Climate Action Blog Series: Local Action to Take During Earth Month and Beyond 
This April reduce your carbon footprint and create a low-waste lifestyle in celebration of Earth Day and Earth Month. To help get you started, we are sharing sustainability and climate action community events, earth-friendly programs, tools, and workshops. Love our Earth and support community health, together we can have a global impact.  

Save the date for events that the City is hosting or sponsoring: 

  • Re-Making the Future: Youth Sustainability Fair at Mitchell Park Community Center, April 15, 10 a.m. — 1 p.m. 
  • March & Rally for Climate Justice at Palo Alto City Hall King Plaza, April 21, 2–6:30 p.m. 

On Earth Day: April 22 

  • Love our Earth Festival at Menlo Atherton High School, 11 a.m. — 4 p.m. 
  • Earth Day at Rinconada Library, 10 a.m. — 1 p.m. 

Find these events and more ways to take local climate action here. 
EV Discounts Available This Month
The City of Palo Alto Utilities is collaborating with Ride and Drive Clean to offer exclusive EV discounts to Palo Alto residents for the month of March. Purchase or lease an EV at prices below market rates, making it easy and affordable to join the cleaner, greener future and drive electric today. Place your order before March 31 to access these savings. Learn more. 
Free Fuel-Efficient Rides this Month on Palo Alto Link, New City Ride-share Service 
Palo Alto Link is the City’s new rideshare service. Catch a ride for free until April 7. Palo Alto Link connects residents to most citywide destinations. The rideshare service is easy, affordable and eco-friendly. Visit this page to download the app and book you first ride today. 
New Bay Area Policy will Phase Out Gas Water Heaters and Furnaces
Last week, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District board voted to approve the nation’s first zero-NOx standard for furnaces and water heaters. The move essentially bans gas water heaters beginning in 2027 and gas furnaces beginning in 2029. This new policy is focused on reducing GHG emissions in all Bay Area cities. Get a jump start on switching your gas water heater to an electric water heater through a new City program. Switching to electric is better for the environment, your wallet, and your health. Learn more here.  
Clean Bay Plan 2023 Pollution Prevention Report Released
The City’s Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) treats wastewater from Palo Alto and surrounding communities. This new report describes environmental concerns, RWQCP program updates, and key goals and priorities for the future. Learn about how the RWQCP has reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from wastewater treatment and progress updates on the City’s sea level rise adaptation strategy. View the full report here. 
Prepare Your Spring Garden with Free Compost
Palo Alto residents can pick up free compost at the new Compost Giveaway Station. Compost is the natural process of decomposition of organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, into valuable soil amendment. Turning organic materials into compost can reduce waste and eliminate potent greenhouse gases produced when these materials decompose in landfills. Learn more here. 

If you are planting a garden this spring, consider using native plants to reduce water use and support biodiversity. Visit this page for landscape guides and resources. 
Upcoming Events
EVs for Backup Power
Tuesday, March 28 | 7:00 – 8:00pm | Virtual

Join EV experts to learn how EVs can power all things electric, from your cell phone to your entire home. Register and learn more. 
Trilingual EV Financial Incentives Clinic
Wednesday, April 5 | 7:00 – 8:00 pm | Virtual

Learn about the many financial assistance programs for the purchase of an electric vehicle available to income qualifying residents. Register here. 
Public Tours of the Silicon Valley Advanced Water Purification Center
Friday, April 7 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Saturday, April 8 | 9:00 - 11:00 am

Attend a free tour for an up-close experience to learn about recycled water, water supply resiliency, and long-term solutions to protect us from drought. Learn more.