October 2024 Diamond Bar Enviro Link Newsletter

Free Year-Round Compost and Mulch

In addition to offering mulch at America Recycles Day and other events, the City is now offering free mulch and compost at Sycamore Canyon Park through the Community Self-Serve Compost and Mulch Program. This program is part of a long-term effort to reduce waste and promote eco-friendly practices.?

The new self-serve compost and mulch station, located near the park’s entrance, is available year-round to Diamond Bar residents during regular park hours of 30 before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.?

There is no limit on how much material to take, but residents are asked to take only what they need. Also, residents must bring their own gloves, shovels, and sturdy containers to load and transport their materials; staff assistance is not available. Mulch and compost are replenished regularly by City staff, ensuring an ongoing supply for community members

Sycamore Canyon Park is located at 22930 Golden Springs Drive.?

More details

Join us for America Recycles Day

9 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 ?

AQMD parking lot- 21865 Copley Drive

America Recycles Day is a day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling efforts. It is an opportunity to raise awareness, encourage individuals to recycle and educate people about the benefits of recycling. The event will offer opportunities to dispose of electronic waste recycle textiles, shred sensitive documents, and take home free mulch. While this is one day of the year, the City encourages residents and businesses to recycle often, learn more about the recycling programs offered.

Mulch: Promoting Sustainability and a Circular Economynbsp;

Mulch plays an essential role in enhancing soil and plant health but also contributing to the circular economy, a system where waste is minimized and resources are continually reused. Mulch promotes the completion of the recycling cycle, a significant component of the circular economy concept, by turning waste into useful, nutrient-rich material for community use. It also minimizes other resource inputs such as water and harsh chemicals like pesticides and herbicides.?

More ways mulch can benefit your landscape:

• Soil enrichment: Mulch adds nutrients to the soil as it decomposes, improving soil structure, fertility, and moisture retention. This reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and promotes healthier plant growth.
• Water conservation: By covering the soil, mulch reduces evaporation, helping to retain moisture and reducing the need for frequent watering. This is particularly valuable in drought-prone areas.
• Weed control: Mulch acts as a natural barrier, suppressing the growth of weeds by blocking sunlight, reducing the need for herbicides.
• Erosion prevention: It helps prevent soil erosion by protecting the surface from wind and water runoff, preserving the landscape, and minimizing land degradation.

By transforming organic waste into mulch, the City reduces landfill use, cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions, and ensures valuable resources are reused rather than discarded. This closed-loop system is essential to sustainable urban living, as it encourages communities to recycle organic materials and return nutrients back to the earth, completing the natural life cycle of resources.

Pharmaceutical Disposal: National Drug Take Back Day

10 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Walnut/ Diamond Bar Sheriff Station- 21695 E. Valley Boulevard

National Take Back Day is a nationwide event that provides a safe and responsible way for individuals to dispose of unwanted or expired prescription medications. Organized by the DEA, it aims to prevent drug misuse and protect the environment by keeping medications out of landfills and water supplies. The event, held twice a year in April and October, offers collection sites across the country where people can drop off medications anonymously and for free.?

Alternatively, residents can drop off unused medications and pharmaceuticals year-round at the following locations in Diamond Bar:

• CVS Pharmacy 300 S. Diamond Bar Boulevard 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday–Saturday?
• Sav-On Pharmacy 235 S. Diamond Bar Boulevard 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday-Friday? 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday ?

Earthquake Safety Tips

Earthquakes can strike without warning, it is essential to be prepared. Understanding what to do before, during, and after an earthquake can help keep you and your loved ones safe. In recognition of the Great Shakeout, a day meant to help prepare people for earthquake safety protocols.

Before an earthquake: Preparation is key

• Create an emergency plan: Ensure all family members know how to contact each other during an emergency.?
• Emergency contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts, including family, friends, and local emergency services. LA County Public Health has more preparation tips.
• Assemble an emergency kit: Include water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, a first-aid kit, medications, important documents, and cash. Do not forget food, water and supplies for pets. LA County Public Health offers more emergency supply tips.
• Know how to turn off utilities: Learn how to shut off the gas and water supply to your home in case of leaks.?

Secure your home

• Anchor heavy furniture: Secure bookshelves, cabinets, and large appliances to walls.
• Safe zones: Identify safe spots in each room, such as under sturdy furniture or against an interior wall away from windows.
• Hazard mitigation: Store heavy and breakable items on lower shelves, and ensure flammable materials are stored safely.

During an earthquake: Stay safe and calm

• If indoors: Drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck under sturdy furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops. Move away from glass, mirrors, and exterior walls to avoid injury from shattering glass. Contrary to popular belief, doorways are not always the safest place during an earthquake. It is better to be under sturdy furniture.
• If outdoors: Move to an open area and stay away from buildings, streetlights, utility wires, and anything else that could fall.
• If in a Vehicle: Pull over to a safe location away from buildings, trees, overpasses, bridges, tunnels, and utility wires, as these structures may collapse or become dangerous. Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt on until the shaking stops.

After an earthquake: Assess and act

• Stay alert: Aftershocks can follow the main earthquake and cause additional damage. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold on again.
• Stay informed: Listen to emergency broadcasts to stay updated on emergency information and instructions. Sign up to receive City Emergency Alerts.

Check for hazards:

• Gas leaks: If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, turn off the gas supply and open windows. Leave the building and notify authorities.
• Electrical hazards: Check for damaged electrical wiring and shut off the power if there is a risk of fire or electrocution.
• Structural damage: Inspect your home for structural damage, such as cracks in the foundation, walls, or ceilings. If your building is damaged, it may be safer to evacuate and stay in a shelter or with friends or family.

Natural Area Management: The Role of Trees

Natural area management focuses on preserving and enhancing ecosystems, with trees playing a critical role in maintaining environmental balance. Trees are essential for biodiversity, air quality, soil health, and they act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

Promoting natural area management in your backyard can help support local ecosystems, improve biodiversity, and create a healthier environment.?

Key steps:

1. Plant native trees and plants: Choose native species that are well-suited to your local environment. Native plants and trees support local wildlife, require less water, and help maintain the natural balance of your area.?
2. Control invasive species: Regularly check for invasive plants or pests that could harm native species. Remove them as needed to protect the health of your natural area.
3. Limit chemical use: Minimize the use of pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers. These can harm beneficial insects, wildlife, and soil health, disrupting the natural balance of your yard.
4. Mulch around trees and plants: Use mulch to help retain soil moisture, reduce erosion, and add nutrients back into the soil. Mulching around trees and plants also reduces weed growth.