Home Energy Audits are offered locally in the Coachella Valley by our two electric providers: Imperial Irrigation District (IID) in the east valley and Southern California Edison (SCE) in the western portion.  And while these audits aren’t exactly “free”—you are paying for them regardless of whether you use them—you might as well take a little time to find out what you can do make your home more energy efficient and at the same time—save money.  Best of all, now you can even do it by yourself at home online.

by Kathy Gottberg 

     Do you remember your first bike?  That question was a big part of the presentation made by Dan Austin, author and founder of “88 Bikes” during the recent Palm Springs 4^th Annual Sustainability Celebration.  The event, which featured an exhibit area of local green and sustainable businesses, groups and organizations kick-started the Coachella Valley on another year of growing and learning about ways to improve our desert community.  An important piece of that puzzle would be an all valley bikeway from Palm Springs to the Salton Sea.

      The Coachella Valley’s three Certified Farmer’s Markets re-launched in late September announcing a fresh start to another season of green and sustainability here in the desert.  Now back in full swing, the Farmer’s Market Fall Season continues at three locations; Palm Springs, La Quinta and Palm Desert.  Not only are fresh organic fruits, flowers and vegetables available in three cities, they are correspondingly available, three mornings per week.   The markets are also a great reminder of how important food is on a quest to go green and sustainable.  For more information about Certified Farmer’s Markets go to: http://certifiedfarmersmarket.ning.com/

       On Saturday, November 12th, the California Coastal Commission is hosting the 9^th Annual Salton Sea Beach Cleanup.   This event offers a way for local families, students, service groups and neighbors to join together and take care of the fragile marine environment, local wildlife and corresponding natural resources right here in our back yard.   Each year the California Coastal Clean Up Action collects tons of trash and recyclables–80% which is said to come from inland sources that travel down ditches, streets and creeks—qualifying the statewide program for the 1993 Guinness Book of World Records:  “largest garbage collection.”  Volunteers are invited to attend The Salton Sea Beach Cleanup on November 12 for the morning, or as long as they can stay, and be a part of a significant action to clean up their local community.