PROJECT NAME Program Party Packs Make Your Next Party ECO-FRIENDLY! Zero-waste parties are gaining in popularity. Why not borrow the items you need (to serve up to 40 guests) instead of buying single-use throwaways? Reusable Party Packs Available to Borrow from GreenTown Los Altos GreenTown Los Altos has put together two Party Packs (each serving 20 people) for loan to local residents who want their parties to be eco-friendly. Each Party Pack contains 20 reusable plates, bowls, flatware, and cups by Preserve brand (100% recycled plastic, BPA- and melamine-free, and dishwasher safe) plus 20 cotton easy-to-launder napkins. Borrow one or both Party Packs! Party Pack items will be clean and ready to use when you pick them up, and we just ask that you return them clean and ready for the next borrower. Help our community reduce single-use unrecyclable plastic that is littering our landscapes and polluting our oceans. For more information, please email us at partypack@greentownlosaltos.org or use the form in the link under resources (to the right) to request to borrow a Party Pack. RESOURCES OPTIONAL RESOURCE OPTIONAL RESOURCE OPTIONAL RESOURCE OPTIONAL RESOURCE OPTIONAL RESOURCE OPTIONAL RESOURCE OPTIONAL RESOURCE CONTACT US NATURE IS CALLING! Want to encourage song birds and butterflies? Plant a pollinator garden with California native plants! Small pollinator gardens scattered throughout the city will form a healthy connection for the insects and birds that will help them thrive. Where will the Living Electric Fair take place? The Living Electric Fair will run along the stretch of State Street between 3rd and 4th street, as well as parts of Plaza Central and the Veterans Community Plaza. Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies! Please enjoy these vegan chocolate chip cookies! The recipe was developed by GreenTown's 2023 summer interns. They also developed many other recipes and have compiled a cookbook to get you stared on your "Eating Green" journey. Look for the cookbook soon... Many thanks to local baker Daphne Ross for baking and donating these delectable treats for our Annual Fundraiser. You can learn more about Daphne here: www.snack-dragon.com NATIVE POLLINATOR GARDEN PROGRAM Pick out a small sunny location on your property, about 100sf, or a circle about 11ft. in diameter, and we will suggest some plants that will look attractive and as a group will provide color that spans the entire blooming season. We offer two levels of support: Premium Full Service: We consult with the homeowner, present our suggested plants, purchase the plants and mulch, and with the help of volunteers, plant everything. The homeowner will water the plants and weed as necessary. Cost: $250 Do it Yourself: We consult with the homeowner, present our suggested plants, purchase the plants and mulch, but the homeowner plants everything and waters the plants and weeds as needed. Cost: $175 These prices cover most but not all of our costs. We will start planting in January and will cap the Premium Full Service at ten (10) recipients for this first year. If you are interested please sign up using the form on this page. Can I ride by bike to the event? Yes, absolutely! We encourage you to bike or walk to the event. There are many racks around downtown Los altos where you can park and lock your bikes! Recipe INGREDIENTS 1 cup all purpose flour 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/4 cup white sugar 1/4 cup brown sugar 2 tbsp oat milk/ milk of choice 2 tbsp vegan butter 1/4 tsp vanilla extract 1/3 cup chocolate chip INSTRUCTIONS Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl, then add all wet ingredients If needed, add an additional tablespoon of milk Fold in chocolate chips Cover and place in fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes Line a sheet pan with parchment paper Form balls with approximately 2 tbsp of dough, and place at least 3 inches apart on the sheet pan Place pan back into fridge for additional 30 minutes, while waiting, preheat oven to 325° Bake for 12 minutes, rotating the pan half way through to ensure even baking Once out of the oven, leave untouched for 15 minutes then enjoy! Notes: We found that Miyokos cultured butter had the best results Will potable water be available? We will be organizing water filling stations around the exhibits. You can also fill up inside State Street Market. Please bring your reusable water bottles that you can fill! RESEARCH GreenTown's 2025 Summer interns, Luke Byrne, Huck Twerdahl and Sahana Srinivasan laid the groundwork for the pollinator gardens with their research in Sustainable Landscapes in Los Altos. They were mentored by Gary Hedden, Madhuri Davidson & KJ Janowski. Below are links to their presentation & Video BACKGROUND When it comes to plant-based diets, what’s not to like? It’s good for our planet, good for our health and good for the animals! GreenTown Los Altos is here to support YOU and local restaurants in transitioning to more plant-based meals! Here’s why. Healthy Planet = Healthy People Plant-based eating is good for the planet A plant-based diet reduces greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) – Raising animals for human consumption is a major cause of climate change, generating 18 percent