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...
Category: Climate Action Role Models
Recyclery: Recycling More Than Bikes
The ReCyclery, located at 610 4th St in San Rafael, has been refurbishing and reselling donated bikes since 1994 and using the income to support their powerful youth programs—Trail Rides, Earn-A-Bike, and Mobile Bike Workshops. Since their inception, they’ve prevented over 21,000 bicycles from being sent to the landfill and have taken over 40,000 Bay Area kids...
Bringing equity to sustainability, one discussion at a time
Last year, the Multicultural Center of Marin organized the Canal Community Resilience Council (CCRC) in order to create a space where residents of the Canal community can engage with stakeholders and policy makers regarding issues impacting them. Before the pandemic, we were hosting monthly meetings discussing issues such as climate change resiliency, sea level...
Rethinking waste for my child’s future
Sara Romero learned about zero-waste strategies when she became a new mom. Since then, she has taken steps to reduce waste in all areas of her life! Check out her story and learn how you can improve your carbon footprint....
Putting my talents to work for the climate
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...
A sustainable brewery and gathering space
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...
A model for spiritual congregations
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...
When traffic is backed up, I’m taking a nice little 15-30 minute nap
I love commuting by public transit. 40 years later and I’m still using it. Public transportation has served me well. I don’t have any of the parking hassles. When I had a car it cost me $300 per month to park it. So I’m saving money, too, especially with my employee commute benefits. But...
Our clients appreciate our green ethic
VenturePad made the choice to use energy efficient appliances in their business. Not only do they save money, they are contributing to a healthy environment. They also have created a Zero Waste Kitchen. They can reuse or recycle everything in the kitchen, and they save money by not purchasing single-use dish and serving-ware. They...
Getting exercise and avoiding traffic!
I get to bike to work and meet some new friends on the SMART train when I use it as part of the commute. This has also allowed me to get to know some fellow employees better when we share a ride on the train. The best part is I get some exercise and...