ACI Staff in the Know!

Here, we share company news, industry/legislative information, and lots of fun extras!

THE MAY 2026 ISSUE
Green Tips – Tips for a Sustainable Wedding (or party!)
Cooking Seasonally
Fun May Holidays
Recycling in the News
ACI Events
ACI Work Anniversaries and Birthday
San Leandro Links – FREE Shuttle Service
Stretches to do at Your Desk
Join the ACI Be Active Club on Strava

Green Tips – Tips for a Sustainable Wedding (or party!)

It’s May, and for many, it is wedding season! And whether you are part of putting on a wedding or just a big party, there are plenty of reasons to strive for a greener event. Annually, over 2 million weddings are held in the U.S. alone, producing more than 1 billion pounds of garbage. And it doesn’t have to be that way! Here are just a few good party tips that will let the love grow without the waste!

Get Creative with Decorations
When it comes to décor for weddings or parties, the sky and your imagination are the only limits! Start by thinking of the 5 R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Rethink, Recycle, and Rot first! If you are reducing your consumption in the first place, then ultimately there will be less waste in the end! Simple as that. So, try to use existing decorations from yourself or friends to reduce the amount of décor that needs to be bought. This will save you money and reduce your environmental impact! Consider using string lights instead of fake candles. These fake candles will likely be thrown out after just one use, and they have lithium-ion batteries that are hard to remove. These batteries are known to have caused fires in trash and recycling trucks and at recycling facilities , and are super dangerous, no matter what stream they are in.

Eco-friendly Party Favors

Weddings, graduations, and summer parties often come with party favors to help guests remember all the fun they had. Most of the time, however, these party favors end up in the garbage. Instead, try giving low-waste party favors that guests will use in the future. For example,

one idea for sustainable party favors is seeds for flowers or herbs! Whenever your guests look at the plant they’ve grown, they’ll think of the memory of the party. Other party favors can include items that can help your guests live a more sustainable lifestyle, such as metal straws or reusable bags. These zero-waste gifts are less likely to end up in the garbage and can have a positive impact on the Earth and their lifestyle. Taking a more sustainable route will not only show your guests how much you care about them, but also how much you care about the planet. Again, here are a few eco-friendly party favor ideas your guests-and the planet will love: seed packets, small plants such as succulents, bamboo straws, reusable totes, reusable water bottles, and homemade edible gifts.

About the invites…
Paper invitations, especially for weddings, can be surprisingly wasteful, not to mention expensive. As beautiful as they are, most invites end up tucked away or tossed shortly after the event. A more modern, eco-friendly alternative is going digital. With platforms like Canva, you can easily customize stylish, wedding-ready templates for free, giving you full creative control without the added cost or environmental impact.

Maybe elope?
Eloping offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional weddings by significantly reducing environmental impact. Large weddings often involve extensive travel, high energy use, single-use décor, and substantial food waste. In contrast, elopements are typically smaller and more intentional, requiring fewer resources and generating less waste overall. With a shorter guest list—or none at all—there’s less transportation involved, which helps lower carbon emissions. Elopements also allow couples to make more eco-conscious choices, such as selecting natural locations, minimizing décor, and supporting local vendors. This streamlined approach not only reduces the environmental footprint but also encourages mindful spending and less excess. Focusing on what truly matters, eloping can be a meaningful way to celebrate while being kinder to the planet.

And don’t forget to recycle and compost!
Managing waste is often the last thing people think about when putting together an event. We encourage you to set out 3-bin systems so your guests can recycle and compost at your event, just as they would at home. And consider using real plates, cups, and cutlery to generate less waste and give your event a more elegant feel. Fewer disposables means less mess to clean up afterward, and many caterers are more than willing to arrange this service for you. If you decide to go with disposables, consider using all compostable food service ware, so it is very easy for your guests to know what goes where!

Cooking Seasonally in  May

Cooking with in-season produce is good for the environment because it reduces the distance produce has to travel to reach consumers. Local and seasonal produce supports community farmers and smaller farms that don’t mass-grow produce that is available all year long, and in-season produce can easily be found at local farmers’ markets. Lastly, produce that is in season can also be cheaper than out-of-season produce because it takes less time, energy, and money to get from farm to table!

