The first Sacramento Sustainability Forum of 2010 will feature two dynamic speakers covering the recent climate change conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, and the effects of product stewardship policy for California. Larry Greene, the executive director of the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, will report on developments at the COP15, the United Nations’ climate change conference that took place in December in Copenhagen. Heidi Sanborn, an independent consultant and executive director of the California Product Stewardship Council, will cover product stewardship policy and the implications for consumers and businesses in California. Jacob Grissom, one of the founder

Living in one of the world's most productive agricultural regions has its perks. Sacramento residents can stroll through a farmers market and buy fresh fruits and vegetables—and meet the farmer who grew them—year-round. By all accounts, the popularity of farmers markets is on the rise, not just in Sacramento, but nationwide. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates there are 4,800 farmers markets in operation, an increase of almost 400 markets since 2006. California is home to about 520 certified farmers markets, featuring the produce of nearly 3,000 farmers. Sales are up, too. California’s farmers markets took in $163 million in 2007 (the latest figure available), up from $114 milli

May’s rainstorms brought a tremendous amount of water to California, but were not enough to end the current three-year drought. Numbers released by the California Department of Water Resources show that many of the state’s reservoirs have reached near-normal levels. In Sacramento, the total rainfall to date of nearly 16 inches is about 90 percent of normal. The news isn’t all good, though. By comparison, Los Angeles has received only 62 percent of its normal rainfall. And statewide snowpack water content is hovering around 63 percent of normal. According to the California Drought Report, released in March by DWR and the California Department of Agriculture, there are significant differe

Bill Maynard’s blue eyes sparkle with enthusiasm when he’s asked anything about gardening. It’s not surprising considering that he’s devoted his life to helping other gardeners get the most benefit and enjoyment out of their gardens.   This month, he is presenting a workshop to teach local gardeners how to set up, and reap the bounty from, a “Crop Swap” with their neighbors. The Crop Swap idea is a simple one—get together with a group of neighbors once a week to trade produce from your backyard gardens. In the process, you’ll get to know your neighbors, enjoy a variety of freshly grown foods and have a chance to swap information, recipes and gardening know-how.   The Crop Swap workshop w