RSS feeds for "Sustainability Blog" - equinoxcenter.org

Leaders 2020 May Mixer in Barrio Logan

Equinox Center — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:27:27 -0700

Want to learn more about our Leaders 2020 program or meet local elected officials and community leaders representing South County? Join us on Wednesday May 1 in Barrio Logan at our Leaders 2020 May Mixer. Thank you to event sponsor UC San Diego Health System.

Goodbye Encinitas, Hello Downtown!

Equinox Center — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:58:05 -0700

Equinox Center closed its Encinitas offices this week and moved into new space in downtown San Diego. Here's our new address...

Attention Grad Students: Intern Openings

Equinox Center — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 09:15:40 -0800

Are you an aspiring sustainability professional with a desire to learn more about the San Diego region and our quality of life and conservation issues? If so, we want you!

Dashboard 2013 In-Depth: Clean Jobs

Equinox Center — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 09:17:50 -0800

Clean technology represents a growing sector of San Diego’s economy and is central to our region’s strategy for maintaining global competitiveness and for retaining our young talent. So, are we measuring up as we should be?

Dashboard 2013 In Depth: Action on Climate Change

Equinox Center — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 09:17:42 -0800

We've made significant progress as a region toward municipal action on climate change, but some cities stand out. We presented the 2013 Dashboard findings before the Chula Vista City Council this week and learned more about their sustainability efforts and green business program.

Dashboard 2013 In-Depth: Transportation

Equinox Center — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 14:52:36 -0800

Texas Transportation Institute's "Urban Mobility Report" was issue today, and again, the report finds San Diegans are driving more than in previous years.

Affordable Housing? New study highlights high cost of living

Equinox Center — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 14:33:31 -0800

Just this week, a new study revealed that California is the second-least affordable state behind Hawaii. Bottom line: workers in CA must make more than $25 an hour in order to afford rent on a two-bedroom home.

Dashboard 2013 In-Depth: Why Beach Closures are a Concern

Equinox Center — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 13:42:17 -0800

A rainy day in San Diego almost always results in beach closures or advisories. Our 2013 Dashboard revealed that water quality worsened last year. Why is it important?

Dashboard 2013 In-Depth: Renewable Energy Gets a Thumbs Up

Equinox Center — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 12:11:29 -0800

In the 2013 Dashboard, we've given renewable energy a "thumbs up" because moving in the right direction improves air quality, reduces public health costs and increases our region's energy security. Michael Chen @10NewsChen on Channel 10 will cover our findings tonight (1/22) at 5pm.

2013 Dashboard Unveils; Highlights San Diego Quality of Life Strengths and Weaknesses

Equinox Center — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 13:42:36 -0800

Equinox Center kicked off the New Year yesterday with the release of our annual San Diego Regional Quality of Life Dashboard. We thought the news was exciting, and so did the local media. Check out the coverage of the Dashboard captured this week…

2013 Dashboard Sneak Peak: Water Consumption

Equinox Center — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 12:29:57 -0800

Tonight on News 10 reporter Michael Chen @10NewsChen will cover our region’s use of water. Hear how increased water consumption puts our region at risk.

2013 Dashboard Sneak Peak: San Diegans Drive More than Drivers in LA

Equinox Center — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 16:03:52 -0800

10 News reporter Michael Chen @10NewsChen caught up with us today about our transportation findings. Among them, San Diegans drive more than residents of LA. Catch the 2013 Dashboard sneak peak tonight on News 10.

Dashboard 2013 Sneak Peak: Our Region is Still Threatened by Poor Water Quality

Equinox Center — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 13:22:57 -0800

The winter storm this week reminds us that our region is still threatened by poor water quality, especially on wet days. 10 News reporter Michael Chen @10NewsChen covered the story with a sneak peak of Equinox Center’s 2013 Dashboard.

Factoid Friday: The Key to San Diego’s Economic Prosperity?

Equinox Center — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 12:06:12 -0800

It’s going to be a good year for job growth in science and tech. San Diego has landed on a list of the top cities for STEM careers. These are jobs in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and many believe job development in these sectors is the key to economic growth in our region.

