welcome to to "beyond the headlines", i'm cheryl jennings. today's show looks the importance of environmental stewardship. according to the california department of resources, recycling and recovery,

californians created about 30.4 million tons in trash last year. it comes out to 4.35 pounds trash per person per day. we still have a long way to reduce waste and conserve our natural resources. speaking of preserving resources a new type of house was on display in oakland last year. it generates as much energy as it uses. richard hart takes us on on a tour. this house is designed of natural energy, the house produces as much as it uses. in order to make that ham, you need a smart system. if you want a cooler, air-conditioning can fire up but we have better ways of doing that. that is what this optimizes and control. >> this is the first home controller to moderated the air

temperature and quality in realtime. within five seconds it can draw cool air from the basement and open the skylight. more than 20 mechanical systems in all, in a demonstration home in south oakland developed by de staf community. >> we have our own weather station. >> they have requirements with leds and compact flour es ants. >> sure you turn off the lights but what about the switch to turn off everything else. >> one for all the phantom power that is drawn by most appliances. all pipes are wrapped. >> incoming cold water comes in 65 degrees and top of the coil, it's 85 degrees, pre-heating for free. >> and large part comes from shipping an installation. a prefab method for apartment buildings one of which is under way in berkeley. they cost more, so eighth

challenge to persuade home buyers to shell out more up front for greater savings later. but the house in oakland sold more than the asking price on the very first day. >> in the studio is professor of geography and environmental studies at cal state east bay, dr. michael lee. thank you for joining us. what is sustainability and how do we explain that to people? >> most common definition is the ability to maintain a quality of life today, tomorrow and future generations. that means for everybody and, of course, in a world the way it is going, we have to do it today but added to the population in the coming decades. >> reporter: this is your passion, i can tell. why is it so important? >> let me tell you something about it. it's called the ecological

footprint. we can calculate to provide us with energy and resources and compare to how many resources we actually use. americans make up 5% of the population and we use up 25% of the world's resources. so if everybody live like we did we would need six planets to support us. >> reporter: what do we do about it? >> we take a look at all of the things we do and we relate that to maintain it overtime but what are our options. biggest thing we do is consuming energy for transportation in our homes, kinds of food we eat and how they have gotten to us, third thing that very important is amount of goods and services we get in a year. addressing each of those are lot easier than you think. >> what about cost an

implementing. what are you talking about? >> the cost will be the our ability to do what we do today and enjoy the quality of life will diminish overtime. things will be more expensive. choices will go down and environmental quality will be lost. these are concerns that many scientists have. i can give you examples we can reduce the load on the planet considerably. for example, in east bay, i have my students do the ecological footprint quiz which is online. they found out of a class of 18, if the world lived like we did, we would need four planets. they go back and downsizing their home. driving an electric car. installing retrofit energy efficiency in their home. they find they can get it down to about 2.3 planets without

giving up what they believe to be the kind of material quality of life. >> i appreciate those points very much. that is going to do it for this segment. we do have to take a break. when we come back. we'll hear about theúúúúúúúúúúúú

welcome back. we've been talking about living sustainably. when it comes to water, california has too much or far

too little. a couple of organizations are leading the charge. dan ashley filed this report last march. these are very familiar sights, heavy rain, heavy runoff. drainage systems overwhelmed by water. now some bay area water district are hoping that you will catch and use that rain. he was one of the first to join the pilot program. >> we're harvesting water. >> it flows down a roof into a downspout. >> it's going into this main one here. then it transfers to these other two bells. >> three big bells hold 210 gallons each when they are all fuel. >> the water will overflow and come down this pipe and go into the smaller barrels that are like 45 gallons.

