Paws & Claws
A Natural Pet Food Store & Grooming Spa
3436 Dimond Ave. (off MacArthur)
Oakland, CA 94602
510-336-0105
www.pawsnclawsoakland.com
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Category Archives: Media & News
Dimond Neighborhood Video
An Aria in Dimond Park
Dimond Shining Green
Residents can help the Dimond district on the road to a Greener path. Ask all restaurants and fast food establishments to comply with Oakland’s Greenware Ordinance.
About Oakland’s green food packaging ordinance
Food service ware is a large contributor to litter, blight and waste throughout Oakland. In addition, many food service ware products made from plastic may be hazardous to our health. To make our city cleaner and healthier and help our community achieve zero waste, Oakland City Council has adopted a cutting-edge disposable food packaging ordinance. Similar ordinances are now being adopted across California.
What does the new food packaging ordinance say?
- Oakland food vendors may no longer use polystyrene foam (such as Styrofoam) disposable food service ware.
- Oakland food vendors must change to biodegradable/compostable disposable food service ware as it becomes affordable (same or less cost than the non-biodegradable/non-compostable disposables).
Who has to follow the food packaging ordinance?
All Oakland food vendors selling prepared food, including restaurants, delis, fast-food establishments, vendors at fairs, and food trucks. All City Facilities must also follow the ordinance.
What are the alternatives to polystyrene foam?
Coated and uncoated paper, cardboard, aluminum foil, other plastics.
Where can I purchase alternative food service ware products?
- Ask your current supplier to offer products that meet the City’s new requirements.
- Many local and national suppliers are on this Distributors List.
What are biodegradable and compostable food service ware products?
- Coated and uncoated paper products, and some “bio-plastics”.
- StopWaste.Org lists many products on their Bio-Based Products List.
What can my business do to reduce food service ware waste?
- Allow customers to bring their own mugs to buy drinks.
- Use reusable dishes and cups instead of disposable ones for “Eat-In Customers.”
- Start food scraps recycling that includes used compostable food packaging, food scraps, and many other items that may fill your garbage bin, and you may be able to reduce your garbage service. (see Free recycling technical assistance below)
What is wrong with polystyrene foam?
Made from crude oil and like all conventional plastics, polystyrene foam is non-renewable, non-biodegradable, and virtually non-recyclable. Polystyrene foam food service ware ends up in landfills, waterways or the ocean. It breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces which are often mistaken for food and ingested by marine animals, birds, and fish. Medical evidence also suggests that chemicals in polystyrene foam are carcinogenic and may leach into food or drink.
Oakland Recycles (510) 238-SAVE
recycling@oaklandnet.com
www.oaklandrecycles.com
History of the Dimond District
The Dimond district is named after Hugh Dimond. A young 20-year old with three children, who made his money in the Gold Rush. In 1867, he purchased the acreage that included the area now called Dimond Park. However, he was not the first European to own the land. Our very own 12-acre Dimond Park, was part of the Peralta family’s ranch, back in the days of the Spanish land grants. The family’s 1821 adobe, described in a book called “Oakland Park and Playgrounds” as the “first substantial house built in Oakland,” stood for many years until it burned in the 1950s. When visiting the park , search for a small, difficult-to-read plaque that sets forth a bit of local history. According to the plaque, the utility building across from the restrooms has incorporated adobe bricks from the 1897 Dimond cottage, described as a “playhouse” for the Dimond children, although a brief history on an Oakland Parks Department map references the adobe bricks as being from the Peralta home. Visit the old bricks that encircle the door, set aside from the rest of the blank wall of the building. Adjacent to the plaque is an 1896 bell, which originally hung in a streetcar barn, which later became the volunteer headquarters for the Dimond Volunteer Fire Department. In 1917, the city purchased 12 acres at Fruitvale and Lyman streets from the Dimond estate for $24,000–today’s present park. Exploring the Dimond district can be filled with surprises. Finding out where the German Beer Gardens once stood, will bring out the true adventurer in you.
Eco friendly Green Bags are here
The ecology-friendly Green Bags have arrived at Farmer Joe’s. They are for sale, $1.79 each plus tax with a 5 cent bag redemption each time you use your Green Bag at the check out after purchasing groceries. Get one, or two, or like me – three — while supplies last. I gave my Green Bag a strength test on its maiden purchase. I loaded one up with a half gallon of organic milk, a half gallon of Joe’s fresh squeezed orange juice and a one liter bottle of Agrumi Tangerine, all natural Italian soda. The Green Bag passed my test with flying colors. It is much easier to carry too. Go Green.