Factoid Friday: Is San Diego Winning the War on Smog?

Equinox Center — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 12:22:40 -0800

Go ahead, take a deep breath. San Diego County no longer exceeds federal ozone pollution standards. Our region is in compliance with federal ozone standards for the first time since they were implemented in 1997. But, the work isn’t done yet…

Factoid Friday: How to Save Your Sanity – and Electricity – this Holiday Season

Equinox Center — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 11:35:35 -0800

Pulling out the old holiday lights to decorate the house this weekend? We know you dread untangling the old strands. Why not use this opportunity to avoid the hassle and instead upgrade your old mini blubs for safer, cost-effective and sturdier LED lights?

Factoid Friday: The Gift 79% of Your Friends Want for the Holidays

Equinox Center — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 13:36:49 -0800

We have a day for giving thanks, then we get Black Friday and Cyber Monday – two days for getting deals. This year, help support #GivingTuesday, the giving season’s opening day on Tuesday, November 27.

Factoid Friday: Could Aging Boomers Help Reduce Gridlock?

Equinox Center — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 10:01:39 -0800

Because baby boomers came of age in the era when cars were king, they have always driven more than any other generation. But is all that is changing now that boomers are facing retirement and hanging up the car keys?

Factoid Friday: Do You Live in a Walkable Neighborhood?

Equinox Center — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 13:00:05 -0700

Guess which city is considered most walkable in our region? I may not be what you think. A new report by WalkSanDiego that ranks San Diego region’s most walkable cities puts National City on top.

What Did the Candidates Discuss? Our Latest Election Priori-meter

Equinox Center — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 19:05:22 -0700

Exhausted from hearing about pensions, stadiums and slush funds? Here's why...
Our latest "priori-meter" analyzes the top topics the candidates in three local races covered in the last six months of campaigning. Learn which issues were -- and weren't -- being talked about.

Factoid Friday: Cyclonomics: Bikes Do a Body – and the Economy – Good

Equinox Center — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 11:46:15 -0700

We know active communities that promote bicycling can help one’s waistline. Now studies are showing that spending money on bike infrastructure also helps a community’s bottom line by resulting in far-reaching positive economic benefits.

Factoid Friday: Old Fax Machine Collecting Dust? Don’t Let it Become a Statistic!

Equinox Center — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 09:14:19 -0700

By 2020, the amount of eWaste produced – your unused computer, television, fax machine, cell phone, stereo – is expected to be enough to fill a line of dump trucks encircling the Earth twice. Electronic discards is one of the fastest growing segments of our nation’s waste stream. The good news is many of these products can be reused, refurbished or recycled.

Factoid Friday: Employees Slacking Off? One Way to Bring Back Productivity

Equinox Center — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 09:12:26 -0700

Organizational development specialists have lots of ideas about how to get workers away from the water cooler and back to work, ranging from team building exercises to putting Fooseball in company game rooms. Here’s one they may not have thought of. A new study shows employees of companies that adopt environmental practices are 16 percent more productive.

Factoid Friday: A Simple Way to Save Your Household Thousands of Gallons of Water a Year

Equinox Center — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 12:46:42 -0700

How much water is your yard wasting? This week, Equinox Center released a new report in its H2Overview series that found San Diego households could use water 20 to 30 percent more efficiently – with the most “bang for your buck” found by reducing over watering in yards.

Our Latest Water Report Points to “Low Hanging Fruit” for Water Efficiency in San Diego

Equinox Center — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 07:47:34 -0700

Our new report demonstrates there is still significant potential to conserve water in the San Diego region. By employing water conservation and efficiency technology already available, we could use 20-30% less water over the next 20 years.

Factoid Friday: Distracted Workers? Try Adjusting the Office Thermostat

Equinox Center — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 09:29:51 -0700

The key to employee productivity may be in your office thermostat. A new study finds lower office temperatures result in more distracted employees.

Factoid Friday: Equinox and the cosmos…what do they have in common?

Equinox Center — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:53:49 -0700

The autumnal equinox will occur tomorrow, on September 22. How did the meaning of this cosmic event influence the choosing of the name “Equinox Center”?