>> screen filtered keep out insects. it will store about 1100 gallons to water the garden. >> i have no idea how long it will last. >> he got big discounts on on supplies because the city puc is trying to encourage people to give rain catching a try. first, of course, it saves water. second it keeps excess wout water out of the sewage treatment system. >> here on rainy day you could get hundreds of millions of gallons to be treated and in the event of a large rain event the system is overwhelmed. >> if a lot of people collect rain, it could make a big difference. >> the more storm water we can keep out of our sewage treatment system, more capacity we have in our system. >> here in marin county the water district is encouraging rain catching. one big concern is that when

rain drains off city streets, it picks up oil, gasoline and heavy metals that runs right into the creek. >> more than 150 people showed up at this event at mill valley learned to you thou collect rain and store. >> it there are so many variables, how much water you have to ot site. >> there was wide range of rain harvesting systems available. two from few barrels to heavy under ground tanks. this one is at school in fairfax. the water is piped under ground to a faucet where the kids fill up containers to water the school garden. it works with gravity. no electricity required. >> you can tell from the pressure it's full. >> most rain catching is for outdoor use but lee in san francisco put a much more ambitious system. she started with a metal roof.

>> i can collect rain water on any kind of roof but metal roof is ideal. >> downspouts lead to tanks in the garage. these can store 2500 gallons of water here but as the tight squeeze. >> i can fit my car in here. if i don't put it in right i have to climb out the window. [ laughter ] >> it sends water back up into the house to flush toilets and clean the families clothes. >> leigh admits the permit process was tough. she is not sure of the exact cost because it was done along with a major remodel but outside systems are cheaper and easier. many who have tried it like it. it's to save water and that will help the earth. indeed, it will. in the studio water

conservation supervisor michael hazinski. what is it so important to conserve water? >> water is the life blood of our community. when we can get water collectively we'll help ensure that we will have a reliable water supply p if you look at the weather patterns over the last 80 years, third of the years were normal, a third wet and third dry. so when we conserve water even in a wet year we reduce our baseline demand and it will carry over the next year if it's really dry. >> people get frustrated it's raining so much but we talked about the rain water and now i want to talk about gray water. >> gray water is different. gray water is household waste water from showers, clothes washings and doesn't include any

waste water that has come into food or sanitary waste. so it's a way that you can supplement your outdoor water use with different kind of supply than fresh water. >> and see your watering way down. i want to ask about conserving water at your home. there are other ways that are a lot cheaper? >> yes, there are. great water takes some homework do and there an investment but there are simple things you can start with if you want to be sustainable. the best place to start is simply be aware of how you are using water, how long a shower you are taking. whether or not you are leaving the water running while you are washing hands and shaving doing full loads. how you use water in the kitchen can make a difference. those don't cost anything.

>> yes that is a simple measure that can be taken. it's very easy to change out shower heads that reduce flow rate. they are pretty good devices now. they deliver good rinsing and showering action. you get used to it. you really don't noticed it. given the bad reputation but the products have improved a lot. >> and bottled water and tap water, is tap water really safe? >> tap water is safe. not only is it safe. we enjoy in our area some of the highest water quality in the world. source is pure snow melt in the east bay. san francisco it's brought to the region by aqueduct. it's great tasting and treated and highly tested. all that information about the water quality is available so you can really can comfortable about our water supply is not

just good but it's great. >> that is great ad. thank you so much. we do have to take another break. when we come back, we'll hear about the importance of buying local produce

welcome back. i'm cheryl jennings. we've been talking about how we can live more sustainably. in north richmond, lies are being changed. there are small gardens and hope

and bounty for urban neighborhoods. this story was filed last october. >> what used to be a vacant lot in north richmond hand and shovels are bringing people together. >> we're coming together to make it better. >> here is a small part of land on third street in north richmond where wooden plantars are going in and they are teaching people to grow their own food. >> we decided why don't we do some kind of program we can take over these lots and be responsible for the garbage. >> the project manager and the program here. she is part urban farmer and part administrator and full time problem solver. >> we have all day sun, we can grow tomatoes, cucumbers, pumpkins, all kinds of peppers,

lots of herbs. we can grow pretty much anything. >> north richmond is an unincorporated area that is one of poorest communities in contra costa county. growing crops is free but there is one time $10 charge for a key to the gate. organizers say it's worth it because it puts a positive faith on a community known for violent crime. >> this is very important to show that we do some of the things that are positive that you can do. you can do mohan just standing on the corner and it brings the community closer together. >> it provides fresh produce in a community that lacks a grocery store. it's funded through a $56,000 grant from fees paid by a local landfill transfer station. there are already at work at another vacant lot on another

