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Category: Stormwater Pollution Prevention

Did you know that over 10 million tons of plastic are dumped into the ocean yearly? Our oceans and marine life are drowning in plastic – most of which are single-use materials. On the bright side, big changes are coming to address this massive issue. On June 30th, Senate Bill 54 (SB 54) was signed into the California State Legislature. Specifically addressing plastic production and producer responsibility, this bill can shift the tide regarding plastic pollution and its impact on our waterways

What is SB 54?

The Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, or Senate Bill 54, sets stringent timelines to reduce and eliminate the production of single-use plastics in California. With the timelines requiring a transition to recyclable or compostable packaging, this bill ensures that the packaging industry takes action towards a pollution-free environment. The bill sets the following goals:

  • By 2032, 25% less plastic packaging will be produced. Of the single-use plastics still being made, 65% must be compostable or recyclable. 
  • A Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) will be created to oversee and enforce regulations on single-use plastic producers.  
  • Single-use plastic producers will be required to pay an annual mitigation fee of $500 million, all of which will go towards mitigating the effects of single-use plastic on the environment and human health

Why SB 54 Is a Win for Stormwater

90% of plastic in the ocean is windblown and waterborne from urban areas, meaning that stormwater is one of the most common ways plastic gets transported to larger bodies of water. When plastic enters bodies of water, animals may entangle themselves in plastic materials or  mistake plastic for food. Additionally, plastic products may break into smaller and smaller pieces, which are considered microplastics when they reach less than 5 millimeters in size. When marine life ingests microplastics, human health is at risk because we eat the seafood that has ingested microplastics! With less plastic produced, less plastic will enter our waterways and pollute our ecosystems and community.

“True Source Control (the elimination of a pollutant at its source) and the use of alternative products offers the most effective and economical approach to the elimination of many pollutants that impair the beneficial uses of California’s waterways.”

Karen cowan, Executive Director of the California Stormwater Quality Association

Zero-Waste Initiatives Near You!

San Mateo County agencies and businesses have already been taking steps to cut back on single-use plastics! 
In a recent blog, we share the story of Byrd’s Filling Station, San Mateo County’s first zero-waste store. Here, you can bring reusable bags and containers to fill up on bulk foods and household items.  Additionally, Reusable San Mateo County partners with local food businesses to incorporate reusable containers in lieu of single-use plastic. Find locations implementing reusable/non-plastic practices near you using this map!

“Waste” No Time- Stay Updated 

As the transition away from single-use plastic continues, see the change for yourself and try taking small steps to introduce zero-waste behaviors into your lifestyle. Share your efforts with us on social media! 

It’s that “tide” of year again for the annual California Coastal Cleanup Day! Going on 38 years, the San Mateo County Environmental Health Services hosts a countywide Coastal Cleanup Day dedicated to local creek, park, neighborhood, and beach cleanups. If it’s an outside shared space, it counts! It all counts because it’s all connected. 

Explore the Connection

Even the smallest piece of trash can make a BIG impact. Stormwater picks up trash and other pollutants and carries them into storm drains. From there, the polluted stormwater travels to local streams and creeks. Wildlife may mistake all kinds of debris for food, which harms local biodiversity. If not eaten by wildlife, trash continues to travel into our oceans where it may break down over time into tiny particles called microplastics. Microplastics are ingested by marine life, which also threatens human health when we consume seafood that has eaten microplastics. Keeping our waterways clean through pollution prevention measures such as community cleanups is crucial to a healthy and safe San Mateo County. 

The Impact

We aren’t joking about the impact you can have! Just last year, 2,700 volunteers came together to pick up 22,000 pounds of trash and recyclables, keeping them out of our waterways. Small measures like dedicating a day to an organized cleanup can make a huge impact. 

How to Get Involved 

Participating in a local cleanup is as easy as clicking this link and registering for the nearest volunteer site! Official cleanup events will be held from 9am to noon on Saturday, September 17. 

