The City of Mountain View is excited to host two more Cool Block information sessions this month! Join us virtually to learn how to make your community and the planet a better place. The Cool Block program focuses on three main themes: community building, sustainability, and disaster preparation and resilience.
If you’re interested in any of these topics, please join us for an information session on Tuesday, October 19 or Monday, October 25 at 6:30pm to learn more about the program and how to get involved. Over about five months, Cool Block consists of 8 meetings to get to know your immediate neighbors, discuss various topics, work on actions together, and share your successes.
Register for one of the October information sessions here.
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Tuesday, November 2, 6:30pm-7:30pm |
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Join us for the third event in our plant-based eating series! We are excited to host Monica Chen, Executive Director of the Factory Farming Awareness Coalition, to share about the environmental impacts of our food choices.
Factory Farming Awareness Coalition is an educational nonprofit that contributes to the eradication of factory farming through a range of educational programs. Every year they educate and empower thousands of people about the social justice, health, and environmental impacts of our food system. Join us to learn how you can make a big difference for the environment and your own health by including more plant-based foods in your diet.
Register for the November 2 virtual event here. |
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Council Sustainability Committee Meeting |
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Wednesday, December 1, 6:30pm |
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The Council Sustainability Committee will be holding its next meeting on Wednesday, December 1 at 6:30pm, and will cover the following topics:
- Assessment of improvements in single occupancy vehicle (SOV) travel during the pandemic and levers to sustain these improvements
- Review of next steps to address sea level rise, including regional cooperation
- Sustainability Action Plan 4: update on key progress since May 2021, and preview of significant upcoming projects and programs
The meeting will be held either virtually and/or in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Keep an eye on our newsletter for more details. You can learn more about the Council Sustainability Committee here.
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All About Electric Vehicles |
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December 2 & 9, 6:30pm-7:30pm |
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If you have ever thought about purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) or are curious and want to learn more, this two-part series is a great place to start. EV 101 is an engaging overview and Q&A covering the available and upcoming EV models, long-term savings, charging at home and on the road, environmental benefits, and financial incentives and tax credits. EV 201 will dive deeper into specific topics, focusing on how to find the right EV model and options for you. Join one (or both) of these virtual workshops to learn how electric vehicles can benefit you and the planet!
EV 101 will be on Thursday, December 2 at 6:30pm, and EV 201 will be on Thursday, December 9 at 6:30pm. Keep an eye on our newsletter for more details.
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Calculate Your Carbon Footprint |
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Are you curious about the largest sources of your household’s carbon emissions? Check out CoolClimate’s carbon footprint calculator to find out. Understanding where your emissions come from can help you make more impactful changes in your day-to-day life. This resource can also help start new conversations about what collective actions and policies we want to implement on climate change.
Get started with your footprint here.
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Electrify Your Life - Coming Soon!
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Interested in going electric to save money and help the planet, but not sure where to start? The City will soon launch its newest resource called Electrify Mountain View. This online platform will offer personalized recommendations on how to electrify all aspects of your life. At no cost, you will be able to learn about actions such as driving an EV, installing solar power or a heat pump water heater, and cooking with an induction stove. To sign up to be notified about the upcoming launch, visit MountainView.gov/Sustainability.
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Welcome to a new series in our newsletters and social media, where City employees will share their sustainability tips and tricks.
Hi, I’m Megan, the incoming Climate Corps Sustainability Fellow for the City of Mountain View. One of the ways I reduce my carbon footprint is by looking for used or recycled items before buying something new. There are many great ways to shop for local, used items, including thrift stores, Goodwill, and Facebook Marketplace. I am also part of my local Buy Nothing Group on Facebook, where neighbors gift items they no longer need to others in the community. Shopping used and re-gifting anything I don’t need have been great ways to save money, build community, and continue reducing my carbon emissions. All the furniture in this photo was bought second-hand!
