Eco Tips for Your Home

Check out what you can borrow from the Sacramento Library in these categories:

Arts & Crafts ● Electronics & Technology ● Games & Hobbies ● Health

Kitchen Equipment ● Musical Instruments ● Recreation ● Science and Maker

Tools ● Video Games ● Yard Games

Oak Park Fix-it Cafe 

What: Free repair: bikes, clothes, lamps, tools, small appliances, knife sharpening.

Plus, coffee, tea, snacks, beans & rice

When: 11am-2pm, 2nd Saturday of every month

Where: Community Shop Class, 3818 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento

(turn into parking lot behind Trips For Kids Bike Shop)

West Sac Repair Café

What: West Sac residents can repair their bikes, clothing, and electronics for free.

When: 10am-1pm, last Saturday of every month

Where: Arthur F. Turner Library at 1212 Merkley Ave, West Sacramento.

Use CalRecycle’s Check Your Number website to find the manufacturer-recommended oil change intervals for most vehicles (2000 - 2021).

Used oil can contain such contaminants as lead, magnesium, copper, zinc, chromium, arsenic, chlorides, cadmium, and chlorinated compounds (CalRecycle). The “every 3,000 miles or every three months” rule is outdated because of advances in both engines and oil. Many automakers have oil-change intervals at 7,500 or even 10,000 miles and six or 12 months (Consumer Reports).

Fuel economy is reduced by 0.2 percent for every 1 pound per square inch (psi) your car is underinflated. That means you could save up to 3 percent in gas mileage, according to the DMV, which is naturally a little more environmentally friendly, too.

…and save the Planet by running your dishwasher, washer, dryer, or EV charger in off-peak times (typically avoid 4-9pm). Depending on your electricity provider, download, print, and keep handy the rate details schedule from SMUD (like below), PG&E, VCE (Yolo County), or Roseville Electric.

Did you know CalEPA staff at the Sacramento headquarters building could get $20 per month for reducing the number of cars on the road and biking in 11 times per month by completing the Bicycle Commuter Program Quarterly Self-Certification form? Check out the Bicycle Commuter Program FAQ for more information. 

Check out the Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates (SABA), which supports bike infrastructure and safety through advocacy, their Bike Valet program, Ride Ready Repair, BikeMatchSac, bicycle safety at night through Lights On, skills training, and Support for Businesses.