If you can’t make it to an organized cleanup event, no worries! You can pick up trash on your own any time in the month of September and it will count towards our countywide goals. Here’s how to hold a self-guided cleanup: 

  • Register your self-guided cleanup using this form. That way, the County can make sure you have all the information you need and can send you a small thank you gift for volunteering!
  • Download the Swell App to track your impact. 
  • Safety first. Follow San Mateo County’s latest safety protocols. Also, bring gloves, plenty of water, and never pick up sharp objects.  
  • Enter a giveaway! Snap a cleanup selfie and use the hashtag #thesmccoastisclear on Facebook or Instagram to be entered to win a $25 digital Visa Gift Card. Ten winners will be selected. 

Like a Wave, Stay Current 

When you’re surfing the net, make sure to see what all the commocean is about! Social media accounts and additional resources for Coastal Cleanup Day can be found below:

We hope to sea you out there soon! 

[Updated October 27, 2022]

Our beautiful San Mateo County is lucky to have access to water resources such as the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. However, the County is currently experiencing severe drought according to the US Drought Monitor, and the State Water Control Board recently told urban water agencies across California to utilize water restrictions to prepare for decreased supply. In light of this news, it is more important than ever to conserve and protect our water resources. 

Safe and clean water is necessary for our daily lives, from  showering to drinking to supporting the wellbeing of humans and wildlife alike. After all, water is at the heart of everything we do! 

In many cases, water conservation and stormwater pollution prevention go hand in hand. When we capture rainwater or reduce the amount of water we use in our gardens, we are also reducing the amount of run-off that can carry pollutants (such as pesticides, pet waste, motor oil, and more) into our storm drain system.

Here are a few ways you can save water while simultaneously keeping our waterways clean!

Early bird gets the rainy season worm

Consider implementing a rain catchment system on your property. This will allow you to conserve water AND utilize water that would otherwise make its way into our storm drains, picking up pollutants on the way. Two worms, one bird!

  • Dig into making a rain garden: Rain gardens are landscaped areas designed to capture and filter rainwater while irrigating native and drought-tolerant plants. You may even qualify for a $300 rain garden rebate when replacing your water-guzzling lawn!
  • Set up a rain barrel: Rain barrels are a simple way of helping out the environment, your plants, and your budget. Instead of letting rain water run off your roof into the storm drain, rain barrels capture that rainwater to use in your garden in drier months. Learn more about rain barrels and our rebate program here.

Go green with a drought-tolerant garden

Having a beautiful flourishing yard doesn’t require a whole lot of water or harmful products like pesticides and fertilizers. By trying out these natural yard and garden management strategies, you can save water (and money!) while keeping our waterways healthy and happy. 

  • Go native: Less water? No problem! Native California plants are naturally more resilient to our current drought conditions. Plus, natives require less chemical pesticides which not only makes yard care much easier, but also less harmful to our waters. Check out this article for more information and help on getting started on your own native plant oasis. 
  • Put compost to work: Compost is amazing at boosting your soil’s capacity to retain water, but also gives your garden a nutritious pick-me-up. By promoting soil and plant health, compost also reduces the need for harsh fertilizers that often harm our waterways. For more lawn and garden tips, check out this page.

Clean streets, clean streams

One of the easiest things we can do is make sure our driveways and walkways are clean from leftover contaminants. Aside from being an eyesore, these contaminants harm our waterways and wildlife. 

  • Driveway cleaning: A hose may seem like an easy way to clear off the driveway of debris and oil spills from the car, but this runoff can manifest as storm drain clogs and pollution to aquatic wildlife. For a safer and more water-wise cleanup, use kitty litter to absorb any oil spills and use a broom to sweep away any leaves or rubble.
  • Car washing: The best way to keep your ride sparkling is to bring it over to a commercial car wash instead of hosing it down on your property. The pros are able to collect, filter, and reuse runoff water instead of letting it head for the storm drain.

Stay in the know

Stay updated on current water shortages with the Bay Area Drought Map & Tracker. Check in with your local water district for updates regarding any water use restrictions that may apply to you and your neighbors. The County of San Mateo Office of Sustainability webpage lets you enter your zipcode to learn more about your local water agency’s programs, while also offering resources to help you save water in the home! 

Share this info along with your favorite water conservation tips with friends and family to help ensure San Mateo County has clean, beautiful waters for years to come!