of all GHGs globally. Eating green saves freshwater resources – Nearly 30 percent of freshwater is used for animal agriculture and animal agriculture is a large source of pollution of waterways, coastal areas and coral reefs. Plant-based eating results in more sustainable land use – Three-quarters of all agricultural land is used for animal agriculture. Increased land use for animal agriculture is a key factor in deforestation leading to species extinction and biodiversity loss. Seventy percent of previous forested land in the Amazon is now pasture and feed-crops cover a large part of the remainder. Healthy Bodies = Happy Bodies Eating green is good for your health A low-fat, plant-based diet, combined with regular exercise and a healthy overall lifestyle, can prevent, delay and even reverse heart disease and other cardiovascular events. Plant-based diets have been shown to control and reverse Type II diabetes. Large healthcare organizations, like Kaiser Permanente now advise all of their 17,000+ physicians to recommend a plant-based diet to all their patients. Happy Animals = Happy Planet Plant-based diets are compassionate Plant-based eating reduces animal death and enables animals to live out their full lives. For every person in the world, more than 10 animals are slaughtered each year. Animals are slaughtered at a fraction of their lifespan. Chickens naturally live for 10 years, but when bred for meat, they are typically killed at 6 weeks. Pigs, which live for 15 years, are typically killed at 6 months. Plant-based eating spares animal suffering. The vast majority of chickens, cows and pigs are raised on concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) to maximize efficiency and profitability in living conditions that are not humane. Animals are denied their basic instincts, like roaming, nesting, and nurturing their young. Los Altos and Los Altos Hills residents want to eat more plants More than two-thirds of omnivores surveyed in Los Altos/Hills want to eat more plant-based foods. Nearly half of the omnivores surveyed are not happy with the number of plant-based options at local restaurants. This number jumps to two-third when vegans and vegetarians are included. Barriers to residents adopting more plant-based foods at home include a lack of recipes and concerns about nutrition. That’s where we come in. References Livestock’s long shadow (UN FAO 2006) The water footprint of poultry, pork and beef: A comparative study in different countries and production systems Sustaining Life: How Human Health Depends on Biodiversity Center for Biological Diversity Physicans Committee for Responsible Medicine on Heart Disease Physicans Committee for Responsible Medicine on Heart Disease A low-fat vegan diet improves glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in a randomized clinical trial in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Nutritional Update for Physicians: Plant-Based Diets Greenpeace “Less Is More” goal UN FAO statistics Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies! Please enjoy these vegan chocolate chip cookies! The recipe was developed by the 2023 GreenTown summer interns. A local baker, Daphne Ross baked and donated these delectable treats for GreenTown's Annual Fundraiser. A big thanks to her - please learn more about Daphne here: www.snack-dragon.com BACKGROUND When it comes to plant-based diets, what’s not to like? It’s good for our planet, good for our health and good for the animals! GreenTown Los Altos is here to support YOU and local restaurants in transitioning to more plant-based meals! Here’s why. Healthy Planet = Healthy People Plant-based eating is good for the planet A plant-based diet reduces greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) – Raising animals for human consumption is a major cause of climate change, generating 18 percent of all GHGs globally. Eating green saves freshwater resources – Nearly 30 percent of freshwater is used for animal agriculture and animal agriculture is a large source of pollution of waterways, coastal areas and coral reefs. Plant-based eating results in more sustainable land use – Three-quarters of all agricultural land is used for animal agriculture. Increased land use for animal agriculture is a key factor in deforestation leading to species extinction and biodiversity loss. Seventy percent of previous forested land in the Amazon is now pasture and feed-crops cover a large part of the remainder. Healthy Bodies = Happy Bodies Eating green is good for your health A low-fat, plant-based diet, combined with regular exercise and a healthy overall lifestyle, can prevent, delay and even reverse heart disease and other cardiovascular events. Plant-based diets have been shown to control and reverse Type II diabetes. Large healthcare organizations, like Kaiser Permanente now advise all of their 17,000+ physicians to recommend a plant-based diet to all their patients. Happy Animals = Happy Planet Plant-based diets are compassionate Plant-based eating reduces animal death and enables animals to live out their full lives. For every person in the world, more than 10 animals are slaughtered each year. Animals are slaughtered at a fraction of their lifespan. Chickens naturally live for 10 years, but