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In this Issue
- New Workshop Graduates: The Resilience Team
- Resilient Neighborhoods Spring Volunteer Training
- Summer Climate Action Workshops
- News from Our Partners
- Community Events Calendar
| | Congrats New Workshop Graduates! | | |
Congratulations to “The Resilience,” our 141st graduating team! This group of 32 climate champions from Corte Madera, Fairfax, Mill Valley, Novato, Sausalito, San Anselmo, and San Rafael reduced 131,175 pounds of climate pollution and earned 163,900 resilience points!
The dynamic team of climate leaders included Sustainability Coordinators representing Corte Madera, Fairfax/San Anselmo, and Novato; the Public Health Manager for Marin County; and personnel from Marin Sanitary Service!
Here are a few team highlights:
Bridget is prioritizing sustainable food by signing up for a CSA with Tara Firma Farms, a beloved local farm in Petaluma.
Gary and Barbra began a new, sustainable routine: starting their weekends with fresh, local produce from the farmer's market.
Masoud plans to replace his gas-powered car with an electric one and is cultivating a homegrown vegetable garden.
Jessie and Phoebe prioritized safety and security, focusing on resilience actions to prepare for wildfires by creating "stay boxes" and "go bags."
Gretchen is greening her laundry routine, saving energy and preserving her clothes with the fast wash cycle; she's also sprucing up her clothesline for fresh, sun-dried laundry.
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Ann is signing up for QuitCarbon to initiate the replacement of her gas water heater with a heat pump. She was pleased to discover a community dedicated to climate action through the program.
Ardilla and Lewis are both committed to electrifying their homes and taking the necessary steps to replace their gas stoves with induction cooktops.
Christine is planning for home electrification with the replacement of her gas water heater and furnace with heat pumps.
Renee was thrilled to discover the globally impactful, verified greenhouse gas-reducing projects that the Marin-based Cool Effect funds through their carbon offset program for air travel.
Jennifer loved the collaborative, team-based learning experience, finding inspiration in learning from others' actions and discovering the vast array of climate resources available in the program.
Shannon started with an exceptionally low carbon footprint but was inspired to find new, meaningful ways to support the earth.
Trish was empowered by the program's quantitative approach, which helped her better understand carbon emissions.
Congratulations to this inspiring and impactful team of dedicated community members. Thank you for your unwavering climate commitment!
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Resilient Neighborhoods
Spring Volunteer Training
Saturday, April 11, 3:00 - 5:00 pm
| | Our Spring Volunteer Training is comig up on Saturday, April 11th, 3-5 pm at "Ground," a beautiful nursery, refillery, and home goods store in Belvedere-Tiburon. Whether you recently completed a Climate Action Workshop or have volunteered with us before, this training will help you connect with the public at fun community and environmental events. We look forward to seeing you there! | | Join a Climate Action Workshop | | We just released our Summer schedule! | | | |
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Wednesday Workshop Kickoff:
June 11 | 6:30 - 8:00 pm
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Thursday Workshop Kickoff:
June 17 | 4:30 - 6:00 pm
| Free for Marin Renters & Homeowners! | | |
"Even though I thought I had learned everything I could know about being a mindful, sustainable person, I learned so much! I have only lived in Marin for a few years, and there are so many county-specific resources that I got to learn about, and I can't wait to share them with my neighbors. Thank you for everything!" - Ardilla Deneys, The Resilience (Winter 2026)
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"I already live a pretty 'green' lifestyle, but was still able to identify further action that I could take to reduce my environmental impact. I also really appreciated all the wonderful resources on being prepared for emergencies and building community resilience. These will definitely be put to good use! " Gretchen Schubeck, The Resilience (Winter 2026)
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| April is a month to show extra love for our planet and focus on our finances, especially around tax time. Although these may seem unrelated, they both emphasize using our resources wisely. Just as budgeting maximizes every dollar, a circular economy aims to get the most out of our items through repair, reuse, and recycling. While sustainable products can be expensive, zero-waste living emphasizes consuming less and extending the life of what we already have. This month, Zero Waste Marin is sharing tips to support a circular economy and your budget. | | |
Fix Your Stuff! Don't trash that ripped jacket or broken bike. Repairing it keeps junk out of the landfill and saves money. Check out a Repair Fair or the Zero Waste Marin Reuse and Repair Resources for help.