Summer is right around the corner, San Mateo County! It’s time to take stock of your sunscreen, bring out the beach toys, and dig up your swimsuits from the back of your closets. Whether you’re planning on keeping it easy (hello staycation!) or planning a five-part road trip extravaganza, we’re here to give you some quick tips for keeping our waterways fresh and clean all summer long. 

Heading to the Beach

Nothing says “summer” more than heading to the beach! Follow these tips to ensure that our oceans and beaches stay beautiful for generations to come:

  • Bag it up: Bring a spare bag for food wrappers, empty soda cans, or any other waste made while lapping up the rays and waves. Better yet, bring a pair of gloves and dive into a DIY beach cleanup! 
  • Opt for “reef safe” sunscreen: Seek out sunscreens that have zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as the active ingredients. These mineral-based sunscreens are safe, effective, and don’t harm coral reefs (while many chemical sunscreens do!). 
  • Go reusable: Before heading out, pack a filled and chilled reusable water bottle to stay hydrated all day long. If you’re packing a beach picnic, bring some reusable utensils too. These small actions will reduce the amount of plastics that may sadly end up in our beautiful ocean. 

Maintaining Your Swimming Pool

Time to freshen up the pool? Follow these simple tips for proper disposal of pool water to ensure harmful chemicals don’t enter our storm drains!

  • Drain properly: Always drain your pool water into a sewer line and never into the street or storm drain system. For convenience, use the sewer clean-out connection in your yard. You can also drain into a toilet, bathtub or sink inside your home.
  • Check pH: Make sure the pH reads somewhere between 6.5 and 8.5 in order to minimize copper pipe corrosion that can stain your pool and end up in our creeks and the Bay. If you’re not sure, check with your pool maintenance company for assistance.
  • Clean and clear: Minimize algae buildup to prevent the need for toxic algaecides. Ask your pool maintenance service for help resolving persistent algae problems without using copper algaecide.

Find more waterway-friendly pool maintenance tips here!

Digging Into Gardening

  • Cut down on pesticides: Limit your use of pesticides as much as possible. Even when spot-treating, these chemicals can find their way into our storm drains after watering days, harming aquatic life. Check out our Pest Management webpage for pesticide alternatives.
  • Get earthy: Mulch and compost are your friends! These natural garden amendments are great at boosting soil health and increasing water retention capacity for happy plants. In turn, mulch and compost help reduce the need for chemical-intensive fertilizers which can otherwise contaminate our waterways.
  • Consider a rain garden: The summer may mean less rain, but that makes it the perfect time to set up your very own rain garden. Not only are rain gardens beautiful, but also wonderful at naturally storing and filtering water once the rainy season hits. Find rain garden rebates and resources here to get started. 

Hitting the Road

Heading on a road trip for summer break? Make sure you leave as little trace behind as possible with these tips:

  • Clean up spills: Even if you’re not a cat “pawrent,” it’s always a good idea to have an absorbent material like kitty litter on hand to soak up any leaks and spills from your car (such as motor oil or antifreeze). When left on the road, these spills eventually become contaminants in our waterways!
  • Leave no trace: Be sure to have a spare trash bag in the car for any on-the-go snack wrappers, tissues, or any other waste. Not only will this prevent any roadside litter making its way to our waters, but also make car cleanup a breeze.
  • Leave it to the pros: After all your adventures, you may find your car in need of a good wash. Hold off on the soap and sponge and head over to your local professional car wash where they’re well equipped to filter and reuse any water.

Find more car maintenance tips here.

Every February 14th people show love and appreciation towards their loved ones. But it’s also the perfect time to show love and appreciation for our oceans and waterways. One person who does just that is Alejandra Warren, Pacifica resident and Executive Director of Plastic Free Future. The California-based non-profit organization is “dedicated to the reduction and elimination of plastic pollution  through promoting reusable alternatives and focusing on education to underserved communities.”

In particular, Plastic Free Future aims to provide zero-waste resources to Latinx communities. “The way we manufacture our ‘stuff’ and dispose of our waste…disproportionately affects black and brown communities,” said Alejandra. Thus, the organization is intentional about doing bilingual outreach to Latinx owned businesses to help them transition to more sustainable practices and doing bilingual door-to-door outreach to help residents understand how to comply with sustainability laws. They also hold bi-lingual educational events, composting workshops, and coordinate a reuse incentive program at farmers markets in San Mateo County.

