Business

Time to dispose of the Christmas tree

Homeowners and apartment renters have several different options from the Alameda County Waste Management Authority about how to dispose of their trees, while two tree lots in Oakland send what’s left of their supply to the Oakland Zoo.

Carbon neutral cafe coming to Oakland

For Dimitri Thompson, it’s all or nothing. Whether its the rectangular chillers to keep the milk cold and sanitary, the energy-efficient espresso machine that draws little power or the reused materials that make up most of his furniture, Thompson left no detail unattended while crafting the blueprints for his Noble Cafe. His ultimate goal: a carbon neutral cafe — the first in the United States.

At Oasis Food Market, the Middle Eastern sweets draw customers from afar

Oasis Food Market in Oakland is one of the largest halal (Islam-compliant) markets in the East Bay. The store sells a range of goods, from meat and produce to candy. There are a strict set of rules for slaughter that make meat halal in Islam. The animal must be facing downward and toward Mecca while a blessing is said, as dictated by the Koran. Then, a knife is drawn across the throat in one swift motion. These rituals are designed to give the animal the most humane death possible.