| |
Sustainability
News
February 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.
Sign up to receive updates.
| |
|
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 Winter Energy Saving Tips.
| |
|
Sustainability and Climate Action in Marin: A Conversation with 3 of Marin’s Sustainability Coordinators Hosted by Marin Conservation League
February 19th from 10am - 12pm
Meet the Sustainability Staff working for several of Marin’s towns: Phoebe Gouldon for Corte Madera, Bridget Wipfler for San Anselmo/Fairfax and Grace Ledwith for Mill Valley/Tiburon.
You will hear about their goals for 2025, how they coordinate their work, and how Marin citizens can help them meet their towns climate action plans.
In the second hour of the meeting there will be an open discussion about what actions members can advocate for and take, and what can be done by the Climate Action Working Group during 2025.
This panel will be hosted online or in person at Marin Conservation League, 175 N. Redwood Drive, Suite 135, San Rafael.
| |
|
Heat Pumps for Residential Water Heating
February 26th at 6pm
What is a heat pump water heater? Should you make the switch when your current water heater needs to be replaced?
Join this webinar to learn everything you need to know about electric-powered heat pump water heaters.
We will cover how heat pumps water heaters work, what you need to know before installing one, common issues and considerations, common myths, and more. We will also share information on incentive programs that can help pay for your heat pump water heater project, and the local regulation landscape.
Register for the workshop
| |
|
Join a 2025 Repair Fair!
Repair Fairs are free events where community members can bring an item (lamp, bike, clothes, small appliances, etc.) for free repair. Rather than leaving and retuning later to pick up their item, attendees sit with a Repair Coach who explains their approach to fixing the item. The Coach and attendee work collaboratively to try to fix the item, so that attendees learn more about fixing and hopefully feel empowered to try to fix other things. Repair Fairs keep useful items out of the landfill and spread knowledge and love of reuse and repair!
Upcoming Dates:
- February 8th: Corte Madera
- March 8th: Novato
- March 15th: Mill Valley
- April 5th: Sausalito
- May 31st: San Rafael
- June 28th: Fairfax
- August 16th: Marin City
- September 13th: San Anselmo
We encourage you to pre-register items you would like to have fixed at a Repair Fair; you can do so by finding the event you want to attend. Forget to pre-register? We also take walk-ins!
Want to volunteer? We would love to have you volunteer as a Repair Coach! Don’t feel comfortable fixing, but still want to help out? There are also volunteer opportunities to help with check-in and check-out! Fill out the volunteer intake form or email volunteer@reusealliance.org.
| |
|
Zero Waste Valentines - Show Love to the Planet
Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show your love - for your partner, friends, family, and even the planet! This month, we’re focusing on ways to celebrate sustainably and share joy without creating waste.
Check out these tips and ideas for a Zero Waste Valentine’s Day:
- Give the Gift of Experiences: Instead of traditional gifts, opt for memories that won't end up in a landfill
- Create Something from Scratch: Put your personal touch on Valentine's Day by making something special
- Zero Waste Gifts: For those who prefer to give physical gifts consider sustainable options such as a potted plants, reusable items, or a subscription
- For the Kids: In schools, Valentine's Day often involves exchanging cards, candies, or small toys. This year consider alternatives such as seed packets, crafting materials, or reusables
| |
|
Re-Loved & Re-Sourced Market - Call for Vendors!
April 27th at the Mill Valley Community Center
Join us for an inspiring day dedicated to sustainable fashion and creativity at the Re-Loved and Re-Sourced Market! This vibrant event brings together a community of fashion enthusiasts, upcycled artists, and eco-conscious shoppers to celebrate the art of recycling, reusing, and upcycling.
We’re seeking vendors who specialize in:
- Pre-loved clothing and accessories, including purses, jewelry, belts, and scarves.
- Sustainable fashion and upcycled artistry that transforms materials into new creations.
Be part of this movement to make a small, meaningful impact on the fashion industry. If you’re a sustainable fashion designer, stylist, sewist, or upcycled artist, we’d love to feature your work!
Let’s create a marketplace where every item has a story, and every purchase makes a difference. Together, we can build a more circular fashion industry - one piece at a time.
Learn more and apply to be a vendor
| |
|
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, green house gas emissions, waste, and water.
Check out the tracker here
| |
|
Sustainability Tip of the Month | |
Valentine's Day: What's Love Got To Do With It?
Feeling bombarded with Valentine themed stuff everywhere you turn? This Valentine's Day, make memories not waste. Think outside the candy box and try some DIY ideas to celebrate that are light on waste, and hearty on affection. Whether it's family, friends, your community, or even a favorite landscape that you want to celebrate, show your love without a side of litter.
And while you're in the spirit, take a minute to reach out to someone who might appreciate an unexpected valentine: a call, a smile, or a batch of homemade cookies. Your gesture might go a long way to make someone's day.
| |
Subscribe and Share the Newsletter!
Keep updated on local sustainability efforts and how you can get involved
| |
February 5th | 10am - 12pm
Update on Marin Water’s Planning for Water Supply Resiliency As Marin Water faces challenges in resiliency a roadmap is taking shape. Join the conversation about the plan
February 6th | 6pm - 7pm
Clean Transportation for Better Health Join for a discussion to learn about local air quality and its health impacts, transportation solutions, and EV assistance. Register and learn more
February 7th | 7pm - 9pm
Climate Progress: From Politics & Passion to Art & Resilience Join four climate advocates in conversation with CA State Assemblymember Damon Connolly. Join in person in Fairfax
February 9th | 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Stinson Beach Cleanup Join The Surfrider Foundation for an engaging day of toes in the sand and raising awareness about litter and plastic pollution. See more and sign up for the event
February 11th | 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Solar Generators and EV Chargers Chat with California Sunlight on solar generators and EV chargers & learn how to save money and planet. In person San Rafael, see more and register
February 15th | 9am - 12pm
Habitat Restoration with Marin Water Spend some time out on the watershed with your friends and family while preserving Marin’s unique biodiversity. Learn more and sign up
February 19th | 12pm - 1pm
Geothermal Heat Pumps Join to explore the world of Geothermal Heat Pumps (GHPs) and decide if your property is a good fit. See more information and register for the webinar
February 22nd | 9:30am - 12pm
Nature Journaling Explore new ways to observe the environments around us and foster creativity. In person details will be shared with registered participants closer to the event
February 25th | 1pm - 2pm
Backyard Birds and Bird Habitat Learn how to build a simple, sustainablebird-friendly habitat in your backyard. Hosted by Marin Master Gardeners in person at the BelTib Library
| |
Links to Sustainability Organizations | |
Climate Action (Sustainability) Coordinator Contact Information | | | | |