News - Stories - Events

December 2025

 

In this Issue

  • Team TAM Graduates
  • Winter Climate Action Workshops
  • Support Our Climate this Season of Giving
  • News from Our Partners
  • Community Events Calendar
 

News and Updates

Carbon Kickers

Congratulations to the Carbon Kickers, our 139th Climate Action Team, for successfully completing our climate action program by reducing 47,693 pounds of carbon emissions and earning 79,000 resilience points. The team had 16 members from Novato, San Anselmo, San Rafael, Sausalito, and Tiburon.


Missy is thrilled about her new solar panels! She appreciated the systematic approach provided by the program, which made it easier for her to make changes even with her busy schedule and raising a young family.


Roberta has committed to eliminating plastic bottles and is offering her grandchildren the powder version of Gatorade instead of buying it in plastic bottles!


Sherry is planning to install a heat pump heating & cooling system this year, as well as adding insulation to her home.

Alex and Ethan are also excited about installing a heat pump system soon! The program has also inspired them to reignite their eco-friendly habits, like using reusable rather than single-use cups, avoiding plastic, and shopping at the local Farmers' Market. Alex appreciated the reminder that small actions can make a difference.


Janine knows it's best to avoid plastic when possible, but she's glad that Recology now accepts plastic clamshells, which she used to send to the landfill while distributing food through Extra Food.


Catherina has deepened her commitment to reuse by joining the Marin Community Trade Circle on Nextdoor, where she exchanges services and skills, such as gardening tips for her cooking expertise.


Congrats to the Carbon Kickers!

 

Climate Action Workshops

 
 
 

Thursday Team starts:

Jan. 8 | 6:30 - 8:00 pm

Wednesday Team starts:

Jan 14 | 4:00 - 5:30 pm

Free for Marin Renters and Homeowners!

“I learned about tactical actions I could take to reduce my carbon footprint in ways I had not considered previously. It was great to have homework and assignments each week-it made it so manageable. Great program.” -Sherry Wangenheim, Carbon Kickers


“This program has been invaluable and helped me refocus my energy on making real changes instead of wondering how best to. The tools provided allow you to clearly move toward completing goals large and small by providing all the information in a clear concise way.” -Missy Kendall, Carbon Kickers

 

Support Our Climate this Holiday Season

There are many ways that you can support Resilient Neighborhoods' Local Climate Action. Your donation will power free, community-based Climate Action workshops, expand sustainability programs, and help more people reduce their climate impact in 2026. Plus, donations made by December 31st will be matched! Here are ways you can help us build a healthier, more resilient future:


If you’re giving fewer physical gifts this year, consider donating in honor of a loved one. Every gift counts and will be matched dollar for dollar through December 31st. Give today to maximize your impact! For questions, contact Erica Heimberg at erica@resilientneighborhoods.org.


Thank you for supporting Local Climate Action!

News from Our Partners

Zero Waste Marin

The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it can also be one of the most wasteful periods of the year, with household waste increasing by over 25%. This December, let’s celebrate a Zero Waste Holiday Season!

Thoughtful, Low-Waste Gifting

Choose meaningful gifts like experiences, support local artisans, or create DIY gifts. Avoid over-packaging and single-use plastics.


Wrap It Right

Most wrapping paper isn’t recyclable. Instead, wrap gifts in reusable fabric, newspaper, or old maps or calendars, and use natural twine or fabric ribbons that can be reused.


Mindful Meals

Plan ahead to reduce food waste when hosting or attending meals. Share leftovers, compost scraps, and package baked goods in reusable containers.


Sustainable Decor

Use nature for decoration! Pinecones, branches, and dried flowers are beautiful and compostable. Reuse lights and ornaments from previous years instead of buying trendy items.


Give Back to the Planet

Make sustainability a family tradition by volunteering, donating gently used items, or enjoying nature. Reflect on how small actions can have a positive impact on our community and the planet.

Novato Repair Fair & Clothing, Toy & Gift Swap!

Sunday, December 14, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Novato City Hall


Join Zero Waste Marin & the Reuse Alliance for the final Repair Fair of the year! Volunteers and repair professionals will fix your items for FREE. Stay while your item is being repaired to learn maintenance tips and how to fix it yourself in the future. Please register your item in advance for proper preparation. There will also be a clothing, toy and gift swap!