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Have you been looking for ways to retrofit your home to be more energy efficient? Do you think it’s come time for you to switch to all electric appliances, or get an electric vehicle? Look no further than this new guide by Redwood Energy, in collaboration with Menlo Spark and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. It’s a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know to make your home and vehicle a "Zero Emissions All-Electric" powerhouse! Read the guide here.
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SVCE Heat Pump Water Heater Rebates |
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Are you ready to electrify your home? SVCE is offering up to $2,000 in rebates to customers who replace their gas or electric resistance water heater with an efficient, electric heat pump version, decreasing harmful emissions in your home and community! View SVCE’s Heat Pump Water Heater Buyers Guide here.
An additional $3,000 in rebates is available for qualifying electric panel upgrades and income-qualified customers. Visit SVCE's website here to reserve your rebate.
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Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) has launched a free online resource to help Mountain View residents make easy, informed choices about switching to all-electric living.
The eHub features information on how change starts with clean electricity, how driving electric is the biggest single action you can take to stop pollution while saving money, and how you can improve your indoor air quality at home with efficient, electric appliances. Visit the new eHub here.
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Income qualified residents who own a model year 2004 or older vehicle can receive up to $9,500 to retire their old vehicle and purchase or lease a new or used electric vehicle. Funding is available for electric vehicle charging equipment as well. You can also get a pre-loaded Clipper card (up to $7,500) for turning in your old vehicle. Incentive options vary depending on income and zip code.
Check if you are eligible for the Clean Cars for All program and apply here.
For additional information about this program, please contact (855) 256-3656 or [email protected].
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California Clean Vehicle Rebate Project -
EV Rebates are Back!
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The Clean Vehicle Rebate Program is open for applications. Purchase a new EV (MSRP under $60,000) to receive a $2,000 rebate for a 100% EV or a $1,000 rebate for a plug-in hybrid (must have 30+ mile range). NOTE: the program is open until funds are depleted; eligibility requirements will become stricter in 2022.
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Go GreenPrime - Power Your Home with 100% Renewable Energy! |
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Mountain View residents who receive their electricity from Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) can upgrade their service at any time to GreenPrime, SVCE’s 100% renewable, carbon-free energy service. GreenPrime energy is primarily sourced from wind and solar farms in California. For a typical resident customer, it costs less than $5 per month to switch to 100% renewable energy through GreenPrime. When you upgrade, you are supporting clean, locally-sourced energy projects that move us towards a clean energy future!
Learn more and upgrade to GreenPrime here.
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Don’t Trash Your Pumpkins!
When the spooky season is over, put your pumpkins (and any scraps from carving!) in the compost/yard trimmings cart and not in the trash. Remember to remove candles and decorations first. If you live in a multifamily building that doesn’t have compost collection service, contact [email protected] to sign up or find out how to register to drop-off your food scraps for free at the Mountain View Recycling Center.
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Upcoming Event: Free Confidential Paper Shredding
The next free shredding event has extended hours! Protect your privacy by shredding confidential papers such as bank statements, pay stubs, cancelled checks and credit offers. Proof of residency is required, but no appointment is needed. All vehicles arriving by 3 p.m. will be served, but line cuts off at 3 p.m. sharp. Avoid the very beginning or end as those may be peak wait times. Limit of five bags or banker boxes per household. Learn more here.
When: Saturday, November 6, 8:00am- 3:00pm
SMaRT Station, 301 Carl Road, Sunnyvale
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Non-Reusable Foodware Ordinance
On November 9, the City Council will consider an ordinance to build on the existing polystyrene foam ban and further reduce the amount of single-use plastic food packaging generated in Mountain View. The proposed regulations would require non-reusable foodware (cups, bowls, plates, hinged containers, etc.) to be compostable fiber and free of toxic PFAS chemicals, and accessories (utensils, straws, stirrers, etc.) to be provided only upon consumer request. These measures are part of the first phase of foodware packaging reduction in Mountain View’s adopted Zero Waste Plan. Learn more about the proposed changes at MountainView.gov/Foodware.