Crispy Black Bean Sweet Potato Enchiladas

Ingredients

• 1lb ground chicken, or ground beef(optional)
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed (use 3 if not using meat)
• 1yellow onion, chopped
• 3 tbsp taco seasoning
• ½ cup salsa or salsa verde
• 1 cup canned black beans, drained
• 2 cups of enchilada sauce
• 16 (6-inch) corn tortillas, warmed
• olive oil, for coating
• 2 shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 2 avocados, chopped or sliced
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Greek yogurt, limes, and sea salt, for serving

How to make

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. If using meat, cook in a skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the sweet potatoes and onions. Break up the meat as you go, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water. Cook for 5 minutes, until fragrant. Mix in the salsa and black beans. Remove from the heat.
4. Working in batches, warm the tortillas in the microwave in 30-second intervals until pliable. Place the tortillas on a baking sheet and rub with olive oil on one side. Spoon 2 tablespoons of sweet potato mixture down the center of each tortilla. Roll up and arrange seam-side down on the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 10 minutes, until crispy. Pour the enchilada sauce over the crispy enchiladas. Scatter the cheese all over the tortillas. Bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
6. Top the enchiladas with avocado, yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, and sea salt.

Crockpot Short Ribs

Ingredients

• 5 lb bone-in beef short ribs
• 2 yellow onions, thinly sliced
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 6 shallots, halved
• 8 garlic cloves, smashed
• 6 carrots chopped
• 1 bottle (750ml) (or 3 cups) dry red wine, such as Pinot Noir
• 2 cups beef broth
• ½ cup cognac or brandy(optional)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 4 tbsp salted butter
• 2 cups sliced cremini mushrooms
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage

How to make

Crockpot

1. In the bowl of the crockpot, arrange the onions. Then, place the short ribs on top of the onions. Season with salt and pepper. Add the shallots, garlic, and carrots. Pour over 2 cups of red wine, the broth, and cognac (if using). Add the tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
2. Crank the heat on the crockpot to HIGH. Discard the bones. Drain any excess grease away from the sauce. Toss the ribs into the sauce. Cook, uncovered for 30 minutes, to help thicken the sauce. Note, the sauce will not thicken much.
3. Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet. Add the mushrooms. Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes or until golden. Add 2 tablespoons butter, the sage, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, until the mushrooms have caramelized and the butter has browned.
4. Serve the ribs in the sauce. Spoon the mushrooms over the ribs. Enjoy with potatoes, rice, and/or crusty bread.

Oven

1. Preheat the oven to 325° F. In a large, oven-safe brasier, arrange the onions. Then, place the short ribs on top of the onions. Season with salt and pepper. Add shallots, garlic, and carrots. Pour over the red wine, the broth, and cognac (if using). Add tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves. Cover and roast for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until the short ribs are tender and fall off the bone.
2. Discard the bones. Drain any excess grease away from the sauce.
3. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet. Add the mushrooms. Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes or until golden. Add 2 tablespoons butter, the sage, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, until the mushrooms have caramelized and the butter has browned.
4. Serve the ribs in the sauce. Spoon the mushrooms over the ribs. Enjoy with potatoes, rice, and/or crusty bread.

Mediterranean Bowl

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground lamb, beef, or chicken
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon salted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sweet/smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• salt
• 6 fresh pitas or naan, warmed
• 3-4 cups cooked rice
• pickled red onion, lettuce, and fresh herbs for serving
• Tzatziki, for serving

Lemon Harrisa

• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup red harissa sauce
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• chili flakes

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, combine the ground meat and onions. Cook over medium heat, breaking up the meat as it cooks until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the butter, garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, thyme, and salt. Pour over 1/2 cup of water. Cook for 2-5 minutes, until the water has cooked out.
2. Meanwhile, make the Harissa sauce. In a bowl, mix the harissa, melted butter, lemon juice, and paprika. Season with chili flakes and salt.
3. Arrange the warm pitas in a bowl. Spoon over some rice, add a couple of spoonfuls of meat, then top with lettuce, herbs, onions, and lots of Tzatziki. Add the harissa sauce to taste. Enjoy!

Banana Chocolate Loaf

Ingredients

• 4 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/4 cup mashed)
• ½ cup plain whole milk Greek Yogurt
• ¼ cup salted butter or coconut oil, melted
• ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cup whole wheat pastry flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chunks

Cinnamon Butter

• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 stick salted butter, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

How to make

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Grease a 9×5-inch bread pan.
2. In a bowl, stir together the mashed bananas, yogurt, butter/coconut oil, maple/honey, eggs, and vanilla until combined. Add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chunks/chips.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is just set. Remove and let cool for 15 minutes before cutting or eat it warm with a smear of cinnamon butter. Enjoy!
4. To make cinnamon butter. In a bowl, beat together all ingredients. Serve with warm bread.