when bred for meat, they are typically killed at 6 weeks. Pigs, which live for 15 years, are typically killed at 6 months. Plant-based eating spares animal suffering. The vast majority of chickens, cows and pigs are raised on concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) to maximize efficiency and profitability in living conditions that are not humane. Animals are denied their basic instincts, like roaming, nesting, and nurturing their young. Los Altos and Los Altos Hills residents want to eat more plants More than two-thirds of omnivores surveyed in Los Altos/Hills want to eat more plant-based foods. Nearly half of the omnivores surveyed are not happy with the number of plant-based options at local restaurants. This number jumps to two-third when vegans and vegetarians are included. Barriers to residents adopting more plant-based foods at home include a lack of recipes and concerns about nutrition. That’s where we come in. References Livestock’s long shadow (UN FAO 2006) The water footprint of poultry, pork and beef: A comparative study in different countries and production systems Sustaining Life: How Human Health Depends on Biodiversity Center for Biological Diversity Physicans Committee for Responsible Medicine on Heart Disease Physicans Committee for Responsible Medicine on Heart Disease A low-fat vegan diet improves glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in a randomized clinical trial in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Nutritional Update for Physicians: Plant-Based Diets Greenpeace “Less Is More” goal UN FAO statistics BACKGROUND Runoff is rain that falls onto hardscape such as the asphalt and concrete of driveways, walkways, and streets. These impervious surfaces in our urban environment prevent stormwater from naturally soaking into the ground. Following 3 years of GreenTown advocacy, in November 2018 the Los Altos City Council voted to adopt eco-friendly solutions to capture dirty street runoff. The Shoulder Paving Policy, which applies to all new residential construction and major remodels, embraces permeable materials in the City Right of Way. Organic materials allow rain to sink into the ground, where toxins are captured and decompose. These “green streets” keep polluted water out of our waterways. The abundance of natural frontage in Los Altos, streets without curbs and gutters, offer tremendous opportunity to maximize stormwater capture. THE PROBLEM Believe it or not, the single largest source of pollution in the San Francisco Bay is stormwater runoff. Runoff flows through the system of curbs and gutters to storm drains that empty directly into our watershed. Along the way, beautiful rain transforms into a pollutant. Stormwater runoff picks up oil, grease and metals from cars, chemicals that leech from asphalt, fertilizer, herbicides and insecticides from our landscape, and pet waste laden with bacteria and viruses. These pollutants pose health risks to humans, wildlife, and plants. HOW YOU CAN HELP Minimize Hardscape. Maximize Greenscape. Be a part of the solution to stormwater pollution! Capturing rain where it falls helps to keep our waterways clean and healthy. Rain water is easily captured in rain gardens, vegetated swales, catch basins, dry creeks and other greenscapes. The water is purified as it gradually percolates through the soil and recharges our aquifers. To learn more watch the videos in the resources section: “Capture Rain Where It Falls” Permeable Surfaces Handbook The "Permeable Surfaces Handbook" is a comprehensive, innovative guide designed to educate readers on easy installation of permeable surfaces, aligning with the Los Altos city code for permeable surfaces for sidewalks, walkways, patios, driveways and/or uncovered parking lots. It provides practical advice on installation and maintenance, aiming to help both DIY enthusiasts and professionals implement these eco-friendly solutions. This handbook was developed by highschool student Aanya Dhruv and sought the help of with the city engineers to get it up to the Los Altos housing codes. She is also the founder of ejgrassroots.org that is focused on environmental justice and leveraging science to solve environmental issues. WEEK 4: KEY TAKEAWAYS This July, GTLA joined the global Plastic Free July movement and hosted its very first Plastic Free July Campaign. Thanks to everyone who participated! Dozens of members from the GTLA community pledged to learn more about plastic pollution, its health and environmental effects, and how to be part of the solution. Here are the key takeaways from the campaign. We hope these efforts will continue! WEEK 3: BROADEN YOUR IMPACT Week 3 tips and information on how to broaden your impact and take action against plastic pollution at the City, State, Federal, and Global Levels! Individual action is important, but legislation is even more so! Learn about local ordinances you should support, important state bills and federal acts, senators you should contact, and petitions to sign. WEEK 2: EASY SWAPS TO REDUCE EVERY DAY PLASTIC USE Week 2 tips and information on how to easily swap single-use plastics for sustainable and plastic-free packaging! Learn about different everyday items that could easily be swapped out for something