Climate Action Role Models – San Rafael Climate Action

Resilient Neighborhoods Improved My Quality of Life

Cory Bytof — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 23:49:37 +0000

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.

Recyclery: Recycling More Than Bikes

Travis Osland — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 17:04:49 +0000

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 on trail rides in local, state, and national parks. But their devotion to the environment and the local community doesn’t stop there.

Any bicycles that aren’t lucky enough to find a local owner are donated to organizations such as Performing Stars that have used the old bikes as art pieces in the victory gardens at Bayside MLK Academy. The bike shop has even found creative uses for old inner tubes and other bicycle parts by turning them into “fidget-bands” for their more excitable students. Lastly, the Recyclery shop upcycles old boxes and flyers as packaging materials for their online store shipments. Recyclery’s inspiring efforts show they’ve taken the reduce, reuse, and recycle model to heart.

If you’re interested in supporting this truly sustainable climate role model, be sure to check them out in store at 610 4th St (yes, they’re open!) or online at https://www.tripsforkidsmarin.org/

Bringing equity to sustainability, one discussion at a time

Katia Carranza — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 23:35:33 +0000

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 rise, emergency preparedness, and housing displacement. The workshops empower residents to share their concerns and input, and allow them to have a voice at the table around the challenges that face the community. Members from government agencies, community partners and local organizations are invited for an exchange on targeted discussions. Prioritizing community feedback, we conducted an assessment in order to identify shared areas of concerns like water quality, flooding, and trash and pollution. We are developing our strategy based on those responses, and have conducted our meetings with them in mind. We hope to resume hosting the CCRC after the pandemic regulations ease in order to continue to support community empowerment and for residents to further advocate for their needs. – Marco Berger, Community Resilience Coordinator, Multicultural Center of Marin, City of San Rafael

Rethinking waste for my child’s future

Katia Carranza — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 21:09:43 +0000

Working for Levi Strauss & Co. as an assistant fashion designer, I went to China a few times, and it changed my perspective on the fashion industry. I had no idea on the extent of its waste. Later, I became a stay-at-home mom, and while researching mom questions, I discovered cloth diapering. I learned about the impact of disposable diapers, which blew my mind. It felt wrong to know that I was contributing to the enormous amount of diapers in the landfill. When my baby was six months, I tried cloth diapers, and I committed to a zero-waste lifestyle because I did not want to leave a huge problem for my kids to clean up. Since then, I have done more research on the chemicals in household products, and I am now creating my own lotions, cleaning solutions, and oils. When I go grocery shopping, I buy from farmers markets and in bulk, reducing plastic as much as possible. It takes planning to be zero-waste, but there is so much information online that can help. In the end, it’s all about slowing down and re-thinking that a “go-go-go” lifestyle is good for us. Slowing down gives more results and is most fulfilling. Sara Romero, San Rafael

Putting my talents to work for the climate

Cory Bytof — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 00:39:32 +0000

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

Cory Bytof — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 23:55:15 +0000

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

Cory Bytof — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 23:37:00 +0000

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.

When traffic is backed up, I’m taking a nice little 15-30 minute nap

jmyhre2021@marincatholic.org — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 22:11:47 +0000

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 ultimately for me, it’s convenience. I live within 3 blocks of a bus stop in The City and I can walk to work from the San Rafael Transit Center. I don’t travel more than 30-45 minutes point to point. On my way to work in the morning, I read a book or plan out my day. On my way home, I take a nap. So that means I don’t have to pay attention to the road. It takes away the stress of driving; driving for me now is just for leisure. William Calhoun, San Rafael Public Library

Our clients appreciate our green ethic

jmyhre2021@marincatholic.org — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 22:09:15 +0000

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 suggest businesses do some research and see what appliances can be replaced with energy efficient ones. “Get a dishwasher and durable plates, cups, and silverware and watch your trash bill go down. Modeling green behavior pays off in many ways; your customers and clients will appreciate it.” Chris Yalonis and Alejandro Moreno, VenturePad.

Getting exercise and avoiding traffic!

jmyhre2021@marincatholic.org — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 22:02:11 +0000

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 I’m not sitting in traffic every day! Plus, my work has discounted SMART passes and other incentives, which makes it a better deal. If you are new to biking, find a friend to ride with. It’s the smart thing to do! Steve Mason, Senior Supervisor, Albert J. Boro Community Center.