Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
How did ECOSLO begin? +
In 1969, local San Luis Obispo County residents recognized an imminent need for action when the pollution in the SLO creek was overwhelmingly concerning. A group of Cal Poly students formed to address the issue and the SLO Chamber of Commerce created the Ecology Committee. Still, the issue was not being addressed and the Ecology Committee broke away to create an environmental group.
In 1971, this group formed a recycling center and in 1972, the Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo obtained official nonprofit status. From there, the organization has grown and adapted to meet the most pressing environmental needs of our county.
What is ECOSLO’s nonprofit status? +
ECOSLO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
ECOSLO's Tax ID Number (EIN) is: 23-7213237
How can I volunteer with ECOSLO? +
You can check out the opportunities on our Volunteer page. You may also email [info@ecoslo.org][1] and we can put you in touch with an ECOSLO team member based on your interests.
Does ECOSLO support fiscal sponsorships? +
The organization that has been supporting fiscal sponsorships is Ecologistics. For more information visit their site.
How can I find information about local trails and hikes? +
For information about local trails and hikes please visit:
- City of SLO Ranger Services
- City of Atascadero Parks Dept.
- SLO County Parks Dept.
- Cuesta College Outdoor Community Programs
- CCCMB
- Montana de Oro State Park
- Santa Lucia Ranger District - Los Padres National Forest
- Sierra Club Hiking with Other Organizations & Local Groups
- Carrizo Plain National Monument
Advocacy
How did ECOSLO begin? +
In 1969, local San Luis Obispo County residents recognized an imminent need for action when the pollution in the SLO creek was overwhelmingly concerning. A group of Cal Poly students formed to address the issue and the SLO Chamber of Commerce created the Ecology Committee. Still, the issue was not being addressed and the Ecology Committee broke away to create an environmental group.
In 1971, this group formed a recycling center and in 1972, the Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo obtained official nonprofit status. From there, the organization has grown and adapted to meet the most pressing environmental needs of our county.
What is ECOSLO’s nonprofit status? +
ECOSLO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
ECOSLO's Tax ID Number (EIN) is: 23-7213237
How can I volunteer with ECOSLO? +
You can check out the opportunities on our Volunteer page. You may also email [info@ecoslo.org][0] and we can put you in touch with an ECOSLO team member based on your interests.
How can I find information about local trails and hikes? +
For information about local trails and hikes please visit:
Cleanups
Where should I go to do a cleanup? +
For the people looking to do a beach cleanup, here are six beach locations in SLO County that often need additional cleanup support:
- Estero Bluffs
- Cayucos Pier
- Morro Strand, Toro Creek entrance
- Morro Strand, Southern entrance
- Morro Rock/Morro Bay Harbor
Cleanups do not, however, have to be limited to beaches. We highly encourage people to go to local parks, neighborhoods, or one of your favorite hiking trails.
How do I Adopt-A-Spot? +
- Reside in the town of Templeton or the city of Pismo Beach
- Fill out and submit this Sign-Up Form - only one per household, this person will be the Team Captain
- Choose your top three choices of adoptable locations (within the form)
- An ECOSLO representative will reach out shortly after to confirm your location
- Coordinate cleanup supply pick up with Community Coordinators
- Every household member must sign ECOSLO's waiver prior to the first cleanup
- Participate in monthly cleanups at your designated spot with your household
- Use Ocean Conservancy data card (Clean Swell app or paper data card) to track trash at each cleanup
- Record number of hours participated and number of people who participated after each cleanup
Fore more information visit the Adpot-A-Spot program page.
What supplies do I need to do a cleanup? +
There aren’t many items you need for a cleanup! All you really need are some trash bags, gloves, closed-toe shoes, a mask, and the CleanSwell app to track the data while you’re doing a cleanup.
How do I get a kit for Creeks to Coast Cleanup? +
Creeks to Coast 2021 is being held from September 16th-30th. We are providing cleanup kits to households (families, roommates, etc.) for community members who want to participate in this event. To sign up for a kit, please fill out this form.
Why do you collect data at your cleanups? +
Cleaning up our community is only one part of the effort. While collecting trash and recyclables that has made its way to our shorelines and trails is important work, ECOSLO collects data to work toward prevention of this issue in the future.
Data collection has supported efforts such as the plastic bag ban and the Straws Upon Request ordinances in San Luis Obispo. By collecting data, we are better able to make system-wide policy changes that work to reduce pollution before it lands in our outdoor spaces.
Urban Trees
How do I get a tree? +
If you are a property owner in SLO County interested in planting trees with ECOSLO you are eligible to fill out our Urban Tree Interest Form. Follow the instructions on the form for checking the eligibility of your home with our eligible grant funded areas map. If you live in an eligible area please complete the form with information about your desired planting site, and select a preferential tree option from our current species list.
What if I am a renter? +
Only with the approval of the property owner can ECOSLO plant in front of private residences. If you are interested in planting within our Urban Tree Program, but are currently renting your property, please reach out to the property owner or landlord and request they fill out our Urban Tree Interest Form.
Where does ECOSLO plant trees? +
To check the eligibility of a certain spot for our Urban Tree Program please use our eligible grant funded areas map. Any homes falling inside the urban areas designation, or low income zones within the urban areas designation are eligible for planting within our Urban Tree Program. ECOSLO does not plant on private property which includes, front yards, side yards, and back yards.
Can we remove stumps, concrete, or trees? +
ECOSLO is only able to plant in bare soil. Any debris removal or other similar projects cannot be conducted during plantings as we rely solely on volunteers, and removal of these items often requires professionals and/or tools ECOSLO does not have access to. If you need to to clear rocks, concrete, shrubs, or stumps please contact your municipality.
What tree species are available to plant? +
Our tree list has been curated for climatic conditions of San Luis Obispo County, and ECOSLO will plant the trees based on planting site conditions and species availability. To see our current list of tree species, visit our Urban Trees page.
Can I help the program? +
Absolutely! You can sign up on the Urban Trees program page to adopt-a-tree and provide weekly watering and care. For the tree plantings themselves we rely on trained on-going volunteers and professionals to ensure the safest experience.
Sustainability
What are sustainability swaps I can make in my life? +
Check out our Sustainability page with tips for low waste living and eco-friendly products you can implement into your day to day!
How can I save money and be eco-friendly? +
Head over to our Sustainability page with tips for low waste living that also benefit your wallet!
What rebates am I eligible for? +
Individual Households can explore the following opportunities:
Green Business Certification
How do I enroll my businesses in the San Luis Obispo County Green Business Program? +
Enrolling is easy! Register your business and fill out the application. We ask some basic questions about your business including your industry, number of employees, and square footage. Then, an ECOSLO team member will reach out to you to schedule an introductory meeting!
I lease my business space and/or don’t control my utilities, can I still become a Certified Green Business? +
Yes! Even if you lease your space or don’t control your utilities, you can still become a Certified Green Business. We will work with you to navigate any difficult measures due to your specific situation and find creative ways to reduce your carbon footprint and become Certified.
I work from home, can my business become a Certified Green Business even though I don’t have a huge environmental footprint? +
Yes, even small changes accumulated make a difference! So join the Green Business Program and we can help your business become certified.
Why should my business become a Green Business? +
Becoming a Certified Green Business is the clearest way to show your community and customers that you care about the environment and a sustainable future. And there has never been a better time to go green! It’s good for the environment, it saves you money, and it improves employee wellness and productivity. Not to mention that you will receive recognition as an environmental leader in your community!
Green Businesses also enjoy a marketing edge over competitors through the Green Business Directory, Shop Green App, and additional marketing from ECOSLO.