Fall in Love with Sustainability

Read the latest blog from our Climate Action Serie s to fall in love with sustainability and learn more about upcoming events, workshops, and programs that will leave you feeling inspired, informed, and ready to take climate action. Together, we can commit to a greener community by attending a Climate Protection Working Group Meeting, taking a walking tour, and exploring vibrant gardens. Plus, conserving is cool, gain tips to save energy during hot weather.

Recognize Clean Air Day on September 28

Join students, families, individuals, businesses, and organizations across California taking steps to improve our state’s air quality. Discover the power of clean air, electrification, and sustainability at the Clean Air at Home event hosted in partnership with 350 Silicon Valley Palo Alto and the Palo Alto Student Climate Coalition. Learn from City staff experts, explore sustainable resources, and connect with neighbors who have the answers to home upgrade questions all while enjoying free ice cream! Join us Saturday, September 28, 1–3 p.m. at Mitchell Park Community Center in the El Palo Alto room. Meanwhile, stop by your local library and pick up one of these Breathe Fresh, Power Smart Sustainable Home Solutions Books curated specially for Clean Air Day, October 2.

Palo Alto Community Survey Open Now

The Palo Alto Community Survey is closing in two weeks! The 2024 Palo Alto Community Survey was initially sent via mail to a sample of registered voters that are a statistically valid population of Palo Alto. If you received the survey in the mail, please complete that survey or use the unique link to take it online. The survey is also now open to all residents online and is an opportunity for Palo Alto residents to provide feedback and input on current services, programs, and unmet needs and priorities. There are several sustainability and climate action questions. Sharing your input is one way among many through which the City gains insights from our community. The deadline to complete the survey in either format is October 7. Take the survey now: www.cityofpaloalto.org/communitysurvey2024.

Take the Planet Protection Pledge

Palo Alto’s Planet Protection Pledge invites you to become a climate changemaker in the community by completing five climate and/or sustainability actions this year to become a Local Climate Hero. For Clear Air Day, find actions to pledge that improve the natural environment and the air we breathe.

Change up your commute to work or school: Start by pledging to walk, bike, carpool, or take public transit a few times a month, and consider switching your commute all together if it works for you. Use Safe Routes maps and resources to help you transition.
Switch to a heat pump water heater: The City is offering free, expert help to get your permits, installers, and rebates worth thousands of dollars to install a new water heater. One Call Does It All During a Water Heater Emergency too! Residents can call the same program phone number (650) 713-3411 for both emergency and non-emergency heat pump water heater replacement.
Choose plant-based: Pledge to participate in Meatless Monday or pledge to eat plant-based for a whole week or month - it's up to you! Learn more about the environmental benefits and find tips for eating plant-based.
Track your tree inventory: Add your yard trees to the Canopy Tree Plotter. This easy-to-use tool helps us better understand and care for our urban forest. Plus, it’s a great way to learn more about the trees in your community.

Water & Home Safety Tips

Ant sprays can expose your family and pets to harmful pesticides and contribute to creek pesticide pollution in the Bay Area. Instead, try these safe methods:

Remove sources of food and water that may lure ants inside.
Clean up with soapy water.
Seal entry points with caulk and diatomaceous earth.
Use bait stations on ant trails.
When outdoors, tolerate ants—they help with soil aeration and garden cleanup.

These steps protect both your home and the environment! Visit the City's Household Hazardous Waste page to learn how to properly dispose of hazardous materials or visit ourwaterourworld.org for less toxic solutions.

New! HPWH Emergency Replacement Plan

One call still does it all! Even in an emergency, you can be an eco-hero like nearly 500 of your neighbors by switching to a heat pump water heater. The City expanded its heat pump water heater program by adding an emergency water heater replacement service.

Residents can call the same program phone number (650) 713-3411 for both emergency and non-emergency water heater replacement. Think of this as your first responder hot water heater crew.

Don’t have an emergency, and ready to make the switch? Call (650) 713-3411 or visit https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Utilities/Residential/Ways-to-Save/Switch-to-a-Heat-Pump-Water-Heater to #HeatPumpItUp.

Bike Palo Alto: Oct. 6

Ready to bike around town? Bring your school-aged children to learn how to bike to school safely at Bike Palo Alto. Ride along with us on October 6 from 1 to 3 p.m. for an afternoon of fitness, fun, and learning. Explore Palo Alto’s parks, open spaces and other fun destinations using route maps to find little known bike bridges, off-road trails and less traveled streets that make bicycling Palo Alto easy and fun. This free, city-sponsored event offers booths, including: bicycle mini tune-ups, how-to-fit-your-helmet help, safe riding tips, and more. Visit a Stanford Research Park booth offering free bike lights (while supplies last). Save time on event day by registering in advance.

Energy & Water Efficiency Tips

Saving energy and water benefits the environment and saves you money on your utility bill. Learn about your household water consumption through WaterSmart and find custom recommendations on how to save. Then, check out the most impactful efficiency tips, rebates, and home upgrades to help you save while keeping your home comfortable year-round.