Mayoral Candidates Discuss Making San Diego Neighborhoods More Livable, Walkable and Bike-friendly

Equinox Center — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 15:18:21 -0700

Quality of life was the focus of a San Diego Mayoral Debate between Congressman Bob Filner and San Diego City Councilmember Carl DeMaio on September 19.

Mayoral Candidates Discuss Making San Diego Neighborhoods More Livable, Walkable and Bike-friendly

Equinox Center — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 15:11:37 -0700

Quality of life was the focus of a San Diego Mayoral Debate between Congressman Bob Filner and San Diego City Councilmember Carl DeMaio on September 19.

Factoid Friday: How much green office space is there in San Diego?

Equinox Center — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 08:04:19 -0700

Over 18 million square feet, according to a recent report by the brokerage firm CBRE. The top 3 areas in San Diego for green office buildings are: Downtown with 7 million square feet, University Towne Centre with 3.2 million and Mission Valley with 2.1 million.

What exactly constitutes “green” office space?

Factoid Friday: Green ways to beat the heat this Labor Day weekend

Equinox Center — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 07:54:26 -0700

With temperatures in our region promising to continue their recent upwards trend, many San Diegans are looking for ways to stay cool this holiday weekend. However this approach often yields high energy use county-wide as people rely on air conditioners to keep cool. But beating the heat this doesn’t have to come at such a high price for the environment.

Factoid Friday: Bicycling made easier in San Diego and the nation

Equinox Center — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 08:51:39 -0700

Ever hop on your bicycle for a quick local errand only to find yourself frustratingly searching for a spot to lock your wheels? Bicyclists around the nation can rest assure – help is not only on the way, it has already arrived in several cities.

Factoid Friday: Green and clean - how does San Diego measure up?

Equinox Center — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 09:38:23 -0700

Well, 8^th in the nation if you ask Travel & Leisure magazine.

Any San Diegan will proudly tell you the things that make this city great are endless. Year-round pleasant weather, joyous coastal living, breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture are just a few of the things we enjoy daily as residents of this beautiful region. However, there are actually quantifiable reasons that illustrate why San Diego is such a great place to live.

Factoid Friday: San Diego County leads the nation in farmland abundance

Equinox Center — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 08:22:25 -0700

Did you know San Diego County has over 6,500 farms? That’s more than any other county in the United States! With this week being National Farmer’s Market Week, what better time to celebrate the bountiful supply of fresh, locally grown produce San Diegans are privy to.

Factoid Friday: Urban parks are making you smarter

Equinox Center — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 10:21:44 -0700

While urban dwelling certainly has its perks, the constant hustle and bustle of city life can serve as exhausting stimuli for our brains. Factors such as noise, traffic, densely situated buildings and a consistently high volume of people all expend a significant amount of our direct attention and energy.

Studies suggest that urban parks can actually counteract the cognitive strains caused by city life...

Factoid Friday: 1,300 gallons of water to make dinner?

Equinox Center — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 08:16:05 -0700

When we think of measuring our water consumption, our minds tend to default to water-based activities such as showering or using the dishwasher. However, the vast majority of our water consumption is hidden in products and processes that you may not think of.

Factoid Friday: Could your long commute be giving you a bigger waistline?

Equinox Center — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 10:08:24 -0700

While freeway gridlock has long been known as a detriment to our environment, our vehicles and our mood, a new study adds to the growing body of research that long commutes to work are indeed harmful to your physical health as well.

Addressing Our Region's Water Challenges - You Can Help

Equinox Center — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 09:19:27 -0700

With wildfires burning across the arid west, the recent dry winter in the Sierra Nevada mountains and the spike in regional water prices, San Diegans naturally wonder about the security of our county's water supply. The region imports over 80% of its water from northern California and the Colorado River. Equinox Center is advancing sustainable solutions for our region's critical water issues by participating in two important policy forums...

Factoid Friday: Typical SoCal Backyard Goes Unused

Equinox Center — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 10:52:56 -0700

Those lush backyard gardens throughout Southern California sure are pretty. Too bad they’re mostly empty.

