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From back-to-school prep to outdoor clean water tips, this issue is full of ways to make sustainable choices part of your everyday routine. See what’s new, what’s coming up and how you can help care for Carlsbad’s environment all summer long.

Tracking Carlsbad’s climate progress

City staff will present a new online Climate Action Plan Dashboard to the City Council on Tuesday, July 22. The dashboard will make it easier for the community to track progress on the city’s environmental goals and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

This new tool is one way to demonstrate the progress the city is making as it implements the Climate Action Plan Update, which was adopted by the City Council in November 2024. The city is already taking steps to reduce emissions from its own operations.

One of the first actions was switching all city accounts to 100% renewable energy through the Clean Energy Alliance. That means the electricity used to power city buildings and facilities now comes from clean sources like wind and solar.

This change was funded through the fiscal year 2025–26 budget, along with other early Climate Action Plan initiatives, including:

• Planning future electric vehicle and bike charging locations to support public charging needs
• Mapping the city’s tree canopy to better understand shade coverage, track carbon benefits and guide future tree planting

If you are a Clean Energy Alliance customer, you can also opt up to 100% renewable energy by selecting the Green Impact program in your online account.

Recycle household batteries at Carlsbad libraries

You can now recycle household batteries at two convenient library locations in Carlsbad. Drop-off bins are available at:

• Georgina Cole Library
• Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane

Batteries may seem harmless, but they contain toxic materials that can pollute the environment or even cause fires if thrown in the trash. That’s why they’re considered household hazardous waste and need to be disposed of properly.

Look for the labeled battery bins near the library entrances or ask at the help desk. You can drop off non-rechargeable AA, AAA, C, D and 9-volt batteries.

Please do not leave batteries outside or drop off other types of batteries. This program is for household batteries only.

New Environmental Sustainability Commission

Carlsbad’s new Environmental Sustainability Commission will hold its first meeting on Thursday, Aug. 7. The commission was created by the City Council earlier this year to expand the scope of the former Beach Preservation Commission.

The new commission will provide guidance on a broader range of topics that reflect the city’s environmental goals. These include:

• Natural resources and open space
• Beach nourishment and shoreline preservation
• Climate adaptation and environmental sustainability

Meetings are open to the public and provide opportunities to stay informed and give input on important environmental issues affecting Carlsbad. You can attend in person, watch live on the city’s website or cable channel, or view a recording afterward.

Environmental Sustainability Commission

Thursday, Aug. 7, 3 p.m.

City Council Chamber

1200 Carlsbad Village Drive

You can sign up to receive email notifications when meeting agendas are posted.

August Fixit Clinic helps you waste less this school year

At the heart of sustainability is the idea that what we already have is worth preserving. That’s exactly what Carlsbad’s Fixit Clinics are all about: giving residents the tools, support and confidence to repair broken items instead of throwing them away.

Join us for a special back-to-school Fixit Clinic on Saturday, Aug. 9, where we’re combining repair and reuse with smart food waste prevention tips to help you start the school year more sustainably.

Nearly 40 percent of food in the U.S. goes to waste, even though much of it is still perfectly edible. By planning meals, storing food properly and using leftovers creatively, we can reduce waste, save money and reduce our impact on the environment.

This special event combines back-to-school prep with food waste prevention. Here’s what you can do:

• Mend clothes, backpacks, lunch boxes and more
• Swap gently used school supplies
• Pick up simple back-to-school sustainability tips
• Learn creative ways to “love your leftovers” and prevent food waste
• Learn how to organize your fridge like a pro—we’ll show you simple ways to store food so it stays fresher, longer

Fixit Clinic

Saturday, Aug. 9

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Dove library

1775 Dove Lane

Volunteer repair coaches will also be available to help with small appliances, electronics, bikes, clothing and other household items. It’s a fun, hands-on way to save money and keep useful items out of the landfill.

Every repair made and every meal saved helps build a more sustainable Carlsbad. Together, we’re making a difference one action at a time.

Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation earns Sustainability Champion Award

The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation has been named Carlsbad’s latest Sustainability Champion. This local nonprofit is leading by example with creative programs that combine environmental education and hands-on conservation.

At their Discovery Center, visitors can learn about native plants, composting and how to sort waste properly. The foundation also finds innovative ways to protect our natural resources. For example, they reuse oyster shells to help prevent hillside erosion and use natural landscaping to filter pollutants from rainwater.

The foundation is also a certified Carlsbad Green Business, recognized for its commitment to sustainable practices. Learn more on the Carlsbad Green Business Program website.

Nominate the next champion

Do you know a Carlsbad business leading the way in sustainability? You can nominate that business or submit your own for consideration in the next Sustainability Champion Award cycle.

The next application review will begin on August 10.

Help prevent stormwater pollution this summer

As the temperature goes up, so does the potential for urban runoff from increased irrigation. Overwatering or misaligned sprinklers can send water into the gutter and down the storm drain. Anything that enters storm drains flows directly to Carlsbad’s creeks, lagoons and the ocean without treatment.

Here are a few ways you can help:

• Regularly check your irrigation systems to make sure water stays on your property. Consider shorter but more frequent water cycles.
• Visit the San Diego County Water Authority’s website to find more ideas and programs on water conservation and pollution prevention.
• Pick up pet waste and dispose of it in the trash.

If you see something that looks like pollution, please report it to the Stormwater Hotline by calling 442-339-2799, emailing stormwater@carlsbadca.gov or submitting a report through the CarlsbadConnects app.

Common issues to report include:

• Wastewater from mobile services like pet groomers or car detailers
• Dumping or washing into storm drains
• Leaking vehicles or equipment
• Irrigation water flowing into the street
• Mud or sediment from construction sites

You can help protect our local environment.

Thanks for reading. Whether you’re adjusting your sprinklers, recycling batteries or mending a backpack, every small action adds up. Together, we’re creating a more sustainable Carlsbad—one choice at a time. Look for more updates in our next issue.