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

HOV Diamond Dozen Challenge: Log Trips, Earn Rewards, Make an Impact

From September 1 through October 31, you can help celebrate the upcoming September opening of the HOV lanes between Marin and Sonoma with two full months of exciting challenges and rewards. Since September is Transit Month, your mission is simple: log 12 transit trips this month and you’ll be automatically entered into a drawing to win one of six $100 gift cards.

Whether you’re riding the bus, hopping on a ferry, or taking the train, every transit trip you log brings you closer to your diamond dozen!

Then on October 1, we’ll shift into Rideshare Month and expand the challenge so that any combination of 12 shared trips - transit, carpool, or vanpool - will earn you another shot at winning one of six $100 gift cards. By joining the HOV Diamond Dozen Challenge, you’ll celebrate the season during Transit and Rideshare Month, get ready to use the new Highway 101 HOV lanes, and earn rewards just by logging 12 eligible trips each month. Plus, you’ll make an impact by reducing traffic and emissions while building a cleaner, more connected community.

Join the HOV Diamond Dozen Challenge and learn more!

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.

Spring online teams start on Thursday, September 11th at 4pm or Wednesday, September 17th at 6:30pm

Sign up today!

Ember Stomp 2025

September 6th 10am - 4pm at the Marin County Fairgrounds

This free event invites residents to learn how we can all prepare for wildfire. The event includes wildfire products and service providers, fire smart landscaping exhibits, live burn demos, and a kid’s area. Live music, food trucks, art and firefighting goats will guarantee a good time!

In addition to festival favorites, Ember Stomp 2025 will introduce new, cutting-edge exhibits and simulations that explore climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and fire suppression innovations, offering attendees a deeper and more interactive experience.

Learn more about the 2025 Ember Stomp

The Great Closet Cleanout

September 26th 4pm - 7pm at the Mill Valley Community Center

Clear out those closets and give your gently used men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing a second life. We’re also collecting Halloween costumes to help local families celebrate in style this spooky season.

Then, come back for our FREE Clothing & Costume Pick-Up Event where the whole community can browse and take home items at no cost, just in time for fall and Halloween!

Please remember: All donations must be clean and in good condition. We kindly ask that you do not donate underwear, socks, bathing suits, or household items, and note that no donations will be accepted on the day of the event.

Let’s come together to recycle, repurpose, and uplift our neighbors, one outfit at a time!

Donation Drop-off Period Details

Location: Mill Valley Community Center

Dates: September 8 - 12 & September 15 - 19

Time: 9am - 5pm

Location: Mill Valley Aquatics & Fitness Center

Dates: September 8 - 21

Days/Times: 

• Monday - Thursday: 6am - 7:30pm
• Friday: 6am - 6pm
• Saturday - Sunday: 8:15am - 4:30pm

Questions? Email Grace Ledwith

California Costal Cleanup Day

September 20th 9am - 12pm

Join the Trashure Hunt! This year, California Coastal Cleanup Day will become the world's largest scavenger hunt. Special "trash" items will be hidden at cleanup sites all across the state. If you find one of them, you can redeem it for valuable prizes! Find your local cleanup site and learn everything you need to know about how to participate on the map of cleanup site locations.

Learn more about the 40 year history of California Coastal Cleanup Day.

“How To” on Refill

Many of us are familiar with the phrase

'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle', but did you know it’s in that order for a reason? Reduce and Reuse are two of the most important ways we can address waste, and visiting a refill store can help us do both!

1. Select Your Container: If you need a refill on liquid shampoo and conditioner, hand soap, dish soap, or laundry detergent, a great place to start is just to use whatever container your product originally came in. If you have an empty plastic shampoo bottle, for example, hang onto it for use at the refill store. If you’re visiting the bulk food section of the grocery store, you might use a jar you saved from pasta sauce, or some other container you have on hand.

2. Find a Store Near You: If you’re not sure where your closest refill store is, check out this list on the Zero Waste Marin website. Many grocery stores now have bulk food sections as well.

3. Weigh Your Container: Once you’re at the store, there will be a scale for you to weigh the container you brought with you. This step is to ensure that you can subtract the weight of the container itself, and only pay for the weight of the product. Typically there is a sticker or piece of tape for you to write the weight on the container.

4. Refill! Fill each container you brought with your desired item.

5. Enjoy reducing waste! You did it! Refilling can be intimidating when you do it for the first time, but once you figure out the method that works for you, it can be a great way to reduce waste.

Save the Date: Marin Green Home Tour Returns In Person!

September 27th 11am - 3pm

Join the in-person Marin Green Home Tour, a unique opportunity to explore local homes that showcase the latest in energy efficiency, electrification, water conservation, and climate resilience. Get inspired by real-life examples of sustainable living right here in Marin County.

Interested in Showcasing Your Home?

Tour organizers are currently seeking Marin County residents who are excited to share their green home upgrades. Whether you've installed heat pumps, solar panels, induction cooktops, greywater systems, or other sustainable features, we’d love to hear from you! To sign up as a host complete this form

To learn more contact energy@marincounty.gov or call (415) 473-3069.

Marin Sustainability Tracker

Are you familiar with the Marin Sustainability Tracker? This tool from the Marin Climate and Energy Partnership (MCEP) is an interactive map that shows how each jurisdiction is doing in terms of sustainable development. It covers categories such as energy, transportation, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and water.

Check out the tracker here

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