Every Action Counts this Earth Month
Earth Day is Monday, April 22. This Earth Month, we are encouraging the community to embrace sustainability in all areas of your life. The Planet Protection Pledge helps you take action for the planet and learn about what you can do year-round to make a positive impact on the environment. In this community update, find local climate action inspiration. Plus, find all the ways you can celebrate Earth Month at the Palo Alto Earth Day Festival on Sunday, April 21, 1–4 p.m. at Rinconada Library.
Planet Protection Pledge
Take the Planet Protection Pledge this Earth Month. This new effort empowers our community to play an active role in achieving the goals of the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan. By participating, discover actionable steps and connect with resources to support a greener community. Whether you’re new to sustainability or a seasoned environmental advocate, the Planet Protection Pledge offers pathways for everyone to make a meaningful impact for our planet.
Participation is simple — pledge five actions you will take this year based on your own sustainability living goals. Fulfill the pledge to become a Local Climate Hero and join a community of your neighbors making a difference for the planet. Get started at www.cityofpaloalto.org/PlanetPledge.
Get inspired by the actions listed below!
Transportation Options to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
How to get around is a decision we make every day with major effects on the planet. Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Palo Alto. Eco-friendly transportation choices are a simple and impactful way to make a difference. Commit to walking or biking for local trips, opt for public transit whenever possible, or utilize the City’s eco-friendly rideshare service, Palo Alto Link.
Riding an e-bike or driving an electric vehicle can make your trips carbon free. Explore electric vehicle options at an EV expo or test ride an e-bike to learn more about transitioning to electric transportation.
Go Electric in Your Home for a Greener Community
Energy efficiency and switching gas appliances to electric will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from your home and help improve your house air quality and safety. Start by checking the end-of-life date on your water heater and replace it with a heat pump water heater. Replacing your old gas furnace with an electric heat pump system will cool and heat your home with clean energy. Other appliances, like your stove and dryer, can also be upgraded to electric options. If you’re not sure where to start, a free phone consultation with the City’s Efficiency Advisor can help. Need financial support to complete these projects? Learn more and get help from GoGreen Home Energy Financing.
Conserve Water and Learn How to Track Consumption
As we enter spring and summer, it’s a great time to think about how to conserve water. WaterSmart shows how much water you are using and gives customized recommendations to reduce your water use. Upgrading to water-efficient showerheads and faucet aerators for free will conserve water in your home, while converting your lawn to native, drought tolerant landscaping can reduce water use outdoors.
Reduce Waste
The waste we produce impacts our natural environment. Reduce waste in your home, at work, in the garden, and when you shop. Zero Waste Living has everything you need to get started on your Zero Waste journey.
Protect the Natural Environment
From the Bay to the foothills, we are lucky to be surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes in Palo Alto, and we can all take action to protect it. Be a steward of our urban canopy by taking care of trees on your property or contributing to the Canopy Tree Plotter. Keep our watersheds clean by preventing runoff from your property with a rain garden, rain barrel, or pervious pavement.
Be a Climate Action Advocate
Amplify your impact by encouraging others to take action for the planet. Share your knowledge about climate change and the environment with the next generation by reading a book to a child, or choose one of these titles to expand your own knowledge about environmental issues. Encourage someone else to take the Planet Protection Pledge and multiply the number of actions we take as a community.
Ready to take action? Take the Planet Protection Pledge today!
Attend Palo Alto Earth Day Festival: April 21
Sunday, April 21 | 1–4 p.m. | Rinconada Library
Celebrate sustainability with the whole family! Get artsy at the upcycled art exhibit, check out the electric waste truck, and enjoy live animal encounters. Explore our local natural environment through pollinator garden tours and learn how to cook on an induction cooktop from an award-winning chef. Find resources to electrify your life and live sustainably from City staff and local environmental organizations. You don’t want to miss it! Learn more.
More Events
Family Craft: Layers of the Earth
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 | 3:30 p.m. — 4:30 p.m.
Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd
Compost Workshop
Saturday, April 6 | 10 a.m. — noon | Learn more.
Lucie Stern Community Center, 1305 Middlefield Rd
Earth Day Author Event: Heather Ferranti Kinser
Saturday April 20 | 3–4 p.m. | Learn more.
Midtown Room — Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd
Free Neighborhood Tree Walk
Hosted by Canopy
Saturday May 11 | 10 a.m. — 12 p.m. | Sign up.
Location TBA
Join the Conversation and Get More Online Resources
- Sign up to receive the Sustainability e-Newsletter here
- For details on the City’s Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, go to www.cityofpaloalto.org/climateaction
- Read previous Climate Blog Series posts here
- For more on ways to switch from gas to electric in your home, go here: cityofpaloalto.org/GoElectric
- To connect with the community on ways to take local climate action, visit the Sustainability Hub