more sustainable: pulp egg cartons instead of plastic ones, compostable bamboo brushes, bar shampoo, and more. WEEK 1: THE PLASTIC POLLUTION CRISIS Week 1 tips and information on how to be plastic free! See documentaries, books, videos, and podcasts on the plastic pollution crisis and learn how you can make meaningful changes at home. WHAT IS PLASTIC FREE JULY? Plastic Free July is a global movement that provides plastic alternative suggestions to those who wish to reduce plastic pollution. This summer, GreenTown Los Altos is developing a local Plastic Free July campaign so YOU can get more involved! Join us during the month of July and beyond to eliminate single-use plastics from your life and your community. Suggestions, resources, and challenges are coming soon! WHY GO PLASTIC FREE? It is easy to prioritize convenience over sustainability. But many do not realize the long-term effects single-use plastics have on the planet. From production to purchase to pollution, single-use plastics serve one short-lived purpose, but remain as litter for millions of years. Instead of decomposing, they break into pieces called microplastics, which make their way into water, soil, wild organisms, and even our bodies. Our planet cannot afford more plastic pollution. About 17.6 billion pounds of plastic enter the ocean each year - that's equivalent to one full garbage truck emptying trash into the ocean every minute of every day ( The Story of Plastic ). Fortunately, there are many easy ways to reduce your plastic consumption, such as using durable, reusable grocery bags rather than plastic ones when you shop. With our current plastic crisis and a multitude of plastic swap-outs, why wouldn't you go plastic free? BACKGROUND In 2011 GreenTown officially “adopted” the Permanente Diversion Channel through the Santa Clara Valley Water District (currently Valley Water). The channel runs from Heritage Oaks Park at Portland and Miramonte to Stevens Creek at Highway 85. Look for the sign at the corner of Portland and Miramonte declaring this a GreenTown “baby”. Our commitment? To organize and gather volunteers for biannual creek cleanup events in coordination with Valley Water. Ours is one of 50 sites countywide that participate in National River Cleanup Day, the third Saturday in May, and National Coastal Cleanup Day, the third Saturday in September. THE PROBLEM People are the main source of litter in our waterways. Litter from streets goes into our creeks and flows into San Francisco Bay and then into the ocean. 80% of the trash on beaches starts in inland areas. HOW YOU CAN HELP GreenTown encourages volunteers of all ages to help support a healthy environment in our local creek through these educational and fun-filled experiences. Activities include education about watersheds and water pollution, removing debris from the creek bed and the creek banks, and sorting and weighing all that was removed. GreenTown reports back to Valley Water and the results are spectacular! You can check out the countywide numbers at cleanacreek.org, where you also can register to volunteer for the next cleanup event. BACKGROUND In 2011 GreenTown officially “adopted” the Permanente Diversion Channel through the Santa Clara Valley Water District (currently Valley Water). The channel runs from Heritage Oaks Park at Portland and Miramonte to Stevens Creek at Highway 85. Look for the sign at the corner of Portland and Miramonte declaring this a GreenTown “baby”. Our commitment? To organize and gather volunteers for biannual creek cleanup events in coordination with Valley Water. Ours is one of 50 sites countywide that participate in National River Cleanup Day, the third Saturday in May, and National Coastal Cleanup Day, the third Saturday in September. THE PROBLEM People are the main source of litter in our waterways. Litter from streets goes into our creeks and flows into San Francisco Bay and then into the ocean. 80% of the trash on beaches starts in inland areas. HOW YOU CAN HELP GreenTown encourages volunteers of all ages to help support a healthy environment in our local creek through these educational and fun-filled experiences. Activities include education about watersheds and water pollution, removing debris from the creek bed and the creek banks, and sorting and weighing all that was removed. GreenTown reports back to Valley Water and the results are spectacular! You can check out the countywide numbers at cleanacreek.org, where you also can register to volunteer for the next cleanup event. BACKGROUND Graywater is lightly used water from clothes washers, showers, bathtub, and bathroom sinks. Although it contains some soap and detergents, it’s a safe water supply for most landscapes. A graywater system can save water, money and time. Learn about the types of graywater systems and if a graywater system is right for you. Attend a 4-part virtual graywater workshop and check out the rebates here. THE PROBLEM With demand for water exceeding the supply in California, we need to look for additional sources of water. Greywater in one solution. Greywater is gently used water from your bathroom sinks, showers, tubs and washing machines. Although it contains some soap and detergents, it’s a safe water supply for most landscapes. A greywater