Cory Bytof – San Rafael Climate Action https://sanrafaelclimateaction.org Tue, 09 Mar 2021 23:53:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 https://sanrafaelclimateaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/cropped-Untitled-6-32x32.gif Cory Bytof – San Rafael Climate Action https://sanrafaelclimateaction.org 32 32 Resilient Neighborhoods Improved My Quality of Life https://sanrafaelclimateaction.org/resilient-neighborhoods-improved-my-quality-of-life/ Tue, 09 Mar 2021 23:49:37 +0000 http://sanrafaelclimateaction.org/?p=999 When I signed up to participate in the Resilient Neighborhoods program to cut my carbon footprint, I did so with the knowledge that I would be called on to make sacrifices in my lifestyle.  I was prepared to do so because I deeply believe in the necessity for change if we are to survive on this planet. The wonderful surprise was that each change I made actually improved the quality of my life as well.  Some of the most significant changes were as follows:

  • I moved to a diet that reduced meat consumption, particularly beef and found that I slept better, had more energy and generally better health.
  • I used the services of BayREN to recommend and act as an advocate in the utilization of a variety of water efficient plumbing services.  In the past, there have been many instances where, out of ignorance, I had been persuaded to make unnecessary, overpriced and poor-quality changes.
  • Following the recommended steps, one at a time, I have finally tackled emergency preparation, though critical, a task that seemed to always be pushed into the future.

And it was fun!!

Michelle Meyers is a resident of the Contempo Marin community in San Rafael, and a recent graduate of the Resilient Neighborhoods program. You can learn more about Resilient Neighborhoods and sign-up for their free 5-session Climate Action workshops here.

]]> Earth Day Renewable Energy Challenge https://sanrafaelclimateaction.org/earth-day-renewable-energy-challenge/ https://sanrafaelclimateaction.org/earth-day-renewable-energy-challenge/#comments Wed, 15 Apr 2020 18:58:25 +0000 http://sanrafaelclimateaction.org/?p=926 Did you know you can easily “opt-up” your electricity purchases to a 100% renewable option?

In just minutes you can show your commitment to renewable energy and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by choosing to opt-up to your utility’s renewable electricity program.

For this, the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the City is coordinating with agencies and NGO’s around the County to encourage people to make the switch! We’re looking to double the amount of people choosing renewable electricity. Help us go from  4.5% to 9% by Earth Day, April 22! Choose now, then tell all your friends, neighbors, and co-workers!

For MCE Clean Energy customers, click here to go to the MCE 100% Renewable page.

For PG&E customers, click here to go to the PG&E Community Renewable Programs page.

Our choices demonstrate our values. Show yours by opting-up!

]]> https://sanrafaelclimateaction.org/earth-day-renewable-energy-challenge/feed/ 2 Putting my talents to work for the climate https://sanrafaelclimateaction.org/putting-my-talents-to-work-for-the-climate/ Wed, 13 Nov 2019 00:39:32 +0000 http://sanrafaelclimateaction.org/?p=869 I’ve been a professional photographer for many years. I like to contribute my talents to causes I care about, including ExtraFood.org and San Rafael Sustainability. Going out to take the photos on this website has been fun and a great learning experience as well. Hopefully they make an impact and more people will take the important actions on this website.  Tom Fox, San Rafael

]]> A sustainable brewery and gathering space https://sanrafaelclimateaction.org/a-sustainable-brewery-and-gathering-space/ Tue, 12 Nov 2019 23:55:15 +0000 http://sanrafaelclimateaction.org/?p=866 We try to be as sustainable as possible. We are diligent about sourcing locally, reducing energy and water use, and reducing waste whenever feasible. We participate in the Marin Sanitary Service Food to Energy project, which turns food waste into energy at the Central Marin Sanitation Agency. We also compost plates and food waste from the food pop-ups every evening when they’re cooking from 4-9pm. Our employees get it, our customers demand it, and it’s in our blood. Trevor Martens, Co-Owner and Master Brewer at Pond Farm Brewing Co.

]]> A model for spiritual congregations https://sanrafaelclimateaction.org/a-model-for-spiritual-congregations/ Tue, 12 Nov 2019 23:37:00 +0000 http://sanrafaelclimateaction.org/?p=863 Our church Green Team looked at renewable energy and reducing our energy use at the church. Changing all our lighting to LED and other energy efficient lighting cost us $30,000 up front but will save us $8,500 per year – and will be paid off in less than 4! It reduced our electricity use dramatically, and what we still use is now MCE’s 100% renewable Deep Green. We felt very happy, realizing that our action would have such a substantial benefit for the environment, reducing our carbon footprint by 14 metric tons per year. Other congregations see our project as a model, and it’s given us the opportunity to promote individual households in the church doing the same thing. We’re happy to talk to anyone about this, and MCE’s staff was wonderful to work with. Ralph Purdy, First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael.

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