Solar Trash Compacting In The Fruitvale

In the revitalized Fruitvale District; where the La Farrine sits across the street from Farmer Joe’s, in front of the Peets Coffee, there is a solar trash can that generates its own power to compact the trash. I love to see the City setting this example, serving as a reminder every time we see it, to reduce and reuse.

Summer's Here and It's Time to Wear White.... No, I mean check the sunscreen!

Check the Expiration Date on Those Sunscreen Containers

My friends say, "The sun's just hotter. I can't stay out as long as I did when I was a kid." Me neither! And as a fair skinned girl, I've always been cautious. The active ingredients in sunscreens lose potency after an "undetermined" period of time. Don't test this on your own skin!

It's time to throw out last year's bottles, invest in new and check the labels on what you are buying. The label should have UVA and UVB protection. The most effective sunscreens offer a physical and well as chemical block. The physical block is the "white stuff" that doesn't rub in. It's not anyone's favorite part of sunscreen, but if you or your kids, or anyone you care about, spends time outside in the middle of the day, sunscreen should be a grooming habit like brushing teeth and hair. Build a lifelong sunscreen habit!