Borrow or Buy Used. Hit the library for books and borrow tools from neighbors. If you have to buy, get it used! Try thrifting, Facebook Marketplace, or Buy Nothing groups.
Spend Smart. Remember, "lo barato cuesta caro" (the cheap thing is more expensive). Low-quality stuff breaks fast. Invest in durable items like quality cookware or leather shoes that can be repaired, avoiding fast fashion waste.
Plan Your Meals. Tossing food is like throwing away money. Buy only what you'll eat and plan meals around sales or fridge leftovers. Raw ingredients like beans and grains are usually cheaper and create less packaging trash.
The goal isn't to be perfect, just to shift your thinking away from buying, buying, buying and maximize your resources!
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Zero Waste Marin
Public Workshop
Thursday, April 30; 5:30-7:00pm
San Rafael Community Center
618 B. St., San Rafael, 94901
More Info | Register Here
Feedback Form (if not attending):
English | Spanish
| | Join Zero Waste Marin for a workshop to gather community feedback on their programs aimed at reducing landfill waste and promoting sustainability. After a 15-minute presentation by ZWM staff, they'll have an interactive feedback session. Enjoy light snacks and refreshments, plus a chance to win a zero-waste raffle! | | | | Green Change- Earth Day Marin | | |
Earth Day Marin
Sunday, April 26; 12:00 - 3:00 pm
Mill Valley Community Center
Join the Fun at Earth Day Marin, a free community event for all ages, with green exhibits, fun activities, games, art, music, and talks in a beautiful outdoor setting. We expect it to be Marin’s largest Earth Day event!
Visit 50 booths hosted by green businesses, environmental and community groups to help build a more just and sustainable world. You will learn about sustainable living, clean energy, electric vehicles, heat pumps, healthy food, living lightly, climate justice, and resilient communities.
Earth Day Marin 2026 is produced by Green Change with support from the City of Mill Valley, County of Marin, MCE, Sustainable Marin, and 50+ climate action exhibitors, including Resilient Neighborhoods! To learn more, visit the event page and watch the video trailer. Volunteers: Sign up to volunteer before, during or after the event.
| | Marin Sustainability Team | | | | |
All About Heat Pumps (Webinar)
Wednesday, April 15; 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Join the Marin County Sustainability Team for a free webinar that will cover heat pump technology for space heating and water heating. It will focus on the basics of the technology, different types of projects, and the current incentive program landscape. There will also be time for a Q&A session. This webinar is ideal for homeowners considering heat pump projects, as well as residents who have already installed a heat pump and have questions about its operation or performance.
| | City of San Rafael & Sustainable San Rafael | | | | |
Youth Climate Action Showcase
Tuesday, April 21; 5:30 - 7:30 pm
San Rafael City Hall
Young people play a crucial role in shaping our climate future, yet their voices are often ignored in policy decisions. Emerging young leaders are bringing forward innovative ideas for building a sustainable community. The City of San Rafael, Sustainable San Rafael, and local educational institutions are collaborating to highlight the climate solutions proposed by youth and students.
| | Transportation Authority of Marin | | Have a say in the future of commuting in Marin County! Marin Commutes is running a short survey to better understand how people travel to work or college - and what changes would make the biggest impact. Your input directly shapes the incentives, tools, and resources offered to help you find more commute options. The survey takes about 8 minutes. Complete the survey by April 21, and you could win one of three $50 gift cards! | | |
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Let's Planet Together Challenge
April 15, April 22, April 29, & May 6
Safe Routes to School & Transportation Authority of Marin
This is a four-week contest designed to help reinforce the habit of walking and rolling to school. Parent Volunteers stamp participating students’ cards, and at the end of the challenge, students enter their stamped cards into a raffle for a chance to win prizes.
| | | | Community Event Calendar- Earth Day Edition | | |
April 13 - April 19 | Dark Sky West Marin Celebrates Int’l Dark Sky Week 2026! Go “LIGHTS OUT” during Dark Sky Week. DarkSky West Marin is a community-led initiative dedicated to preserving the night sky in this environmentally rich and uniquely biodiverse region. Check out the events during Dark Sky week!
