The City of Malibu encourages everyone to join the 2017 Earth Day and Earth Month activities to help protect our environment, which will include a special food waste truck demonstration, recycling drop-offs, and an environmentally-themed Malibu Library Speaker Series, all free of charge and open to the public.

“During Earth Day and Earth Month, and every day of the year, Malibu champions environmental policies, educational opportunities, and recycling events that safeguard the natural beauty and health of our ecosystems and wildlife,” said Mayor Lou La Monte.

Earth Month in City Council
The City Council will proclaim March 25 through April 30 as “Earth Month” in Malibu during the March 13Council meeting. Waste hauler Universal Waste Systems (UWS) will accept the Earth Month proclamation and announce the expansion of its food waste recycling service in Malibu.

After a successful pilot program, commercial customers now have the opportunity to have food waste hauled away in separate containers, and turned into compost and sustainable fuel instead of going to landfills. Approximately 30% of waste in California landfills is food waste that generates greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. California now mandates commercial food waste recycling as part of the state’s aggressive recycling and greenhouse gas emission goals. Since 2016, UWS food waste program, which includes 12 Malibu restaurants, has diverted 200 tons of food waste from the landfill.

The compost produced is a valuable environmentally friendly gardening supplement that reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. Reducing the food waste in commercial dumpsters is also an important way to reduce pests and reduce the need for rodenticides and pesticides.

Food Waste Truck Demonstration
At 4:00 PM on Monday, March 13, before the City Council meeting, UWS will hold a public demonstration in the City Hall parking lot of its advanced food waste-hauling truck, which automatically cleans the bins after they are emptied in order to reduce foul odors and prevent pollution.

Earth Hour – March 25
On Saturday, March 25 from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM, the City will observe Earth Hour by turning off facility lights for an hour to raise awareness about the need to conserve energy and to address climate change. Malibu residents and businesses are encouraged to do the same and to commit to an action that protects the planet for the rest of the year.

Daily Environmental Tips
The City will post daily environmental tips on its website and social media pages March 25 – April 30. To see the tips, visit www.MalibuCity.org/EarthDayTips starting March 25.

“Waste to Waves” Polystyrene Foam Collection
Drop off polystyrene foam to be recycled (white #6 block only, no peanuts or take-out food containers) April 1-30 in Malibu City Hall’s upper parking lot for Sustainable Surf’s “Waste to Waves” project. Sustainable Surf recycles polystyrene foam into surfboard blanks.
 
Pepperdine Earth Day Fair
Malibu’s Environmental Team will be doing education and outreach at the Pepperdine Earth Day Fair, Wednesday, April 12, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the university’s Mullin Town Square. The event is free and open to all. It features free food from local vendors, prizes, farm animals, and a wide range of environmental education information.

Malibu Library Speaker Series Earth Day Special
The April Malibu Library Speaker Series, in partnership with Pepperdine University, features National Geographic oceanographer and author Dr. Sylvia Earle, Wednesday, April 12, 7:00 PM in the Elkins Auditorium. Free. No RSVPs are required. For more information, visit www.MalibuCity.org/LibrarySpeakers.

HHW/Electronics Recycling
On Saturday, April 15, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, residents can wrap up their spring cleaning at a free Household Hazardous Waste and electronic waste collection event. Bring Household Hazardous Waste and electronic waste to the upper parking lot of Malibu City Hall to be safely and properly recycled. For a list of accepted materials, visit www.MalibuCity.org/HHW.

Community Shredding Event on Earth Day
On Saturday, April 22, Earth Day, residents can drop off documents to be securely shredded and recycled for free from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the upper parking lot of City Hall. Come early, since the collection ends when the truck is full.

For more information visit www.MalibuCity.org/EarthMonth2017.