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...
Resized my furnace – and energy bill – while keeping good temps!
I made the choice to reduce the size of my air conditioner and furnace as part of my remodel. The smaller system was less expensive, and I felt good that I was conserving energy. The system is much more quiet, and is just about as effective as the larger, noisy machines. Save money and...
Who knew that climate action could be so much fun?!
The Earth Allies Climate Action Team came together for five meetings to learn about climate change and take actions to do something about it. These teams are run by Resilient Neighborhoods and offered free of charge at various locations around Marin. On a Climate Action Team, you calculate your carbon footprint and take measurable...
Make a friend by finding a carpool buddy
Finding a carpool buddy was simple, cost-saving, and fun. I saved so much on gas, and I was no longer lonely in the car. We cut our carbon footprint in half, and I was able to make a friend while doing so. Go to Marin Commutes or 511.org, and find a carpool buddy; it...
Speak out about what you value
As a student member of the City of San Rafael’s Climate Change Action Plan Working Group, I have worked to adopt the City of San Rafael’s new Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) in an effort to combat climate change and create a more resilient community. By including myself and other students in their discussions...
My EV fits my dog and the volleyball team!
With ‘Dog Mode,’ I can bring Indigo with me around town and know that she’ll be nice and cool in the car. When I’m not running errands with my dog, I’m driving my daughters’ club volleyball carpools around Northern California. This spring, I drove the teams over 2500 electric miles, greatly decreasing my fossil...
I chose to speak out
I chose to speak out for my city! I represented the youth at city meetings on behalf of climate action. My generation will have to experience the worst of the climate crisis. The more we do on a local level to actively combat this crisis, making our city more sustainable and resilient, ensures that...