Friday, April 17 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PST. An April Walk with Reverence. Hosted by members of Marin Interfaith Council and Marin Project Adapt. Location: Roy's Redwoods Preserve, Nicasio Valley Rd, San Geronimo (.5 miles up from Sir Francis Drake Blvd- Park along Nicasio Valley Rd). The 2-hour format includes solo time and gentle group facilitation to support us in listening to and with the natural world. RSVP to Pat Carlone.
Saturday, April 18 | 9:00 am - 2:00 pm PST. Mt. Tamalpais Trail Stewardship Day. Marin Water. Volunteers will help with tread work near Phoenix Lake to improve trail drainage and accessibility. All experience levels welcome. Be prepared to hike a few miles. Wear long pants and good hiking shoes. Gloves and tools are provided. Ages 13 and up with parental supervision.
Saturday, April 18 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am PST. FireWise Information Session. Point San Pedro Road Coalition, Firewise USA & Fire Safe Marin. Location: Coleman Elementary School Gymnasium, 800 Belle Ave, San Rafael. Learn about Firewise communities and how to start one in your neighborhood. Firewise USA is a national program that encourages neighbors to work together to reduce wildfire risks.
Saturday, April 18 | 9:00 am - 2:00 pm PST. Free Tire Collection Event. Zero Waste Marin & CCNB. Location: CCNB Facility, 11 Pimentel Court, Novato. Limit of 9 tires per resident (not larger than 48" diameter). Marin Residents Only. Pre-register here (required).
Sunday, April 19 | 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm PST. West Marin Climate Fest. Green Stitch Climate Action. Location: San Geronimo Community Center. The event features aerial performances, live music, delicious food, an art show with hands-on activities, and informational booths focused on sustainability, zero waste, recycling, conservation, and disaster preparedness. This year’s theme, Food and Climate: Sustainable Food Systems, highlights the vital role of local farmers and food producers with special guest speakers exploring regenerative agriculture, food equity, and resilient community-based food networks.
Wednesday, April 22 | 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm PST. Climate Action Series: The EV Market. San Anselmo Library & San Anselmo Climate Action Commission. Location: San Anselmo Town Council Chambers. Anika Osborne from Ride and Drive Clean breaks down the current state of electric vehicles, from available models and pricing to incentives and what's coming next. Register Here.
Saturday, April 25 | 10:00 am - 3:00 pm PST. Re-Loved Market. Mill Valley Community Center. Enjoy an inspiring day dedicated to sustainable fashion and creativity at the Re-Loved Market! This vibrant event brings together a community of fashion enthusiasts, upcycled artists, and eco-conscious shoppers to celebrate the art of recycling, reusing, and upcycling.
Saturday, April 25 | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm PST. Spring Fling 2026. Slide Ranch. This event will include activities such as goat milking, fiber arts, salve making, flower crowns, butter making, cob oven demonstrations, garden tours, site walks, the Marine Mammal Center, Zero Waste Marin and Recology interactives, honeybee education, and more! $40 Gen Adm. Children under 2 are free.
Thursday, April 30 | 11:00 am - 2:00 pm PST. What About Age Transportation Fair. Marin Transit. Location: Vivalon (formerly Whistlestop), 930 Tamalpais Ave, San Rafael. Learn about the variety of transportation options available for older adults and people with disabilities in Marin County!
Saturday, May 2 | 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm PST. Mill Valley Repair Fair & Book/Clothing Swap. Reuse Alliance & Zero Waste Marin. Location: Mill Valley Public Library. If you have a household item in need of repair and want to learn about fixing it, visit the Repair Fair! Pre-register here.
| | Please Support Resilient Neighborhoods | | Your donation to Resilient Neighborhoods helps keep our program free and accessible to all Marin residents, and is fully tax-deductible. | | | |
Thank you!
Resilient Neighborhoods is a fiscally sponsored project of Sustainable Marin,
a 501c3 nonprofit, EIN 94-3308034.
| | | Thank you to our Partners | | | | |