Plastic Free Future’s reuse incentive program offers rewards for using reusable bags at three San Mateo County farmers markets. 

Plastic Free Future’s vision is to create a world in which “future generations can live without the burden of plastics threatening their health and environment.”

“To me, zero waste is not a trend. It is the slow process of re-learning the wise and gentle ways of Mother Earth where nothing ever goes to waste. Zero waste is about our relationship with everyone and everything. It’s an environmental and social responsibility,” said Alejandra.

How Plastic Waste Impacts Our Waterways and Health

So what does plastic pollution in our neighborhoods have to do with the health of our waterways? 

“There are very strong connections between plastic pollution and water pollution. Research … being done right here on the San Francisco Bay…has found that most plastics are entering the Bay through storm drains and wastewater. Two less obvious sources are tire particles from roads and plastic microfibers from washing our synthetic clothes.” 

Alejandra warren

There, the plastics break down over time into small particles called microplastics. Alejandra continued, “The prevalence of microplastic pollution in our waterways can have serious impacts on wildlife as plastic particles are mistaken for food and ingested. To make matters worse, microplastics absorb other toxic chemicals in the water like a sponge, making them even more toxic than the plastic itself.  These pollutants can accumulate and pass through the food chain threatening virtually every type of organism that lives or feeds in aquatic systems—including us!”

How can YOU fall in love with a plastic-free lifestyle? 

Luckily, there are actions we can all take to keep plastics out of the ocean. “As individuals we can start small and make smart decisions to reduce our own plastic consumption,” said Alejandra. 

We may not be able to go waste-free all at once, but we can dedicate ourselves to the journey. Here are some ways you can reduce plastic waste in day-to-day life:

  1. This Valentine’s Day, gift your loved ones an experience rather than a material item. 
  2. Refuse single-use plastic foodware, cups, containers, and bags at shops and restaurants.
  3. Phase out plastic packaging where possible by opting for refillable or reusable containers.
  4. Use your possessions for their full lifetime before replacing them.

For more zero-waste ideas, check out Plastic Free Future’s Zero Waste Hierarchy, a framework for identifying the most effective ways to reduce waste. 

“The scope of this planetary plastic crisis requires all of us as individuals, businesses, governments and organizations to break old habits and shift away from our current excessive consumption of plastics – especially single use plastics.”

Alejandra warren

Learn more and get involved!

To keep the love going this Valentine’s Day, and throughout the year, here are some ways you can get involved with Plastic Free Future:

Do you know any other inspirational environmental leaders in your community? We’d love to hear about them! Nominate them here.

On Saturday, January 29, 2022, Flows To Bay held an event to distribute 396 pre-purchased 50-gallon rain barrels to San Mateo County residents. Residents from 17 of the county’s 20 cities and towns and unincorporated areas picked up their barrels at Lyngso Garden Materials in San Carlos.

We distributed 396 50-gallon rain barrels.
Residents stayed in their vehicles as barrels were loaded.
Residents stayed in their vehicles as barrels were loaded.
Flows To Bay staff and volunteers from the San Mateo County Office of Sustainability helped load barrels into resident’s vehicles.

This was Flows To Bay’s second rain barrel distribution event in three months and was organized to accommodate residents’ unexpected enthusiasm for rain barrels. This program was initially launched as a pilot program in September 2021 as an effective water capture and conservation strategy against California’s ongoing drought condition. Flows To Bay distributed 330 purchased rain barrels at the first event on November 13, 2021. After this initial event, there were still nearly 200 residents on the waitlist for a rain barrel, prompting a relaunch of the program once inventory became available.

“This program aimed to educate residents about the water conservation and pollution prevention aspects of rain while providing an easy and affordable way to take action. The countywide rain barrel rebate funded by the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County and agency partners coupled with this rain barrel program is just one way that we hope to underscore just how valuable water is as a resource. Clean water, a healthy community—it’s truly a team effort!”

REID BOGERT,  C/CAG STORMWATER PROGRAM SPECIALIST

The countywide rain barrel rebate program that provides a minimum $50 rebate per rain barrel. Residents can take advantage of the rain barrel rebate program with any qualifying rain barrel purchase and can get additional information at flowstobay.org/rainbarrel. 

