Solana Center for Environmental Innovation, a local award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has opened Climate Solutions Hub to empower individuals with the knowledge to lead low-waste lifestyles in a way that is both achievable and sustainable. The Climate Solutions Hub is open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at 137 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas.
At Solana Center’s Climate Solutions Hub, visitors can experience hands-on learning through environmental demonstrations as well as no-cost and low-cost access to workshops, volunteering, and sustainable living tools for all ages. The mission of the Climate Solutions Hub is to inspire lasting behavior change by connecting communities to sustainable lifestyle practices, experiential learning, and impactful innovations. according to a news release.
“The Climate Solutions Hub is our way of offering practical climate solutions for the entire San Diego community,” said Jessica Toth, Solana Center’s executive director, in the news release. “Anyone can visit to start their environmental journey or deepen their impact through hands-on learning and tools.”
The Climate Solutions Hub hosts programs that enable zero-waste practices, including a Tool Lending Library, Green Convene (a program that offers a zero-waste alternative to traditional disposable tableware for social gatherings), in-person Green Living Tours of on-site demonstrations, and the Sustainability Shop stocked with supplies to support composting, gardening, and offers zero-waste consumer alternatives.
Climate Solutions Hub programming includes:
Sustainability Shop – offering affordable supplies for composting, water conservation, eco-friendly household supplies, and zero waste solutions to traditional consumer products, as well as gift ideas.
Tool Lending Library – Rent tools instead of buying new. The Tool Lending Library offers a low-cost, zero-waste solution for San Diego County residents who need tools to support home, school, and community garden projects. Gardens are an important part of healthy, sustainable communities. The lending shed includes a variety of household and garden tools, from basic garden spades and pruning tools to a post-hole digger and a long-handled fruit picker.
Green Convene – Ditch the disposables, borrow the Hub’s reusable dishware. Social gatherings are a central part of a healthy community, but collectively, these events create tons of waste daily. Waste created at these events often cannot be recycled because it is too dirty or made of non-recyclable material. The Hub is innovating for the future with affordable, zero-waste, rentable service ware. The Hub program offers San Diego locals affordable access to a nice set of service ware perfect for casual gatherings or formal parties.
Green Living Tours – Join the Hub for its Self-Guided (available during open hours) or Docent-Guided Green Living Tour (available throughout the year, check out the events page to sign up) to learn about its programs and how to live more sustainably. Every small action adds up and creates a big positive impact for tackling the current environmental challenges. This tour of the Hub’s headquarters in Encinitas explores simple solutions you can implement in your life.
Induction Cooktop Rentals – Induction cooking does not emit fumes, protecting you and your household from dangerous carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, and more. It also uses less energy and heats and cools more quickly than either gas or standard electric stoves. You can rent a cooktop and pick it up at Solana Center. Residents can reserve a Duxtop 9100mc induction cooktop and a compatible pan. Explore the benefits of decarbonization (reducing pollution) and greenhouse gas emissions with home electrification.
Workshops – Offering hands-on outdoor learning for people of all ages in our green space. Topics include vermicomposting (composting with worms), natural textile dying, and a variety of environmentally friendly topics focusing on waste reduction, water conservation, and soil health.
Plastic Beach Collection Site – Solana Center hosts a drop-off location for its partner Plastic Beach. This service offers a sustainable way to dispose of your plastic bags and keep them out of the landfill. You must be a subscriber to use the plastic film drop-off. Donate or sign up for a $14 subscription service to drop off your soft plastics at the center in Encinitas
Freecycle Shed – Gently used items free to a good home. No donations accepted.
Visitors will be greeted by a passionate group of staff and volunteers who take action to serve the needs of the greater San Diego community.
“And the Hub evolves as we learn too,” said Toth in the news release. “I see the Climate Solutions Hub as the repository of climate-arresting ideas.”
Solana Center seeks sponsors and donors to sustain its affordable Climate Solutions Hub programming. For more information, contact Robin Fator, marketing and development manager at development@solanacenter.org
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