Earthy Goodness of Cupertino

Cupertino celebrated Earth Day last weekend at it’s annual but the city is pretty green year-round. Here are five Earthy things that Cupertino offers in terms of free classes or services for its residents. It’ll make your friends who don’t live in Cupertino pea-green with envy.

Free Worm Compost Class

Residents who attend these free classes to learn the benefits of composting can get a free bin after completion. Worms are nature's decomposers, and your garden will thank you for including the compost they produce.

The next scheduled class is May 18 from 7-9 p.m. at Cupertino’s Community Hall, 10300 Torre Ave. To register, contact the Cupertino Public Works office at 408-777-3354 or environmental@cupertino.org.

Master Gardeners Lecture: Shrink Your Lawn

Lawns are thirsty beasts, so reducing the size of your lawn is an Earth-friendly practice. A free lecture by a Master Gardener will show you how to incorporate native plants that will also attract beneficial bugs to your garden. Less lawn and native plants may mean less yard work, too.

The lecture will be Wednesday from 7-8:30 p.m. at Cupertino Community Hall.

Glorious Compost

To the plants in your garden, compost is like decadent chocolate to a human sweet tooth—it gets gobbled up and provides a glow. Cupertino gives compost free to residents on Friday and Saturday mornings from 8:30-11 a.m. until Oct. 22.

Weather restrictions apply, so check the city’s website for details. Proper identification is necessary, too, but after that all you need is a shovel and carrying containers for that sweet treat that will have your flowers and other plants humming a happy tune.

The city’s compost site is across from the dam on Stevens Canyon Road.

View the compost site schedule and information here. For recorded information, call 408-777-1320, or city offices at 408-777-3354.

Clean Up The Creek

Debris gets blown around and trash gets tossed into our waterways, and it’s good for the entire region to pitch in and keep them clean. The city will host a community clean up day as part of National River Cleanup Day on May 21 from 9 a.m. to noon at Creekside Park, 10455 Miller Ave.

Volunteers and city staff will work together in the areas around Calabazas Creek. It’s a great way to spend the day with family or friends, and to teach kids about caring for our Earth and the importance of community service work.

To register to volunteer, contact the public works department at 408-777-3354 or email environmental@cupertino.org. For more information, call the number above or visit the city’s website.

It’s Not Garbage; It’s Compost Ingredients

Cupertino and its waste-collection service, Recology, offer a food waste and yard waste pick-up service, something that gives Cupertino bragging rights over neighboring San Jose.

Food and yard waste is included in Cupertino’s recycling and composting program, so if you are not inclined to have your own compost pile or bin at home, the city will do it for you. Another feather in its green cap is the pick-up service of household hazardous waste and used cooking oil.