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Citywide Compost Collection and Food Recovery
To comply with California Senate Bill 1383, on November 9 the City Council will consider a mandatory organic waste disposal reduction ordinance requiring all residents and businesses to subscribe to organic waste collection services and certain food businesses to recover edible food for donation. Large generators such as grocery stores and wholesale food vendors will need to donate surplus edible food beginning January 1, 2022. The law will expand in 2024 to cover smaller businesses including restaurants, hotels and event venues. The new statewide rules are intended to reduce food waste, address food insecurity and keep organic material out of the landfill. For more information about the edible food recovery requirements, visit CalRecycle’s Food Recovery page.
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Thanksgiving Holiday Collection Schedule
Recology will not collect trash, recycling or compost carts on Thanksgiving. If your collection day is on Thursday or Friday, it will be one day later due to the Thanksgiving holiday (Thursday collections will occur on Friday of Thanksgiving week, and Friday collections will occur on Saturday). For more information, visit our Holiday Collection page.
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Dirty Dozen Item of the Month: Takeout Containers
The “Dirty Dozen” are 12 types of items that can mislead anyone trying to recycle right. These items seem recyclable, but actually contaminate the process. Keep these items out of your recycling cart.
Takeout food containers (hinged, lidded, etc.) made from paper or plastic, lack market demand and are commonly contaminated from food and liquids, making them unrecyclable. Please place paper or natural fiber-based takeout containers in the compost/food scraps cart and plastic or foam containers in the trash. Only takeout containers made entirely of aluminum and free of food/liquids may go in the recycling cart. Learn more about the Dirty Dozen here.
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More Virtual Activities + Resources |
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Come learn the ins and outs of biking for everyday activities — grocery shopping, errands, commuting, and how to get wherever you are going safely! Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition is hosting this virtual class to empower people to ride safely and confidently in their everyday lives. This class is great for anyone who already knows how to bike but is hoping to incorporate cycling as a regular means of transportation.
When: Thursday, October 21, 6:00pm-7:00pm
Register for the event here.
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The Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) is hosting a series of free informational workshops for all Bay Area renters and homeowners to learn how new government policies and market trends affect their energy bill. After a short overview on how best to address energy use at home, attendees will have the opportunity to speak with local energy providers and community organizations about resources to make their homes healthier, safer, and more comfortable, all while saving money in the process.
The event is free, and sessions will be offered in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese. Both renters and homeowners are encouraged to attend.
When: Tuesday, October 26, 5:30pm-6:30pm
Register for the event here.
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Acterra is hosting a holiday cooking forum featuring a diverse set of notable Bay Area chefs who will demonstrate how to prepare their favorite plant-based holiday dishes.
Each chef will be sharing personal stories and the cultural significance of the dish, talk about the benefits of plant-forward eating and the importance of using induction cooktops. Two moderators will interact with the chefs and ask questions posed by audience members, for an overall interactive and engaging experience.
When: Sunday, November 7, 4:00pm-5:30pm
Register for the event here.
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The Santa Clara County Home Composting Education Program is offering community workshops in various locations throughout the fall. The next nearby workshop will be in-person in Sunnyvale. Come learn the basics of how to build compost piles at home or in your community.
When: Saturday, November 13, 10am-12pm
You can view their complete list of upcoming workshops and register for one here.
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Burrowing Owl Restoration Opportunities |
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Did you know we have a burrowing owl habitat in Shoreline Park? We've been planting native plants there to help increase the population of the burrowing owl's prey base, and, thus, the burrowing owls, a California Species of Special Concern.
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The City of Palo Alto Utilities put together some great guides on how to save energy in various home situations.
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Want to stay updated on more Sustainability news and local events? Like us on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram!
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Subscribe to this newsletter here.
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Read previous newsletters here.
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