Beyond water conservation, capturing rainwater also improves the water quality of our local creeks, the San Francisco Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. Rainfall funnels into streets, collecting urban pollutants from all surfaces, including roofs. These pollutants then flow into storm drains and nearby waterways without treatment. Runoff is the number one source of pollution in our waterways nationwide. Rain barrels help reduce the number of pollutants that reach our waterways.

Reid Bogert, C/CAG Stormwater Program Specialist, loads rain barrels into a truck bed.

Just how much of an impact did this program have?

At 50-gallon capacity a piece, the combined 726 rain barrels purchased from this program will be able to capture 36,300 gallons of water each time the barrels are filled. This also means 36,300 gallons of runoff that won’t enter our waterways, reducing the amount of pollutants that reach our waterways.

This program far exceeded its initial goal of selling 100 rain barrels. San Mateo County residents showed such enthusiasm for conserving water with rain barrels that several individuals waited until after the distribution event ended for the possibility to buy unclaimed rain barrels.

“It’s very exciting and encouraging to see such enthusiasm and increased demand for this bulk discounted rain barrel program, as we approach our second event. C/CAG works on various issues that affect quality of life in San Mateo County, including addressing stormwater runoff and planning for climate change, among others. This rain barrel program attempts to address water resilience from a holistic standpoint, while bringing accessible and affordable options into our communities. This is exactly the type of impact we strive to make. We could not be happier with the results of this program and look forward to expanding it in years to come.”

MARIE CHUANG, CHAIR OF THE C/CAG BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COUNCILMEMBER, TOWN OF HILLSBOROUGH

Residents may still take advantage of the rain barrel rebate program with any qualifying rain barrel purchase. To learn more visit flowstobay.org/rainbarrel.

Welcome, 2022! We’ve made it through another year with its ups and downs!
The New Year is an exciting time to reflect and set new goals, but this “fresh start” can also sometimes feel like a lot of pressure to make big changes. Big changes are great, but we also believe that small steps can be just as important.

For this New Year, we want to provide you with some simple and attainable ideas for fitting environmentally-friendly behaviors into traditional New Year’s resolutions.

1. Be tidy (in your neighborhood).

While we tidy up our homes for the New Year, we can also find ways to keep our neighborhoods clean of trash. Here are some simple ways you can resolve to reduce pollution in our waterways, the ocean, and the Bay:

  • Pick up at least 5 pieces of trash every time you go for a walk.
  • Attach a poop bag canister to your pet’s leash so that you’re never caught without a bag to pick up after your pet.  
  • Learn what items are Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)  and make sure to always bring these to an HHW collection center rather than throwing them in the trash. 

2. Save money (on water).

Are you making resolutions for your finances this year? One way that you can save money and help the environment at the same time is by reducing your water usage. With San Mateo County in a state of extreme drought, the following actions can help reduce stress on our potable water supply:

  • Remove water-guzzling lawns and replace them with drought-friendly, native plant landscaping. You may even qualify for a Lawn Be Gone! Rebate. 
  • Replace your sprinkler system with a drip irrigation system.
  • Invest in a rain barrel to capture water during the rainy season and save it for drier months. Save even more by taking advantage of our rain barrel rebates.

3. Meet new people (while helping the community).

After being socially distant for over a year, many of us may be eager to meet new people. While we still want to remain safe and wear masks when necessary, 2022 is a great time to start meeting new people while helping the community. You can get started by:

Neil Panton began picking up litter around his home in the late 80s. While he initially focused on clearing away large pieces of trash and car parts that littered the road, he was eventually drawn to a smaller but very pervasive type of litter—cigarette butts. 

“I’m sure most motorists or passers-by wouldn’t notice them,” Neil observed. But as someone who enjoys slowing down to take walks in the outdoors, Neil tends to notice these often overlooked bits of trash. “I’m…aware of how long [cigarette butts] last in the environment and the hazards they pose to many critters,” he said. Cigarette butts can take up to 10 years to decompose in the environment and they make up 34% of the total collected litter in California.