Fun May Holidays

May Day, May 1st
May Day, also called Workers’ Day or International Workers’ Day, commemorates the historic struggles and gains made by workers and the labor movement, observed in many countries on May 1. In the US and Canada, a similar observance, known as Labor Day, occurs on the first Monday of September. However, even in the United States, International Workers’ Day is particularly celebrated by union members. For more on the history of May Day, see here.

Cinco de Mayo May 5th
Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day, a popular misconception. Instead, it commemorates a single battle. In 1861, Benito Juárez, a lawyer and member of the Indigenous Zapotec tribe, was elected president of Mexico. Within Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is primarily observed in the state of Puebla, where Zaragoza’s unlikely victory occurred, although other parts of the country also take part in the celebration. Traditions include military parades, recreations of the Battle of Puebla, and other festive events. For more information, click here.

Mothers Day
The origins of Mother’s Day as celebrated in the United States date back to the 19th century. In the years before the Civil War, Ann Reeves Jarvis of West Virginia helped start “Mothers’ Day Work Clubs” to teach local women how to properly care for their children. These clubs later became a unifying force in a region of the country still divided over the Civil War. In 1868, Jarvis organized “Mothers’ Friendship Day,” at which mothers gathered with former Union and Confederate soldiers to promote reconciliation. The official Mother’s Day holiday emerged in the 1900s through the efforts of Anna Jarvis, the daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis. Following her mother’s 1905 death, Anna Jarvis conceived of Mother’s Day as a way to honor the sacrifices mothers make for their children.

Memorial Day
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formerly known as Decoration Day and commemorates all men and women who have died in military service for the United States. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day, and it is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season.

Recycling in the News

Our Impact at a Glance – April 2026
ACI partners with StopWaste to support schools, businesses, and communities in efforts to reduce waste, expand reusables, improve composting and recycling, and increase energy efficiency and affordability. Get a snapshot view of StopWaste’s impacts in Alameda County through its various programs by clicking here.

ACI Events

ALAMEDA Community Events

CASTRO VALLEY Community Events

SAN LEANDRO Community Events

SAN RAMON Community Events

ACI Birthdays & Work Anniversaries

MAY BIRTHDAYS
Curtis Olliff
John Borges
Juan Acosta
Terry Brown

WORK ANNIVERSARIES
Anthony Flores
Terry Brown

San Leandro Links – FREE Shuttle Service

Did you know?
ACI supports LINKS…
LINKS is a FREE and convenient shuttle service which routes that access the San Leandro BART station and many West San Leandro locations.

Take advantage of this FREE community service. No passes, cards, or money is needed. Just get on the shuttle! For over 20 years the San Leandro LINKS Shuttle has provided free, public, first/last mile transportation between the San Leandro BART station and West San Leandro. As a business in its service area, ACI is a contributor to the program. LINKS stops at the San Leandro BART Station and at designated stops throughout West San Leandro, including Kaiser Permanente, Marina Square Shopping Center, and Westgate Center. Stop 3 on the South Loop is an 8 minute walk to ACI!

HOURS OF OPERATION
Shuttles run every 30 minutes, Monday through Friday during peak commute hours.
5:45 AM – 10:30 AM
3:00 PM – 7:20 PM
The last shuttle departs the BART station in the morning at 9:45AM and in the evening at 7:00PM.

CLICK HERE for a route map, schedule, real time tracking, FAQs, and MORE!

Join the ACI Be Active Club on Strava!

Do you like to…
Run? Bike? Walk? Hike? Do yoga? Swim? Surf? Canoe? Kayak? Handcycle? Velomobile? Skate? Kitesurf? Rock Climb? Ski? Row? Snowboard? Snowshoe? Stand up paddle? Do Crossfit? Or just workout?
Then download the Strava app and join your co-workers in staying fit!

With the Strava app, you can:
Track your activities,
Check out what your co-workers have been up to,
Run your way to the top of the ACI leaderboards,
See local trail recommendations,
And participate in challenges and virtual races with users across the globe!

https://www.strava.com/clubs/875256

Feeling stiff or achy?
Try these stretches you can do at your desk!

Source: Blue Zones Project by Healthways