 

MCE Clean Energy

Check out the holiday gift guide from MCE Clean Energy featuring nine electrifying ideas, from induction cooktops to portable solar panels, that make sustainable living easy and your holiday season memorable.

Marin Water

*New* Discount on Home Water Monitoring Device from Marin Water



Marin Water has expanded its discounted home water monitor offerings by partnering with Moen to offer single-family homes the Moen Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff device. The price is $393 or $613 (plus tax and shipping), depending on the size of your pipes.


This device installs on your home’s water line, offering precise monitoring of water pressure and flow and the ability to shut off water in case of leaks. Duplexes, triplexes, and non-residential sites can inquire about eligibility on a case-by-case basis.

 

Transportation Authority of Marin

Feedback Welcome on the

Updated Safe Routes To School Dashboard


According to Safe Routes to Schools, 32% of Marin students now walk or roll to school, the highest level since 2009. Pre-pandemic participation was in the high 20s, but it has remained around 30% since 2021, with a notable increase recently. In contrast, only 11% of students nationwide use active transportation, according to the 2022 National Household Travel Survey.

 

This trend is highlighted in the updated Safe Routes to Schools Dashboard, which provides an interactive overview of students' commuting habits in Marin County. The public can explore the dashboard and give feedback on its beta version through December 2025.

 

Community Event Calendar

Saturday, December 6 | 7:00 pm - 4:00 pm PST. RRI's Mountain Lion Documentary Double Feature + Panel Discussion. Hosted by Resource Renewal Institute (RRI) at The Fairfax Women's Club, 46 Park Rd, Fairfax, CA. $15 donation. Get expert insights on mountain lion behavior, habitat protection, and coexistence strategies. Learn how communities here in Marin and across the globe are working to protect these magnificent apex predators.


Tuesday, December 9 | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm PST. Dr. Daniel L. Swain: Weather Whiplash in California. Marin Conservation League. Hear from Dr. Daniel L. Swain, who will be covering weather whiplash in CA and rapid swings between weather extremes, meeting decarbonization goals, and learning what is involved in communicating about science and climate change to the broader public.


Tuesday, December 9 | 6:00 - 7:00 pm PST. EV Discounts Webinar. Ride & Drive Clean. Looking to go electric and save money? Join this free webinar and discover how to make the most of today’s best electric vehicle deals. Whether you’re just starting your EV journey or ready to make a move, this webinar is packed with info to help you drive electric with confidence—and savings. 


Wednesday, December 10 | 2:00 - 3:30 pm PST. Keeping Varmints at Bay. Marin Master Gardeners. San Rafael Public Library. Do you look out the window and find your roses beheaded? Are your carefully cultivated fruits and vegetables partially eaten? Or, have your plants disappeared entirely? It’s likely your garden is being appreciated by deer, raccoons, gophers, or rats. Come and get information and techniques to help home gardeners cope with these pests.


Wednesday, December 10 | 6:30 - 7:30 pm PST. Air Pollution Webinar: Fugitive Dust. Sierra Club- San Francisco Bay Chapter. In this webinar, you will learn 1) What fugitive dust pollution is and its negative health impacts; 2) Ways to control fugitive dust and protect our communities; 3) The regulations and protections we would like to see in a strengthened.


Saturday, December 13 | 9:00 am - 2:00 pm PST. Free Electronic and Tire Waste Collection Event. Marin County & Conservation Corps North Bay. Location: 5600 Nicasio Valley Road, Nicasio, This is the first of three free collection events for electronic waste and tires to help keep our community clean and sustainable. Full LIst of Accepted Items.


Saturday, December 20 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm PST. Mt. Tamalpais Habitat Restoration Day. Marin Water. Help protect the health of our oak woodland and grassland habitats by joining in Marin Water's ongoing effort to remove the invasive French broom, thereby increasing the diversity of valuable plants and animals of the watershed. This is a hands-on opportunity to improve local ecosystems and connect with fellow nature lovers. Registration Required.


Tuesday, December 30 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm PST. Restorative Fire: 'Rooted in Connection' Guided Walk. In this guided hike at Bon Tempe, learn about the history of fire in California’s oak woodlands and why Marin Water is working to bring prescribed fire back to the landscape. RSVP is welcome but not required.


 

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

 

RESILIENT NEIGHBORHOODS

www.resilientneighborhoods.org

 
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