Sustainability Open Hours

Tuesdays 9am - 11am

Have questions or want to share comments about sustainability initiatives in Mill Valley or Tiburon? Come speak to the Climate Action Coordinator during virtual open hours! They will operate on a first come first serve basis and be held weekly via Zoom.

Register for the meetings

Make This Holiday Season Zero Waste!

The holiday season is a time for celebration, connection, and generosity, but it’s also one of the most wasteful times of the year. Between gift wrap, packaging, food waste, and decorations, household waste can increase by over 25% during the holidays. This December let’s embrace the spirit of giving and sustainability by celebrating a Zero Waste Holiday Season!

Thoughtful, Low-Waste Gifting

Give gifts that are meaningful and mindful. Choose experiences over items (like tickets, memberships, or homemade coupons), support local artisans and secondhand shops, or make DIY gifts like baked goods or upcycled crafts. Try to avoid over-packaging or single-use plastic items.

Wrap It Right

Did you know that most wrapping paper isn’t recyclable, especially if it’s glossy, glittery, or metallic? Go green by wrapping gifts in reusable fabric, newspaper, brown kraft paper, or even old maps or calendars. Tie it all together with natural twine or fabric ribbons that can be reused year after year.

Mindful Meals

Whether you’re hosting or attending a holiday meal, planning ahead can help reduce food waste. Share leftovers, compost food scraps, and avoid overbuying. If you’re gifting baked goods or food items, consider packaging them in glass jars, tins, or reusable containers.

Sustainable Decor

Decorate with nature and reuse! Pinecones, branches, citrus garlands, and dried flowers make beautiful, compostable decorations. Reuse lights and ornaments from previous years, and resist the urge to buy trendy, short-lived décor that may end up in the trash come January.

Give Back to the Planet

Make sustainability a family tradition. Volunteer, donate gently used items, or spend time outdoors enjoying nature. It’s a perfect season to reflect on how small actions can make a big impact — for our community and the planet.

For more information check out Zero Waste Marin's Holiday Gift Guide

Free Climate Action Workshops

Are you ready to make a difference? Join Resilient Neighborhoods for an informative and inspiring 5-session workshop designed for Marin home renters and owners.

You will learn: 

• Practical tips and strategies to reduce your carbon footprint
• The power of individual action and collective impact
• How to make informed consumer choices
• Simple steps to reduce energy consumption at home (for home renters and owners!)
• Sustainable transportation options and habits.
• Eco-friendly food choices and waste reduction techniques
• Steps to be prepared for climate-related emergencies

Let's work together to build more sustainable lifestyles and a greener future.

Winter online teams start on Thursday, January 8, at 6:30pm or Wednesday, January 14, at 4pm

Sign up today!

Make the Most of the Rainy Season - Earn Rebates for Capturing Rainwater!

With winter storms rolling in, now is the perfect time to take advantage of Marin Water’s Rainwater Harvesting Rebate Program. Residential and commercial customers with active potable water service can receive up to $0.75 per gallon of storage, with a maximum rebate of $2,000 per site, for installing qualifying rain barrels or cisterns. It’s an easy way to conserve water, reduce runoff, and make the most of every rainy day.

How to Get Your Rebate:

1. Purchase & install a qualifying rain barrel or cistern at a property served by Marin Water.
2. Submit your application within 90 days, including your sales receipt (keep a copy for your records).
3. Include IRS Form W-9 if your total rebates for the tax year exceed $600.
4. Provide installation photos
5. Prepare for a possible site inspection. Marin Water will contact you if needed.

Learn more about the rebate program and apply today

Christmas Tree Composting

Rather than sending your Christmas tree to a landfill at the end of the season, help us create healthy soils by composting your tree!

Please make sure to remove the tree stand and all decorations (lights, ornaments, tinsel, etc)

For Mill Valley Refuse Service Customers:

• 1/5/26 - 1/16/26 place your tree on the curb on your regular collection day. Trees must be cut into pieces four feet or less in length
• Or, cut your holiday tree into pieces and place it in your green compost cart, as long as the lid closes.
• After 1/16/26 an additional fee may apply

Save Energy, Save Money - It’s Easier Than You Think to Conserve Energy!



Small, simple steps can make a big difference in reducing energy waste and cutting costs. Start with a DIY home energy assessment: let in natural warmth by opening south-facing curtains during the day, unplug unused appliances, switch to energy-efficient LED lights, cover drafty windows, seal leaks around doors and windows, lower your thermostat at night or when you're away, and set your water heater to 120°F. These actions not only save energy but also begin to move your home toward a low-carbon, electrified future.

PG&E customers can take advantage of HomeIntel, a free program offering personalized plans and expert coaching to save even more.

For additional resources and energy-saving tips, check out these Fall and Winter Energy Saving Tips.

EV Discounts Webinar

December 9th 6pm - 7pm

Looking to go electric and save money? Join Ride and Drive Clean for the EV Discount Campaign webinar and discover how to make the most of today’s best electric vehicle deals. In this free online event, you’ll learn how to:

• Save big on featured, good-value EVs
• Take advantage of available incentives for both purchases and leases
• Understand the benefits of leasing vs. buying
• Get an inside look at the featured EVs and what makes them stand out
• Ask questions in a live Q&A with EV experts from Ride and Drive Clean and Cartelligent.

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.

Learn more and sign up for the Zoom webinar

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