Sustainability

News


August 2025, City of Mill Valley & Town of Tiburon

Visit Our Sustainability Pages

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

Sustainable Summer Guide


The sun is shining, the days are long, and the call of outdoor adventures is strong. As we dive into the joys of summer, it's the perfect time to think about how we can make our fun a little lighter on the planet.


  • Reusable Revolution: Ditch the disposables! Pack your favorite reusable plates, cutlery, cups, and cloth napkins. Consider a picnic basket stocked with these essentials for easy grab-and-go fun.
  • Bulk Bonanza: Planning your menu? Head to local stores with bulk sections for snacks, nuts, and even ingredients for homemade dips.
  • Compost & Recycle Smart: Set up a designated spot at your picnic or BBQ for guests to compost and recycle their items correctly.
  • Pack Smart: Your must-haves for any adventure should include a reusable water bottle, a travel coffee cup, and reusable snack containers.
  • Sustainable Souvenirs: Instead of plastic trinkets, opt for experiences like a local tour, a museum visit, or a special meal.
  • Leave No Trace: If you're hiking or visiting natural areas, remember the "pack it in, pack it out" rule.


Thank you for being a part of the effort towards a zero-waste summer!

Different images such as a bike water bottle and the earth on a plain background with text that reads tips for a zero waste summer

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!

Screenshot of Zoom workshop for resilient neighborhoods with participants posing and smiling

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


Join us on Saturday, September 27, from 12pm - 4pm for 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 learn more or sign up as a host, contact energy@marincounty.gov or call (415) 473-3069.

Black outlines of homes on a green background

Electrify Marin: Rebates Available for a Cleaner, Safer Home


Looking to make your home healthier, more energy-efficient, and better for the planet? The Electrify Marin Rebate Program can help you do just that and save money in the process.


Marin County is offering rebates to homeowners and renters who replace old, gas-powered appliances with efficient, all-electric alternatives. Upgrading to electric appliances not only reduces your carbon footprint, but can also improve indoor air quality and support California’s transition to clean energy. Rebates are available for a wide range of upgrades, including:


  • Heat pump water heaters
  • Heat pump HVAC systems
  • Induction cooktops and ranges
  • Heat pump clothes dryers
  • Electrical panel upgrades (when needed to support appliance changes)


Additional rebates are available for income-qualified households, making this program even more accessible to those who need it most.


Visit Electrify Marin’s website to review eligible equipment, find contractors, and apply online. For questions or assistance, contact energy@marincounty.gov or call (415) 473-3069.


After almost six successful years and over $1.3 million in rebates, the Electrify Marin budget is reaching its end. At the current rate of projects, the remaining budget is expected to be fully expended by the end of October 2025.


A graphic image of an outline of a green home with an electrical plug inside with the text 'Electrify Marin' below

Yellow Bus Passes Now on Sale in Tiburon!


Yellow School Bus passes are on sale now for the next school year. This program helps reduce traffic congestion along Tiburon Boulevard during school bell times. This helps reduce both transportation emissions and harmful fumes from idling cars waiting to pick up children from school.


Purchase your pass now to ensure delivery by the beginning of the school year. To buy passes, visit the Tiburon Peninsula Traffic Alliance website.


Questions? Email info@tiburontraffic.org

birds eye view of a yellow school bus picking up children from school

Pre Registration Open for Free Chipper Days!


Reduce wildfire risk and keep your property safe with free Chipper Day services offered throughout Marin County! Schedule a pickup to have your branches, limbs, and other vegetation debris collected and chipped at no cost. Funded by local fire agencies, this program helps residents create defensible space and comply with fire-safe regulations.


Learn more about the program and reserve your pickup today

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

Sustainability Tip of the Month

It's back to school season but don't forget to take a little time to get the kids out in the wild and embrace some earth-friendly fun. 


According to Einstein, play is the highest form of research. "Kindle their love of nature" and watch kids connect and care for the world around them. Foster curiosity and empower kids to protect the natural world they are a part of. Find stories that teach caring for nature.


And don't forget to listen! Research shows kids are making their families more eco friendly. Incorporate their ideas as you incorporate more sustainable home habits.


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August Events

August 6th | 12pm - 1pm & 5:30pm - 7pm

Electrify Your Ride join experts for an informative session on how to make the switch to an EV hosted by Groundfloor and Sustainable San Rafael. In person at 907 4th St in San Rafael


August 6th | 10am - 1pm

Introduction to Aesthetic Pruning this event will review fundamental concepts and techniques in the pruning of trees and shrubs hosted by Marin Master Gardeners. See online event info


August 6th | 10am - 12pm

Novato Creek Baylands Strategy learn about the restoration strategy to meet goals for flood protection, habitat, sea level rise, and other benefits hosted by MCL. Register on Zoom


August 8th | 12pm - 1pm

EV Discount Campaign learn how to save on a new EV, review discounts and models available for the Summer 2025 campaign hosted by Ride and Drive Clean. See virtual event details


August 7th | 6pm - 7pm

350 Marin Intern Presentations hear presentations by Megan Henderson and Charlotte Kingman on the research they did this summer. Learn more and get meeting information


August 7th | 3pm - 4pm

Your Climate Friendly Wallet participate in this hands-on workshop that will walk through how to move your money to climate-friendly banks and institutions. Learn more and sign up


August 12th | 2pm - 4pm

Ecologically Sound Practices Partnership (ESP) Meeting learn about current plans, progress, obstacles, and challenges including thoughts on biomass disposition. Join the virtual meeting


August 12th | 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Seacology: Protecting Unique Island Habitats and Cultures learn about threatened island ecosystems hosted by Marin Green Drinks. Learn more about this in person event


August 14th | 3pm - 5pm

Enabling All the Public to Visit Public Lands learn from the Marin County Parks Manager to make it possible for people to visit public lands hosted by MCL. Register on Zoom


August 14th | 5pm - 6pm

Green Solutions for a Changing Planet learn about nature-based solutions in the Bay Area and what they actually look like hosted by Save the Bay. Learn more and register for the webinar


August 16th | 1pm - 4pm

Marin City Repair Fair and Clothing/Book Swap do you have a lamp, small appliance, textile, or bike in need of repair? Bring it to this event! Learn more and preregister items


August 21st | 1pm - 4pm

Whole Home Batteries: Costs, Benefits, and Payback this webinar will explore the idea of a battery as an insurance policy for solar investments hosted by Electrify Now. Register on Zoom


Climate Action Plans (CAPs)

City of Mill Valley's and Town of Tiburon's goals for reducing green house gas emissions


City of Mill Valley Climate Action Plan

Town of Tiburon Climate Action Plan

Links to Sustainability Organizations

Zero Waste Marin

Ride and Drive Clean

Marin Conservation League

Resilient Neighborhoods

Sustainable Marin

Climate Action (Sustainability) Coordinator Contact Information

Grace Ledwith


gledwith@cityofmillvalley.gov | gledwith@townoftiburon.org