"Life at Home in the Twenty-First Century: 32 Families Open Their Doors," a recent UCLA study of 32 L.A. households over four years, sheds an interesting light on the behaviors of middle class families in Southern California.

Factoid Friday: Stop Googling “cork crafts” – there’s an easier way

Equinox Center — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 12:51:35 -0700

900 million.* That's how many wine corks are used in the United States each year. They're also yet another example of things that end up in landfills that don't need to be there.

Next week as you’re celebrating the 4^th of July with a bottle of champagne or wine (or heck, even some craft beers these days) – no need to throw that cork away.

Equinox Profiles: Sarah Harvey, Research Fellow

Equinox Center — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 14:52:00 -0700

Equinox Center has always been powered foremost by the incredible network of people behind it. Through this ongoing series, we introduce you to some of the thousands of individuals who make up the Equinox network.

Meet Sarah Harvey, Research Fellow

Factoid Friday: Why Turning on a Light Bulb is Like Turning On a Faucet

Equinox Center — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 10:15:00 -0700

You probably knew that water use is really energy use. (How do you think all that water gets pumped from the Colorado River or Northern California to your house?)

But did you know that every time you turn on a light, it’s like turning on your faucet? It’s been calculated that it takes 1.5 gallons of water to run a 100-watt light bulb for 10 hours.*

A Special Factoid Friday: What’s the secret to making friends, succeeding in business and marrying well?

Equinox Center — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 10:12:14 -0700

Dear Friends of Equinox Center:What’s the secret to making friends, succeeding in business and marrying well? Being a great conversationalist, that’s what!

And what does it take to be a great conversationalist? Being current and informed on a variety of issues. And being able to draw on that knowledge on command with wit, charisma and an intriguing data point or two.

Here’s where our gift to you comes in.

Your Chance to Weigh in on 2012 Election Coverage

Equinox Center — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 11:26:06 -0700

Voice of San Diego is once again seeking input for its 2012 elections coverage. Here is your chance to tell them you want to hear more about what candidates are saying about vital sustainablity and quality of life issues.

Check out Equinox's 2012 Election Tools for background, to see what candidates are and aren't saying about issues you care about, and for ideas about questions we should all be asking the candidates.

What We Learned From Green Innovators in the Region

Equinox Center — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 16:46:25 -0700

Equinox Center Leaders 2020, Startup Leadership Program and the San Diego Regional EDC hosted “Green to the Core®: Launching and Growing a Sustainable Business” on June 7, 2012.

Here are some highlights of what we learned from our event panelists David Saltman, Founder, Malama Composites; Mike Hurst, Founder, Chlorofill; and Jeff Martin CEO, Yulex Corporation.

Ever wondered how Equinox Center is funded?

Equinox Center — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:31:16 -0700

^{A letter from Equinox Center Executive Director Ann Tartre}

Dear Friends:

How is Equinox Center funded?

It’s the #1 question we get from people who are just learning about us. We get it -- follow the money to find the special interests, right?

Factoid Friday: Happy World Oceans Day

Equinox Center — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 13:09:27 -0700

In honor of World Oceans Day today, Factoid Friday takes a look at local beach clean-up data and asks: what's the #1 source of trash found on San Diego beaches each year?

Factoid Friday: Is Biking Safe?

Equinox Center — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 13:47:56 -0700

Is biking safe? Fear of traffic is one of the top reasons people don't bike, but statistically, biking is safer than other modes of travel, says a recent article in Sunset magazine. This neat infographic in this month's issue shows a comparison...

Finally--Voter Tools Focused on Quality of Life Issues

Equinox Center — Thu, 31 May 2012 12:13:25 -0700

As Equinox Center's latest “2012 Election Priori-meter” (pictured) reveals, a few issues have dominated the key local races this year, and topics like solving our region’s ever-increasing traffic or ensuring clean beaches and drinking water simply aren’t among them. You could spend hours sifting through media coverage and candidate websites just to uncover what candidates have to say about issues you care about. Or you can take two minutes right now to check out our side-by-side Candidate Comparisons. We've posted a variety of other 2012 Election voter tools on our website -- just in time for the June 5 primaries.

