| Action | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting Emissions from Heating | Palo Alto - Attic Insulation Rebate |
Palo Alto residents can receive a $0.20 per square foot rebate when proper R-38 attic insulation is installed as a retrofit. For example, a 1,000 square foot attic would be eligible for a $200 rebate. Visit the SmartEnergy website or call (650) 329-2241. Proper attic insulation can reduce heating and cooling needs by up to 30%. Since heating and cooling typically account for the largest amount of energy used in the average California home, you can save money year-round on your energy bills. |
| Staying Clean with Less Hot Water | California Legislation on Low-Flow Shower Heads |
This article provides information on 2013 legislation that requires the sale of only low-flow shower heads. You may choose to order a low-flow showerhead online at High Sierra Showerheads. However regular retail stores are now required by law to stock low-flow showerheads as well.
|
| Reducing Water Used for Toilet Flushing |
LA - Save Our Water Rebates LA - Water Smart Rebates |
The state of California is currently providing rebates to households who install high efficiency toilets. |
| Staying Clean with Less Hot Water | SF - PUC |
Arrange for your free Water-Wise consultation and free water-saving devices. Check out other free and incentive programs for water use reduction, provided by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (PUC). |
| Resolving Disputes on the Block | LA - City Attorney's Mediation Program |
Neighbors have easy access to a process that can help them resolve problems. Mediation is offered to City of Los Angeles residents for free by the City Attorney's office |
| Creating a Streamside “Grow Zone” | LA - Green Gardens Group |
Green Gardens Group offers a variety of classes that help educate people to use their landscape to save soil, sequester carbon, secure water supplies, and restore watersheds. |
| Creating a Community Vegetable Garden | Palo Alto - Community Gardens |
Scattered throughout Palo Alto are plots of land dedicated to providing Palo Altans with a place to dig their hands into the soil and plant vegetables, flowers, and herbs. These gardens provide the following benefits: less reliance on commercially grown produce; reducing greenhouse gas emissions resulting from food transport; a focal point for community gathering and interaction; and increased physical activity. Contact: Catherine Bourquin at catherine.bourquin@cityofpaloalto.org. |
| Creating Sustainable Landscaping | Palo Alto - Bay Area Water-saving Plants |
Learn about water-saving plants suitable for the Bay Area. Rebates are available here. In addition, Palo Alto maintains a "Water & Drought Update", providing additional water user guidelines. |
| Reducing Your Household Waste | SF - Resources for Reuse |
Where can you donate unwanted items? Check out this rich list of resources for arranging for reuse of your stuff. This tool provided by SF Environment. |
| Achieving Maximum Energy Efficiency | LA - CA Low Income Weatherization Program |
The California Weatherization Assistance Program reduces the heating and cooling costs for low-income families by improving the energy efficiency of their homes and ensuring their health and safety. Click here for LA-specific providers. |
Our neighborhood. Our planet.
Resources
“Cities are the platform for change in our world today. The Cool Block links the challenges facing our planet to the intimate, personal, social scale of the city block. This program starts and ends with the premise and promise—that the individual, household, and neighbors are the way forward in the face of seemingly insoluble global problems.”
