyone. Less than 48 hours remain!

Private Tour at the amazing @Malooffoundation with you and three of your friends? Check out this and other one of a kind items in our silent auction! Less than 48 hours remain! https://www.charityauctionstoday.com//4ticketstoprivatetou

ONLY A FEW DAYS LEFT! Bid today on apparel from Patagonia, original art and paintings, drinks and snacks, items from local jeweler ReSpun Retro, unique experiences learning about woodworking, tree planting, composting, and so much more! https://www.charityauctionstoday.com//sustainableclaremont

Today is California Clean Air Day! Many of us aren't aware that gasoline-powered yard tools don’t have the same emissions-reducing tech that cars do, so they pump out high emissions in a short amount of time. Pledge to switch to electric- or hand-powered yard tools for #CleanAirDayCA when you take the @CleanAirDay pledge: https://www.cleanairday.org/take-the-pledge/

Jacqueline Legazcue is one of Sustainable Claremont’s SUPER volunteers! We celebrate her for the countless tree plantings that she has attended, her keen artistic eye and photography skills that have captured the spirit of our events, and her persistent everyday work to make Claremont and the surrounding communities more sustainable and environmentally conscious. Join us at our Annual Gala on October 12 when we'll honor Jacqueline as a Sustainability Champion of 2020! https://sustainableclaremont.org//annual-even/annual-gala/

Southern Californians went 85 straight days in 2019 without a single day of good air quality. This problem can be solved when we engage in both individual AND collective action together. Listen to 4th generation SoCal resident Dr. Lucy Jones Center for Science and Society share her perspective on our historical views of the atmosphere versus a new a mindset that may enable us to tackle today's most pressing challenges: https://drlucyjonescenter.podbean.com Do your part to clear the air on #CleanAirDayCA this October 7th by taking the @CleanAirDay pledge: https://www.cleanairday.org/take-the-pledge/

This year we honor Christine Margiotta and Becky Margiotta for their instrumental role in the success and growth of Sustainable Claremont. In 2019, they led our Board Retreat, and helped the organization chart a path forward--one that recognizes that environmental justice requires social justice. To that end, they invited Sustainable Claremont’s entire staff, and Chair of the Board, to their week-long training at the Billions Institute, where we further focused the scope of our work and set ambitious goals to scale our impact. At their home, they installed a high-tech air quality sensor to help our Harvey Mudd College team of student researchers identify local air pollution patterns. As proud Claremont residents, they continue to focus their work to make positive change!

A special THANK YOU to our GOLD LEVEL sponsors. It is with their support that we continue to increase our impact in the Claremont community! Jon Brunasso - Solar Consultant Claremont South Village California Botanic Garden

AUCTION IS LIVE! Support local sustainability by purchasing apparel from Patagonia, original art and paintings, drinks and snacks, items from local jeweler ReSpun Retro, unique experiences learning about woodworking, tree planting, composting, and so much more! Preview the items today by following the link below!

Sustainable Claremont's Silent Auction launches TOMORROW! Support local sustainability by purchasing apparel from Patagonia, original art and paintings, drinks and snacks, items from local jeweler ReSpun Retro, unique experiences learning about woodworking, tree planting, composting, and so much more! Preview the items today by following the link below!

Have a Rockin' Night with Us! Join us at our Virtual Annual Gala on October 12! We will have live music by Kassidy Heal and a special performance from Arrow Highway--purchase your tickets today! Check them out on FB and soundcloud Butch Kassidy and the Wylde Bunch Arrow Highway

A special thanks to Jon Brunasso - Solar Consultant for his continued support of Sustainable Claremont, and his GOLD level sponsorship of our Virtual Annual Gala! For more information visit sustainableclaremont.org, or purchase tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/annual-gala-2020-tickets-11822

Shout out to Lewis Group Of Companies for their GOLD level sponsorship to support our Annual Gala! Please visit sustainableclaremont.org for more information or purchase tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/annual-gala-2020-tickets-11822

A BIG thanks to Claremont South Village for their GOLD level sponsorship of our first ever Virtual Annual Gala! Please visit sustainableclaremont.org for more information or purchase tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/annual-gala-2020-tickets-11822

Thanks to our Silver Sponsor Dr Melissa K. Lee Orthodontics for supporting our Virtual Annual Gala! Please visit sustainableclaremont.org for more information or purchase tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/annual-gala-2020-tickets-11822

Join us at our Virtual Annual Gala on Monday, October 12th, with an inspirational talk by Claremont’s very own long distance and urban hiking legend, Liz Thomas Hiking. We'll also share highlights of our recent achievements, describe plans for the coming year, enjoy music from local artists, and announce our 2020 Sustainability Champion Awardees! (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/annual-gala-2020-tickets-11822)

Three weeks remain to purchase tickets to our Virtual Annual Gala! Support local sustainability and join us for an action-packed hour of entertainment, including performances by the band Arrow Highway, local musician Kassidy Heal, and an inspirational talk by Claremont’s very own long distance and urban hiking legend, Liz Thomas Hiking. We'll also share highlights of our recent achievements, describe plans for the coming year, and announce our 2020 Sustainability Champion Awardees! Big thanks to our Amazing Sponsors! Lewis Group Of Companies Claremont South Village California Botanic Garden Geoffrey Hamill Curtis Real Estate Jon Brunasso - Solar Consultant Solar Solutions Company Dr Melissa K. Lee Orthodontics

STT: When you need a new phone case, try a compostable one! Millions of plastic cases are sent to landfill each year, many unused because producers don’t accurately predict sales. Pela case makes cases, phone grips, AirPod cases + more. They’re a B corporation, 1% for the planet member, and their products can break down in home composting! Everything is shipped plastic free. The cases are a bit more expensive than super cheap ones out there, because quality & ethical product...ion typically is. But they have some marked down, currently offer BOGO & you can even find used ones on poshmark/depop etc! But of course, ALWAYS use what you have first. https://pelacase.com/

A new electric bike share program is coming to Claremont. Join us on Zoom tonight at 7:00 PM to learn all about it!