Update on Recycled Water: Advances in water recycling approved by San Diego City Council NR&C Committee

Equinox Center — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:53:27 -0700

In case you missed the good news this week (“Recycled Water Getting a Second Look”), a two-year recycled water study has been completed and considered by the City of San Diego Natural Resources & Culture (NR&C) Committee NR&C.

RSS feeds for "Sustainability Blog" - equinoxcenter.org

Leaders 2020 May Mixer in Barrio Logan

Goodbye Encinitas, Hello Downtown!

Attention Grad Students: Intern Openings

Dashboard 2013 In-Depth: Clean Jobs

Dashboard 2013 In Depth: Action on Climate Change

Dashboard 2013 In-Depth: Transportation

Affordable Housing? New study highlights high cost of living

Dashboard 2013 In-Depth: Why Beach Closures are a Concern

Dashboard 2013 In-Depth: Renewable Energy Gets a Thumbs Up

2013 Dashboard Unveils; Highlights San Diego Quality of Life Strengths and Weaknesses

2013 Dashboard Sneak Peak: Water Consumption

2013 Dashboard Sneak Peak: San Diegans Drive More than Drivers in LA

Dashboard 2013 Sneak Peak: Our Region is Still Threatened by Poor Water Quality

Factoid Friday: The Key to San Diego’s Economic Prosperity?

Factoid Friday: Is San Diego Winning the War on Smog?

Factoid Friday: How to Save Your Sanity – and Electricity – this Holiday Season

Factoid Friday: The Gift 79% of Your Friends Want for the Holidays

Factoid Friday: Could Aging Boomers Help Reduce Gridlock?

Factoid Friday: Do You Live in a Walkable Neighborhood?

What Did the Candidates Discuss? Our Latest Election Priori-meter

Factoid Friday: Cyclonomics: Bikes Do a Body – and the Economy – Good

Factoid Friday: Old Fax Machine Collecting Dust? Don’t Let it Become a Statistic!

Factoid Friday: Employees Slacking Off? One Way to Bring Back Productivity

Factoid Friday: A Simple Way to Save Your Household Thousands of Gallons of Water a Year

Our Latest Water Report Points to “Low­ Hanging Fruit” for Water Efficiency in San Diego

Factoid Friday: Distracted Workers? Try Adjusting the Office Thermostat

Factoid Friday: Equinox and the cosmos…what do they have in common?

Mayoral Candidates Discuss Making San Diego Neighborhoods More Livable, Walkable and Bike-friendly

Mayoral Candidates Discuss Making San Diego Neighborhoods More Livable, Walkable and Bike-friendly

Factoid Friday: How much green office space is there in San Diego?

Factoid Friday: Green ways to beat the heat this Labor Day weekend

Factoid Friday: Bicycling made easier in San Diego and the nation

Factoid Friday: Green and clean - how does San Diego measure up?

Factoid Friday: San Diego County leads the nation in farmland abundance

Factoid Friday: Urban parks are making you smarter

Factoid Friday: 1,300 gallons of water to make dinner?

Factoid Friday: Could your long commute be giving you a bigger waistline?

Addressing Our Region's Water Challenges - You Can Help

Factoid Friday: Typical SoCal Backyard Goes Unused

Factoid Friday: Stop Googling “cork crafts” – there’s an easier way

Equinox Profiles: Sarah Harvey, Research Fellow

Factoid Friday: Why Turning on a Light Bulb is Like Turning On a Faucet

A Special Factoid Friday: What’s the secret to making friends, succeeding in business and marrying well?

Your Chance to Weigh in on 2012 Election Coverage

What We Learned From Green Innovators in the Region

Ever wondered how Equinox Center is funded?

Factoid Friday: Happy World Oceans Day

Factoid Friday: Is Biking Safe?

Finally--Voter Tools Focused on Quality of Life Issues

Update on Recycled Water: Advances in water recycling approved by San Diego City Council NR&C Committee

Our Latest Water Report Points to “Low Hanging Fruit” for Water Efficiency in San Diego