Adopt-A-Spot Community Cleanup Want to hear some exciting news? Starting in April, ECOSLO is launching a new Adopt-A-Spot program in SLO County!While ECOSLO hopes to make this a county-wide program down the road, for the time being, this new volunteer program will begin in the Pismo Beach and Templeton communities.Find out more here.
National Cleanup Day National Cleanup Day is celebrated annually in the United States on the third Saturday of September. It promotes both organized and individual cleanup efforts and volunteering to keep the outdoors clean. JOIN US THIS YEAR ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020 National Cleanup Day + Earth Day + Keep America Beautiful in conjunction with World Cleanup Day are coordinating cleanups across the US. SLO County Creeks to Coast Cleanup Formerly known as Coastal Cleanup Day and Creek Day – This year ECOSLO has joined forces with the Central Coast Partners for Water Quality to bring you an even bigger and better event – SLO County Creeks to Coast Cleanup! Find more information here. Do you want your children to understand that they can be environmental stewards in their school or neighborhood? Register your school as a Schoolyard Cleanup Site to receive assistance and recognition and to be a part of an international effort to protect our coast and ocean, no matter where your school is! Helping our children understand the importance of recycling and conserving resources will be vital in growing constant awareness of how what we do affects our neighbors, our world, and our future. Litter is a big problem in California. In 2019, Caltrans spent $62 million on litter removal from our highways. They collected enough trash and debris to fill more than 9,700 garbage trucks. California Coastal Cleanup numbers for 2018: 759,354 Pounds of Trash and 819,323 Pounds of Debris collected during the cleanup. Litter is an eyesore to look at and expensive to pick up. To make matters worse, litter often leaches pollutants into the environment, and it harms wildlife, as well. Litter is often carried by wind or rain into rivers and storm drains, where it pollutes our waterways. Recent research from the Netherlands indicates that over 550 marine species have been affected by plastic litter, either by becoming tangled in it or eating it. If every person in California picked up just one piece of litter today, there would be over 39.51 million fewer pieces of litter. If you and your friends spend just one hour picking up litter in your own neighborhood, you will not only pick up thousands of pieces of trash, you will also make a tremendous impact on your community.
SLO County Creeks to Coast Cleanup Formerly known as Coastal Cleanup Day and Creek Day – this year ECOSLO has joined forces with the Central Coast Partners for Water Quality to bring you an even bigger and better event – SLO County Creeks to Coast Cleanup! This year, join us as we track data and cleanup not only our beautiful coastline, but several inland creeks, lakes, and parks throughout SLO County. Since 2005, ECOSLO coordinates beach cleanups from San Simeon to Nipomo as part of an international day of cleanup. Even though Central Coast beaches are cleaner than some, last year we removed nearly 6,000 pounds of trash and recyclables from our beaches, waterways and lakes. For the past 10 years, Central Coast Partners for Water Quality have been hosting Creek Day in late September. They’ve been tackling the creeks and inland sites – working to picked up heavy loads of trash here to work to prevent that debris from eventually finding its way to the ocean. This year, we’re combining to bring all of SLO County together to clean our beautiful watersheds and coastline – from the creeks to the coast! Please click below to ‘Register’ and view over 40 sites available to volunteer at. Locations are listed from North county to South county. Complete your registration and you’ll be confirmed for that location! Please note that we ask you to signup online via this Eventbrite registration as it helps us anticipate supplies needed for each site. You do not need to bring your ticket with you. Saturday, September 21, 2019, 9am – 12 noon SIGN UP HERE
Surfrider Hold On To Your Butt Beach Cleanup Join us for Hold On To Your Butt Awareness Day! We’re partnering with the County’s Tobacco Control Program to educate beachgoers about the harmful impacts of cigarette butt litter. The event includes a beach cleanup and information tables. Our mascot, Butty, a human-sized cigarette butt, will hand out free pocket ashtrays to smokers. Saturday, July 20, 10am – 12noon Avila Beach Pier, Avila Beach, CA 93424
Post-Fourth of July Cleanup at Cambria The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate the birthday of our country. It’s a day filled with joy, fun and lots of treats! Unfortunately, a lot of pollution from fireworks and single-use plastics end up on the beach and eventually find their way to the ocean after this day of celebration. Join ECOSLO for a morning post-Fourth of July cleanup and data tracking of pollution at Shamel Park in Cambria to help prevent this pollution from entering the ocean. We’ll be tracking all of the pollution that we collect on data tracking cards provided by the California Coastal Commission or on the Clean Swell app to keep statistics on what is being found on SLO’s beaches. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own bucket, gloves, water, and a snack. Bags and litter grabbers are provided. Shamel Park – 9am-11am Directions From CA-1 North Follow CA-1 North to Windsor Blvd in Cambria Turn left onto Windsor Blvd. The park will be on your right. Volunteers will meet under the gazebo. RSVP HERE
