Project Clean Water News

Stakeholder Meeting Summary
For those interested in materials from the most recent stakeholders meeting held on January 28th, the powerpoint presentation on LID milestones is available as well as the handouts. In addition, a working group is being formed to address recycled water issues, any interested parties should contact John Ackerman.

Operation Medicine Cabinet
In response to growing demand for a safe, convenient way to dispose of household medications, the County Resource Recovery and Waste Management Division has teamed up with the Sheriff’s Department to provide free drop-boxes at each of the Sheriff’s nine substations throughout the county.  Residents can bring all types of unwanted medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs. For details and a list of collection locations please visit the website.

New Garden Wise Guys Episode
Garden Wise Guys is a local television program about designing & maintaining a sustainable landscape. In their 14th episode: Garden Wise Guys: Field Guide to Western Watersheds, hosts Owen Dell & Billy Goodnick set off on a quest to learn about our local watersheds. In this episode, you will find out how to prevent water from running off your property, and a variety of methods to reuse and retain rain or irrigation water. These methods will save you money on water bill, nourish your landscaping and help to keep our creeks and ocean clean and healthy.  Premieres Sunday, November 29 at 9:00 PM on City TV, Channel 18.

Water Wise Gardening in Santa Barbara County
The County Water Agency has released "Water Wise Gardening in Santa Barbara County," an online tool the public can use to search for water wise plants, watering tips, virtual garden tours, and other sustainable gardening resources. The direct link to this guide can be found at: www.sb.watersavingplants.com/sb.php or on the home page of www.sbwater.org.

Watershed Resource Center Is Open!
The South Coast Watershed Resource Center at Arroyo Burro Beach is now open on Sundays from 10:00am-4:00pm. Read the full press release. Community members can visit the WRC to learn about Santa Barbara's unique watersheds. One of the most eco-friendly buildings in the Santa Barbara area, the Watershed Resource Center is open for self-guided tours. Contact the WRC Manager, Lindsay Johnson, at 884-0459 ext. 16, education@artfromscrap.org

Notes from Hydromod Panel Discussion
On January 15th, 2009 Project Clean Water hosted a panel discussion on hydromodification design of new development. The discussion was of great value to all who attended. By popular demand we are posting the notes from that meeting, which can also be found on our Stakeholders page.

Recycling Resource Guide
The latest edition of the Recycling Resource Guide for Santa Barbara County is now available in hard copy and through the County recycling website  www.LessIsMore.org. To obtain a copy of the Guide, please contact the Resource Recovery and Waste Management Division at (805) 882-3600 or send an e-mail message to sgallas@cosbpw.net 

Green Business Program
Green Business Santa Barbara County is a multi-jurisdictional effort to encourage businesses to implement actions to protect, preserve, and improve the environment above and beyond what is required by law. The program is voluntary and offers assistance and incentives, including an official Green Business certification upon completion of the recommended actions. The Green Business Program currently certifies qualifying hotels, restaurants, automotive, and office/retail businesses. Additional business sectors will be included in the certification process. Contact the Program Director for more information.

Green Gardener Certification Program
The Green Gardener Certification Program for Santa Barbara County educates local gardeners in resource efficient and pollutution prevention landscape maintenance practices. The Green Gardener Certification Program is a regional program designed to offer education, training, and promotion of participating gardeners and landscape maintenance contractors. Se habla espanol: 805-564-5460.