street. one of seven spots being prepared for planting. >> i don't care who we are, would we all need to do this and we need to go back and incorprate it into our lives. >> eventually it's hoped it will look like this, they call eight peace garden. about 20 people grow everything here from corn towers edible fls enough food to share the bounty with lots of others. >> joining in the studio is davin wentworth, cofounder of ecosf. i'm smelling the vegetables that you brought in today. these are fantastic but before we talk about those tell me about the program. >> it's ecology center of san francisco and we're a nonprofit

that cultivatescould logical awareness. we do it through a few different programs. our main program is school farm which is a production farm at a high school in san francisco. we have students that supported the curriculum through working at the farm but a local community event called bigger valley and encouraging to bring local produce from the farmer's market. we bake bread and we eat and talk about important issues. we have local experts come in and teach urban sustainability skills. >> bare looking at great pictures of all the activities that you are doing. what is this. >> this is a building of earth building at one of the events. its community participation experience the try on provide culture change through hands on activities. >> how do you encourage people to start their own gardens?

>> potlucks is a great way. bring a produce from your backyard. taste that flavor. i live in visitacion valley, lots of sun but grew up in the sunset and grew just about everything there. >> what plants, tell me what you got here? >> i've got three different varieties, zucchini. this is nectarines, parse nips. these are easy but i encourage people to grow spinach spinach. >> i try to do it in containers? >> that is a great way to go. if you have a window you can grow sprouts. there is a lot of options. >> how can our viewers find out more? >> they can go to our website and we have lots of events. we have a farm workday the first

saturday of every month. we're all about experience in learning. if you want to set up a garden, come on down and we'll show you. these are all free activities for people to come and partner. great family events -- come and participate. but we have a place where children play and learning by doing. >> now i wanted to talk about mulching? >> mulching is basically any kind of material that you would use to cover the soil. most importantly, there i had should be an organic material that suppresses weeds and ultimately break down naturally for a soil food for your plant. >> so that is important no matter what kind of garden you have? >> that's right. >> you can leave these hero. but when we come back, we'll

teach you useful tips you can do around the house.>ñ?x?x?x?xç/ç/6

zplood welcome back. we've been talking about our natural resources. me now in the studio, is judi et lichk er and she has made energy improvements in her own home. thank you for being here. first of all, what does this organization, energy upgrades california? >> its statewide program as the name would suggest. it encourages homeowners such as myself to make adjustments to their home and give rebates to the homeowners to make the upgrades. >> are they substantial. up to $4,000 for the utilities you can find within your own city and county there is additional rebates even up to another $4,000.

>> so you decided to do this with your own home? >> i did. long before there were rebates. had i waited ten years, i may soon be having rebates. >> it's very comfortable home which was a big motivation. >> what is process? >> the first thing premium need to do is go to the website. that is one-stop shop. you go there and find out about the program and next step would be getting a contractor to do an assessment to do your home. >> there is a charge for for that? >> there will be a charge to do the assessment and come out with a report that tells you about your home and kinds of upgrades you can make to your home to benefit that. >> what are the things that people get done? >> it's identifying things

improvements such as the air conditioner may be leaking. >> and windows? >> windows are leaky places definitely in the bay area. >> people have been through this, what are some of the key tips to make the homes more energy efficient? >> people should look at insulation, attic, lots of hot air or cold air going out. heating up the ducts that are heating up the neighborhood instead of your house. >> we put this up for people to remind what you need to zosmt it easier for people than people think to save energy? >> absolutely. there are easy steps to do and you get a big bang for your buck

lower utility bills. >> how about apartment dwellers? >> apartment dwellers, they are in a different situation but they can reduce energy consumption and programmable therm oh stats. >> all right. thanks for all the information. we appreciate it. >> some great tips for anybody at home to think about. that is going to do it for us. we're out of time. a special thanks for all of our guests joining us today. that is it for "beyond the headlines". we have all the on our website at abc7news.com. you can also find us on facebook on community affairs and follow me on twitter. i'm cheryl jennings. thanks for joining us. have a great week. bye-bye.