“There’s an immediacy to doing cleanup work, right down to the smallest cigarette butt. You can see the results of your efforts right away. I take morning walks, and about every third or fourth day I’ll take a small bag and picker-upper with me. The other days I get to enjoy a litter-free environment.“

Neil Panton

Engaging and inspiring the community 

Photo of San Gregorio State Beach by the San Gregorio Environmental Resource Center

After moving to San Gregorio, Neil continued to clean up trash and cigarette butts in his community and also engaged his neighbors in the effort. 

Through the Adopt-A-Highway program, Neil adopted two stretches of highway and became responsible for trash removal and vegetation control along a total of eight miles of highway. In 2016, he formed a group of volunteers to help remove invasive grasses along these highways in the San Gregorio watershed while also picking up litter. “There is no shortage of cigarette butts and tobacco products along the highway,” he found.

Neil also got involved with the San Gregorio Environmental Resource Center (SGERC), a local non-profit whose mission is to preserve and protect habitat for endangered species of the Santa Cruz Mountains bioregion. He engaged SGERC members in picking up cigarette butts around their homes and currently helps educate his community about litter prevention through information booths at community events.

How many butts get chucked?

With the approach of Coastal Cleanup Day this year and the focus on quantifying how much trash we keep out of our waterways, Neil became curious about just how many cigarette butts he collects. He began to count the butts and found that about 1,335 butts fit in a 1-gallon water jug (in case you were curious). Since he started counting, he’s filled one jug and has started filling another.  

Through the Pacific Beach Coalition, Neil sends the collected cigarette butts to Terracycle, a company that recycles cigarette filters into products such as decking, plastic shipping pallets, and storage containers. 

In addition to the direct impact that Neil and his volunteers have by keeping cigarette butts out of our waterways, Neil has also inspired his neighbors to be more mindful of litter. “I think my neighbors see me cleaning up and make an effort to keep their property front clean too. Friends and neighbors pass me on the highway and honk and wave. I think they’re appreciative of the effort,” said Neil. 

“I…believe in the power of everyone doing a small part, and together we have a large impact. It’s too easy to say that others will do it, it’s not our job, but if you want to be a part of your community, this is a great way to do it.”

Neil Panton

Learn more and get involved!

If Neil’s efforts have inspired you, here are some ways you can get involved in keeping our waterways clean of cigarette butts and other litter:

Do you know any other inspirational environmental leaders in your community? We’d love to hear about them! Nominate them here.

Halloween is one of our favorites—but it’s unfortunately not the most eco-friendly holiday and the thought of all of the potential plastic pollution gives us quite a fright! With thousands of children and families enjoying Halloween’s traditions, from costume making to trick (or trunk)-or-treating, the potential environmental impact of litter and consumption is HUGE. As a reminder—please make sure you have a safe Halloween by following social distancing and wearing a mask!

But fear not! We have four suggestions that will make this year’s Halloween more sustainable, and keep the waters of San Mateo County healthy and free of debris! 

1. Hold on to your wrappers. When we’re out trick-or-treating, we may be tempted by the delicious morsels in our haul. As you and your family enjoy your treats on-the-go, please make sure those pesky wrappers don’t end up on the ground (which could ultimately find their way down a storm drain and into a nearby creek). A great tip is to wear something with zippered pockets or collect the wrappers in your tote, to secure any wayward candy wrappers until they can be properly disposed of in the trash. This will also ensure our neighborhood sidewalks and streets stay clean and beautiful. 

2. ‘Recycle’ costumes! When photos last forever, and every Halloween requires a new look, A LOT of costumes end up getting worn once and discarded. Instead of tossing your costumes in the trash, or banishing them to a box in the basement, why not donate them to your local high school’s drama club, sell them online, give them to charity, or stuff ‘em and use them in your garden as scarecrows? Renting a costume is also a great idea (cheap, easy, and returnable)! Not in the mood to shop? Why not call friends and family to see if you can trade costumes that you both already have lying around. After all, one person’s trash is another’s treasure!  

3. Get creative with trick-or-treat bags. Plastic jack-o-lanterns are always full of candy and dangling from hands-on Halloween. The problem? Plastic is brittle, and once broken, finds its way into landfills. Your Halloween haul deserves a bag strong enough to support the weight of all the delicious treats you’ll be getting! Better options to carry treats include pillowcases, reusable tote bags, and other reusable non-plastic bags. For an added twist, host a pillowcase decorating party the weekend before Halloween with a “Go Green” theme and watch all the creative things that kids come up with. That way, your candy bag—and minds—will be primed for an eco-friendly Halloween night.