STT: Just like we recommend trying milk alternatives, we suggest giving dairy free ice cream a whirl! Nondairy ice cream will also typically have a smaller environmental impact than dairy (see this post https://www.facebook.com/SustainableClaremont/posts/4251247921584216 for more details) and brands are constantly releasing new varieties. We’ve seen ice cream made of oat, almond, coconut, sunflower milk and even avocados! Nondairy ice cream can be a bit pricier but we’ve f...ound $1-$3 pints at various stores like 99 Only Stores, Grocery Outlet, Aldi & Ralph’s! Let us know if you have any dairy free ice cream recommendations!

We are excited to share our 2019-2020 Annual Report! This year highlighted just how interconnected social justice, climate and environmental justice, and public... health are. They shine a light on what we know to be true: that we must take individual action and push for systems change; we must do what we can locally in order to have a global impact. With the demand for action greater than ever, we move into the next year with a renewed sense of mission. Check out our Annual Report, and help us continue to make an impact moving forward! https://tinyurl.com/yxvf7hqg See more

STT: Today’s tidbit is a simple one: save the & your !!! Bananas are one of the most wasted produce items - a study estimated 1.4 million bananas are thrown away EACH DAY in the UK alone. To prevent waste: -Buy the singles.... -Give the imperfect ones a chance, a little bruise never hurt anyone. -Only buy what you know you’ll eat. If they become too ripe before you eat them, freeze for smoothies or bake into a bread/dessert! - And of course, compost your peels! Sending organic matter to landfill creates methane, which is much more potent than C02.

Have you heard about GoSGV, our new regional bike sharing program? Join us online to learn more about it!

STT: If you’re thirstier during the summer, so are your trees!! During hotter months, young trees should be slowly & deeply watered at least 2x a week. Mature trees should be watered atleast a couple times per month. Deep watering young trees is crucial so they establish strong, deep roots. These roots will prevent hardscape damage & help stop trees from toppling over during storms. Deep roots also save you money in the future because trees have access to water further d...own within the Earth. The 2nd picture shows a classic sign of drought stress - lighter green to yellow-green foliage & leaf scorch. Leaves that are wilting or dropped prematurely are other signs. We know trees are so important for our mental health, cleaner + cooler air, shade, lower heating/cooling costs and much more! Make sure you keep your trees healthy and help them grow! ***Please note picture is NOT an accurate representation of how trees should be slowly watered***

STT: Try plant milk (like oat, rice, cashew, soy, or pea) instead of dairy! Cows, their manure + processing equipment, produce greenhouse gases which contribute to our climate crisis. Poor handling of manure & fertilizers can also degrade local water resources. Additionally, dairy requires much more land & water use than plant milks. If you’re worried about your calcium intake, you can easily fill this by eating plants (especially leafy greens)! Because calcium is a mineral found in soil, the cow is simply the middle man - they get their calcium from the plants they eat! Most plant milks are also pretty easy to make and can be much cheaper alternatives.

Romeo Lodia, our compost site manager for The Community Composting Program of Sustainable Claremont at the Claremont Friends Meeting, is tending the food waste receptacles used by participants. If you're interested in composting your food waste to avoid generation of methane in the landfill, just give us a holler at [email protected]. We are an inclusive group!

STT: Shop local & support your community farmers! Buying local produce is great for tons of reasons, here’s a few: 1. Your produce typically looks & tastes better 2. Fresher fruits & veg = less nutrients lost 3. You support your regional economy... 4. Less greenhouse gases are emitted during transportation. Think about how much fuel is used to ship produce from Chile or Peru! 5. You may have a chance to get to know who grows your food! Fostering community is always a win. These are pictures of when we volunteered at Amy’s Farm a couple months ago.

STT: In addition to a bamboo toothbrush, make your oral care greener with biodegradable floss - like this one from Muli Earth! This dental floss helps you reduce your single use plastic + the chemicals that come with it. Other brands to check out are by Humankind and Georganics.

Hi Friends! We are wrapping up our summer fundraising campaign. Already, we have received $2,500 towards our $3,500 goal! Help us achieve our target by donating today!

Sustainable Tidbit Tuesdays are back! Today’s bit is a recycling tip: Plastic clamshells CANNOT be recycled in Claremont’s curbside recycling. Their pesky form, presence of sticky labels, atypical melting point + other factors makes them difficult to recycle. Due to these problems, there isn’t really a market for them. Recycling rules are different in every city, so check with your local municipality if you live outside of Claremont. But all you Claremonters, be sure to keep these guys out of your recycling bin. Share this with someone who may not know!

Sustainable Claremont is launching our Summer Campaign. Your support means more Sustainability Dialogs, more trees planted, more school involvement, more attention to important development projects, and more concrete action to address climate breakdown. We need YOUR help to sustain our environmental, economic, and social quality of life for generations to come! Make a special donation of $25, $50, or $100 today to help us meet our $3,500 mid-year fundraising goal to continue our work!

Check out these reads!

Check out Jeff Speck, Co-Author of Suburban Nation and author of Walkable City, this decade’s most-read book on the design of cities. His lecture will unpack the importance of walkability and how it is critical to South Village and your neighborhood.