Post-Fourth of July Cleanup at Pirate’s Cove The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate the birthday of our country. It’s a day filled with joy, fun and lots of treats! Unfortunately, a lot of pollution from fireworks and single-use plastics end up on the beach and eventually find their way to the ocean after this day of celebration. Join ECOSLO for a morning post-Fourth of July cleanup and data tracking of pollution at Pirate’s Cove to help prevent this pollution from entering the ocean. We’ll be tracking all of the pollution that we collect on data tracking cards provided by the California Coastal Commission or on the Clean Swell app to keep statistics on what is being found on SLO’s beaches. There will also be a short presentation by an ECOSLO volunteer on the dangers of plastic pollution and ways that we can adjust our lifestyle to make more sustainable choices. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own bucket, gloves, water, and a snack. Bags and litter grabbers are provided. Pirate’s Cove – 8am-10am Directions From CA-101 South Exit Avila Beach Drive. Take a right onto Avila Beach Drive to Avila Beach. Take a left on Cave Landing Drive. RSVP HERE
Post-Fourth of July Cleanup at Cayucos Pier The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate the birthday of our country. It’s a day filled with joy, fun and lots of treats! Unfortunately, a lot of pollution from fireworks and single-use plastics end up on the beach and eventually find their way to the ocean after this day of celebration. Join ECOSLO for a morning post-Fourth of July cleanup and data tracking of pollution at Cayucos Pier to help prevent this pollution from entering the ocean. We’ll be tracking all of the pollution that we collect on data tracking cards provided by the California Coastal Commission or on the Clean Swell app to keep statistics on what is being found on SLO’s beaches. There will also be a short presentation by an ECOSLO volunteer on the dangers of plastic pollution and ways that we can adjust our lifestyle to make more sustainable choices. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own bucket, gloves, water, and a snack. Bags and litter grabbers are provided. Cayucos Pier – 7am-9am Directors from HWY 1 Exit 285 for Cayucos Dr. Head west on Cayucos Dr. which dead ends to the parking lot for the pier. Meet on the left of the pier. RSVP HERE
Spring Cleaning: Donation Tips Have a couch, an old fan, and a bedroom door in great condition that you no longer need? No worries — there are many options for donating these items! Examples of items you can donate include, but are not limited to, working appliances such as microwaves and TVs, clothing, furniture such as beds, sofas, and chairs, household items such as cookware and dishware, bedding, and towels, and miscellaneous items such as sports equipment, books, roller blades, and luggage. For in-person places to take your items, see below — some even offer pick-up options. Your donation can even be tax-deductible, so ask if you are able to get a donation receipt. Achievement House, Inc. Thrift Store 3003 Cuesta College Road, San Luis Obispo, CA | (805) 543-9383 Business Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00am – 3:45pm, Saturdays 9am – 3:30pm Map & Directions Accepts clothing, books, small furniture, small hand tools and small appliances. No large appliances or mattresses. Achievement House, Inc. Thrift Store 730 Morro Bay Boulevard, Morro Bay, CA | (805) 772-6744 Business Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm, Saturdays 9am – 4:30pm Map & Directions Accepts used home and office furniture. No mattresses or box springs. California Cool Thrift Store 737 Grand Avenue, Grover Beach, CA | (805) 481-3071 Business Hours: Monday – Saturday 9am – 6pm Map & Directions Accepts anything working and in good condition. No longer providing pickups. Fabulous Finds Quality Thrifting 480 Morro Bay Boulevard Morro Bay, CA | (805) 772-2840 Business Hours: Mondays 11am – 5pm, Wednesday – Saturday 11am – 5pm Map & Directions Accepts furniture, small appliances, clothing, books, tools, and home goods. Goodwill Industries (805) 544-0542 or (800) 549-5920 There are 13 donation centers in Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Cambria, Los Osos, Morro Bay, Nipomo and San Luis Obispo. Call for the donation center nearest you. No longer providing pickups. Habitat for Humanity ReStore 187 Tank Farm Road, San Luis Obispo, CA | (805) 546-8699 Donation Hours: Monday – Friday 9am – 4pm Business Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 9am – 5pm Map & Directions 2959 Limestone Way, Paso Robles, CA | (805) 434-0486 Donation Hours: Monday – Friday 9am – 4pm Business Hours: Monday – Saturday 9am – 5pm Map & Directions Accepts surplus and gently used building materials. Call for large donations. Tax-deductable. North County Christian Thrift Shop 9330 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA | (805) 466-1679 Donation Hours: Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm Map & Directions Accepts household items, small furniture, small appliances, clothing, and books. Old Mission School Thrift Shop 2640 Broad Street, San Luis Obispo, CA | (805) 544-0720 Donation Hours: Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm, Saturday 10am – 2pm Business Hours: Monday – Saturday 10am – 5:30pm Map & Directions Accepts furniture, small appliances and clothing. Free pick-up available. St. Barnabas Thrift Shop 114 Brisco Road, Arroyo Grande, CA | (805) 489-0199 Hours: Tuesday – Friday 10am – 4pm, Saturdays 12pm – 4pm Map & Directions Accepts small furniture and appliances, clothing, toys and computers. United Voluntary Services Thrift Shop 474 Marsh Street, San Luis Obispo, CA | (805) 543-1545 Business Hours: Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm, Saturdays 11am – 2pm Map & Directions Accepts small items. Don’t live close to a physical donation center, or want to broaden your donation reach? Try listing it online! Freecycle Freecycle.org is a grassroots website where you can sign up based on where you live. To list items you want to donate and see what those in your community are giving away, sign up here. Buy Nothing Project Buy Nothing is an app that allows you to post items you’d like to give away, or even lend and share with your neighbors. The group is based on reducing consumerism and finding ways to give back to your local community. Find out more here. NextDoor NextDoor is a neighborhood app where you can sign up to keep updated on the happenings in your neighborhood and post items for neighbors and those in nearby neighborhoods. Sign up here. Craigslist Craigslist is another location-based website where you can list items based on category, such as bikes, furniture, or gardening supplies. Check it out here. With all these options available to you, you should be covered for whatever you wish to donate — and not only make someone else’s day, but give your item a second life!
Keep California Beaches Clean With over 3,000 miles of shoreline in California, there are a lot of opportunities to help keep beaches clean, marine wildlife safe, and recreation enjoyable in your community and for all. In celebration of Coastal Cleanup Month in September and California Coastal Cleanup Day on September 18, 2021, consider visiting your local beach or waterway and doing your part to keep it clean with these simple tips: Bring and use non-puncture gloves (such as gardening gloves), hand sanitizer, reusable bags or buckets for collecting litter, grabbers, trash bags to empty litter into, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Be aware of health and safety conditions like changing water tides, slippery rocks, fallen trees, biohazard spills, harmful marine wildlife, and other potential marine debris and dangers. Be mindful of what you are picking up and leave all natural habitats undisturbed, including driftwood. Do not pick up needles, broken glass, or other dangerous items. If in doubt, leave litter where it is. Bring snacks and stay hydrated. To protect your health and the health of others, follow COVID-19 safety guidelines and maintain distance from other parties. Log your litter with apps like Litterati or CleanSwell to track data and help influence local policy. Make sure your collected litter makes it into a trash container with a secure lid so that it stays out of the environment. For more detailed information on how to safely plan your beach cleanup, visit the California Department of Parks and Recreation website. Visit the California Coastal Commission website to find an official California Coastal Cleanup event and keep the celebrations going throughout September with the many different events hosted by organizations such as the Surfrider Foundation, Heal the Bay, Ocean Conservancy, Save Our Beach, Pacific Beach Coalition, Orange County Coastkeeper, and others. Check with organizations directly to learn about upcoming events and opportunities to get involved.
How to Clean Your Gas Grill With summer barbecues winding down, now is the perfect time to clean your gas grill. Why clean your grill? No more old char on your food. When you’re pulling the grill out for next summer’s barbecues, it’ll be nice to know that any char on your barbecue is fresh. Avoid grease fires. Being dirty is one of the biggest reasons grills catch on fire. In fact, over ten thousand house fires are caused by grills each year. Get rid of accumulated grease and char to keep your grill safe to use. Dispose of large amounts of cooking oil and grease for free at a Household Hazardous Waste Facility in San Luis Obispo County. For small amounts, let the cooking oil and grease solidify, then scrape into the trash. Extend the life of your grill. Keep your grill in good condition by properly removing grease build-up and char. What you’ll need: Wire brush Scraper (e.g., paint scraper or other) Gentle cleanser (for the outside of your grill only) Cleaning rags (ones you don’t mind getting greasy) Steps: Scrape down the inside of your grill with the wire brush. Start with the bottom of the lid, then scrape down the grates (both from the top and bottom), flavorizer bars, burners, heat diffusers, and finally the bottom. Do not use water to clean the inside of your grill, as it may cause rust. Remove the grease pan and use your designated scraper to remove any leftover residue into the garbage. Replace your drip pan or scrape it clean as well, moving any residue into the garbage. Use the gentle cleanser and rags to wipe grease residue off the outside of your grill. It may take a few passes to get all the residue off. Be careful not to use anything abrasive so that you keep any paint or stainless steel on the exterior in good condition. That’s it! Now your gas grill is clean and ready for your next barbecue season. Happy barbecuing!