4. Consider your candy. Halloween is not complete without treats, but there are ways to reduce your waste and select sustainable options! Keep our three Cs in mind when you’re making your treat selections. 

  • Consider packaging – When buying candy and other treats, think about buying them in bulk to minimize the use of packaging and wrapping. You can also check to see if the packaging is recyclable. By making these choices, we can reduce the amount of waste generated from candy wrappers.
  • Choose fair-trade – For our cocoa lovers out there who plan to give out chocolates, check that your chocolate selection is fair trade. A fair trade certification lets you know that treats you are buying were made under humane working conditions and contribute to sustainable livelihoods for cocoa farmers.
  • Check for organic labels – While they may be more expensive, organic goodies can also be great choices to pass out. They tend to have a smaller environmental footprint, and better, they’re made from products that don’t contain pesticides or other potentially harmful materials.

Do you have other creative suggestions to make Halloween more environmentally-friendly? We would love to hear from you! Please share your ideas with us at info@flowstobay.org.

Flows To Bay is launching a pilot rain barrel program to encourage County residents and businesses to save money and water by offering low-cost, high-quality 50-gallon rain barrels. Flows To Bay is a program of the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG). Through the stormwater program, C/CAG helps fund the countywide rain barrel rebate program in partnership with the Bay Area Water Supply & Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) and member water agencies.

California is experiencing ongoing drought conditions, and San Mateo County is included in the declared State of Emergency. In July, Governor Newsom issued an executive order asking all Californians to voluntarily reduce their water use by 15% compared to 2020 levels. While there are currently no mandatory water use restrictions or drought surcharges in effect, Flows To Bay wants to increase the use of rain barrels as a low-cost, easy to maintain, and effective water capture and conservation strategy.

By capturing rainwater during the upcoming wet winter months, rain barrels help cut back potable water used for irrigation and can help mitigate future drought conditions by providing storage for drier months. For every inch of rain that falls on a 500 square foot roof area, a rain barrel can collect 310 gallons. With an average annual rainfall of 25 inches in San Mateo County, the savings can add up!

“This program is an important step toward conserving and protecting clean water in our community. Rainwater is a precious resource, and we have to start treating it like one.”

Marie Chuang, Chair of the C/CAG Board of Directors and Councilmember, Town of Hillsborough

Partnering with Rain Water Solutions to acquire barrels in bulk directly from the manufacturer allows Flows To Bay to offer barrels at $80 each (pre-tax)—a significantly reduced price below the retail amount—making installing a rain barrel at home a much easier and more accessible option for anyone living in San Mateo County. Qualifying applicants can also apply for the countywide rebate, further reducing the unit price for all residents. With the discount and rebate program, residents in BAWSCA participating member agency service areas could essentially receive a rain barrel for free. Learn how much of a rebate your qualify for here.

Beyond the water conservation and financial benefits, capturing rainwater also improves the water quality of our local creeks, the San Francisco Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. Rainfall funnels into streets, collecting urban pollutants from all surfaces, including roofs. These pollutants then flow into storm drains and nearby waterways without treatment. Runoff is the number one source of pollution in our waterways nationwide.

“Preventing rainwater from flowing off properties and into the streets and storm drains is a win-win environmental strategy for restoring the health of our coastal waters,” said Reid Bogert,  C/CAG Stormwater Program Specialist.

“While our cities are doing a lot to prevent pollution, residents can join the cause one barrel at a time to manage rainwater on their properties. A single rain barrel is small in scale compared to the amount of rain San Mateo County receives in a wet season. Still, if everyone is empowered to help restore our coastal environments, the cumulative impact will be considerable.”

Order rain barrels now through October 31, 2021 or until supplies last.  After being purchased, rain barrels can be picked up at the distribution event on Saturday, November 13th, at the City of San Mateo Public Works Department located at 1949 Pacific Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94403, from 9 am to 12 pm.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RAIN BARREL PILOT PROGRAM HERE
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