newsbriefs Whole Foods Markets Raise Funds for New Foundation
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he four Las Vegas Whole Foods Markets have teamed up to help raise money for the recently formed Whole Kids Foundation. Through September 30, customers can give to the Foundation through donations at the checkout register and by attending events scheduled at each store. Proceeds from these events will help the four stores reach their aggregate goal of $13,500. Whole Foods Foundation is a charitable organization that provides access to healthy food choices through partnerships with schools, educators and organizations. Aimed at making a significant impact on ending childhood obesity, the Foundation’s first major initiative is the Whole Kids Garden Grant Project, which will use the power of gardening to help build healthy relationships between children and food. All schools and garden-related nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply for grants that support the implementation or expansion of on-campus teaching gardens. The Foundation will also invest in the health of teachers by providing nutrition and cooking education, so that they can be the healthiest role models possible. For more information on the Foundation and how to apply for a school or community garden grant through the Whole Kids Garden Grant program, visit WholeKids Foundation.org. See individual store websites for event dates/times.
Enhance Plant Health Using Less Water
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eeping lawns lush and green and gardens healthy amid water restrictions is a balancing act for desert dwellers. In an effort to help Las Vegas residents, Sunstate Companies, a landscape services business, promotes a toxicfree, eco-friendly, custom fertilization program that promotes healthier plants and saves dollars through efficient water and fertilization usage. Using an automatic fertilizer injector tank called the Yard Feeder, fertilizer is automatically siphoned into the irrigation lines, where it is properly diluted and dispensed in regular intervals. The Yard Feeder is installed in-ground in a valve box and is attached to the main line of the irrigation, so that during each watering cycle, a small amount of Bio Tech Nutrients (BTN+) agriculture-grade fertilizer is fed to plants, trees and shrubs, offering nutrients throughout the month. Unlike most fertilizers that are salt- and phosphorous-based, BTN+ fertilizer is toxic-free and 96 percent carbon-, hydrogen- and oxygen-based. Other fertilizers create byproducts that increase salt levels and bind the soil, but the carbon levels in BTN+ help buffer and enhance the soil structure, allowing plants to grow stronger and deeper roots that draw on underground water reserves more efficiently. “Water is still king,” explains Sean Bullis, sales distributor at BTN+, “but with improved soil structure that enhances plant health, you can maintain a beautiful yard with less water.” Location: 6590 Boulder Hwy. For more information, call 702-798-1776 or visit SunstateCompanies.com. See ad, page 17.
I have never had so many good ideas day after day as when I worked in the garden. ~John Erskine 6
Greater Las Vegas
NA-LV.com
Solar-Powered Waste Compactor Installed at UNLV
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n an effort to continue promoting a culture of environmental responsibility on the campus of University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), the first 100-percent solarpowered waste compactor in Southern Nevada has been installed there by Republic Services. The addition of the environmentally friendly GreenBuilt solar compactor from Marathon Equipment Company is one of several green initiatives on campus, and plans are in place to add a solar recycling compactor in the near future. “The installation of the solar compactors will reduce the overall carbon footprint for the university, while conserving energy usage,” states Joe Burkel, Republic Services of Southern Nevada area president. “We are proud to make UNLV our first customer utilizing the new equipment and are eager to expand awareness of solar waste and recycling bin options for businesses across the greater Las Vegas valley.” Republic Services recently implemented several other green projects to help improve the environment in the valley, including the Multi-Family Housing (MFH) Recycling Program. Currently, 115 of the nearly 900 MFH communities in Las Vegas are participating in the program. Desiring more participation, Republic Services has made improvements to the program, notably providing each location with more bins that now have a locking feature to prevent unwanted items from being disposed of in the bins. Free marketing and education materials are provided to property managers to help with easy implementation of the program. To inquire about Multi-Family Housing Recycling, call 702-735-5151 or visit RepublicServicesVegas.com. See ad, page 10.