system can save water, money and time. HOW YOU CAN HELP Learn about installing a graywater system at home by referring to the resources on the right! BACKGROUND Runoff is rain that falls onto hardscape such as the asphalt and concrete of driveways, walkways, and streets. These impervious surfaces in our urban environment prevent stormwater from naturally soaking into the ground. Following 3 years of GreenTown advocacy, in November 2018 the Los Altos City Council voted to adopt eco-friendly solutions to capture dirty street runoff. The Shoulder Paving Policy, which applies to all new residential construction and major remodels, embraces permeable materials in the City Right of Way. Organic materials allow rain to sink into the ground, where toxins are captured and decompose. These “green streets” keep polluted water out of our waterways. The abundance of natural frontage in Los Altos, streets without curbs and gutters, offer tremendous opportunity to maximize stormwater capture. THE PROBLEM Believe it or not, the single largest source of pollution in the San Francisco Bay is stormwater runoff. Runoff flows through the system of curbs and gutters to storm drains that empty directly into our watershed. Along the way, beautiful rain transforms into a pollutant. Stormwater runoff picks up oil, grease and metals from cars, chemicals that leech from asphalt, fertilizer, herbicides and insecticides from our landscape, and pet waste laden with bacteria and viruses. These pollutants pose health risks to humans, wildlife, and plants. HOW YOU CAN HELP Minimize Hardscape. Maximize Greenscape. Be a part of the solution to stormwater pollution! Capturing rain where it falls helps to keep our waterways clean and healthy. Rain water is easily captured in rain gardens, vegetated swales, catch basins, dry creeks and other greenscapes. The water is purified as it gradually percolates through the soil and recharges our aquifers. To learn more watch the videos in the resources section: “Capture Rain Where It Falls” Permeable Surfaces Handbook The "Permeable Surfaces Handbook" is a comprehensive, innovative guide designed to educate readers on easy installation of permeable surfaces, aligning with the Los Altos city code for permeable surfaces for sidewalks, walkways, patios, driveways and/or uncovered parking lots. It provides practical advice on installation and maintenance, aiming to help both DIY enthusiasts and professionals implement these eco-friendly solutions. The handbook was developed by high school student Aanya Dhruv. She worked with city engineers and iterated the guide to get it up to Los Altos housing codes. Aanya leads the ejgrassroots.org initiative that is focused on environmental justice and leveraging science to solve environmental issues. BACKGROUND Trees help you, our city and the planet. They look attractive, their shade will keep your home cooler in the summer and trees sequester carbon while producing oxygen. Trees can play a pivotal role in the response to climate change and you can make a difference. GreenTown's 500Trees program reaches its Goal! GreenTown Los Altos is happy to report that we planted tree #500 in December 2024 and the last tree, #538, in April 2025. We celebrated meeting our goal of 500 trees on Arbor Day, April 2025. Below are pictures of volunteers helping us along the journey! THE PROBLEM 57 of California’s 29 counties — including Santa Clara County — are in states of severe to exceptional drought conditions, according to the US Drought Monitor. Essentially, this means most California residents, at the very least, are experiencing water restrictions and shortages, and as drought conditions become more frequent, it’s necessary to lower residential water consumption. BACKGROUND 40-60% of California’s residential water is used for landscaping, which makes replacing lawns with drought-tolerant plants an effective and permanent way to reduce water usage. Choosing native plants can be beneficial because they are not only drought tolerant, but also low maintenance and provide habitats to local wildlife. Unlike lawns, drought-tolerant and native plant landscapes create biodiversity and attract essential birds and other species from the surrounding environment. Native plants also contribute to healthier creeks because they require no fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides: all top polluters to creeks. CASE STUDY For more information on drought-tolerant landscaping, native plants, and rebates, check out our case study, compiled by GreenTown’s 2022 summer interns. MAP of various projects in our neighborhood that demonstrate drought-tolerant landscaping & native plants HOW YOU CAN HELP Visit our projects (see below) to see all the drought-tolerant plants we have used. Consider replacing your lawn with these plants or adding them to your landscaping. Also check out the resources on the right to learn how to create a native plant garden and tips on sustainable gardening! Native plant consultant Nikki Hanson explains the process of planting drought-tolerant native plants at the Woodland Library garden in Los Altos. VISIT OUR PROJECTS 1. Woodland Branch Library Drought-Tolerant Demo Garden Visit the Garden at the library: Location Map The garden was first planted in 2017 by GreenTown as part of a girl scout project. With the help of landscape designer Nikki Hanson (nikki@cal-sisters.com) of California Sisters Landscapes and many volunteers, GreenTown in 2022 cleaned up the grounds, layered new cardboard, layered compost, planted some new plants and made some adjustments to the drip irrigation system. It will get some wood chips and some new labels soon, and be ready for another five years! You can see the plant list on CALSCAPE or download a PDF from the Resources section on the right for additional info about how to care for these plants. 2. Planting the Paseo Visit the installation in the paseo adjacent to Akane restaurant on Third St. GreenTown collaborated with E3 Youth Philanthropy students interested in pursuing an environmental project. The goals of the project were: (i) to create planter boxes featuring drought-tolerant plants; and (ii) to use them to educate residents about reducing landscape water use. The colorful planters are now on display in downtown Los Altos as part of a flower-themed art installation curated by Arts Los Altos. Learn more about the work by The E3 Youth Philanthropy team here. Download a PDF of the list of plant species used in the planter boxes from the Resources section on the right. BACKGROUND Trees help you, our city and the planet. They look attractive, their shade will keep your home cooler in the summer and trees sequester carbon while producing oxygen. Trees can play a pivotal role in the response to climate change and you can make a difference. 2022-23 Tree Planting Campaign GreenTown Los Altos is happy to report we planted over 300 trees and we're ready to plant some more! Check out the tree list prepared with the help of Canopy, and sign up for a visit from us. We'll come to your house and help you pick out a tree. The trees are in 15-gallon containers and we charge $110 per tree which includes the planting. We think that's a pretty good deal and hope you will too! 2023 Summer Internship (Applications Open) 2023 Summer Internship! Click here to Apply for the 2023 Summer Internships For 2023, GreenTown Los Altos is offering four paid internships in two project areas. Each internship is for 10 hours/week for 6 weeks at $16.40/hour. Electrify Your Home, A Guide Book Eating Green, A Cookbook Please review the details and internship descriptions below carefully. Please email us if you have any questions at internship@greentownlosaltos.org Key Dates: Application is due April 28. Interviews will be scheduled May 8-12. Candidate selections will be announced May 19. Internships start June 12 and end July 21. Details: The ideal candidate will be a rising junior or senior high school student passionate about environmental issues. The skills required are effective communication, good research skills, good time management and familiarity with the preparation of documents, spreadsheets and slides. Interns must be willing to work as a team. Interns must be able to work with minimal supervision. The work will generally be from home. There will be weekly zoom meetings with a GreenTown mentor. The 500 Trees mentor is Gary Hedden, and the Drought-Tolerant Landscaping mentor is Glenda Chang. The internship will culminate in a slide show presentation to the GreenTown Board and other interested parties on the intern’s summer accomplishments. BACKGROUND The Walk or Wheel! (WoW!) Program encourages biking, walking and carpooling to school. We've been working with schools since 2009. WoW!ing to school means fewer single passenger car trips, cleaner air, lower carbon emissions and more fun! With kids back in school, we're ready to help ramp up WoW! activity. Will you be our next champion? GreenTown provides support to school volunteers to work with students to embrace, educate and empower them to think “Walk or Wheel!” . BENEFITS Positively impacts kids’ well-being Reduces vehicle miles, pollution and carbon emissions Boosts kids’ confidence and fosters bonding with peers Encourages a healthy, fit lifestyle Reduces local school traffic, improving kids’ safety BICYCLE SAFETY EDUCATION The City of Los Altos is working to build a more sustainable bicycle and pedestrian safety education program in local schools. Visit Los Altos' Safe Routes to School page for more information. Options for good bike safety education include: School Assemblies for Elementary Schools Hands-on Bike Rodeos for 3rd and 4th Graders Drive that Bike Classes for Junior High Raising Safe Cyclists for all Parents Bicycle Safety Brochure for Parents & Students STUDENT TRAVEL MODES GreenTown also works with the Los Altos and Cupertino School Districts and Bullis Charter School to survey Los Altos/Hills’ student travel modes two to three times during the year. Findings include: More students WoW! to school in upper grades: approx. 40% of 6th graders; more than 60% of 7th and 8th graders. Junior High top the charts: approx. 65% of Blach and 45% of Egan students WoW! to school. Elementary Schools with greater WoW! student populations have high parent involvement and active WoW! programs. Fewer students WoW! to/from elementary schools with attendance areas on the other side of a major thoroughfare (e.g., Foothill or El Camino). Blach Intermediate consistently has the highest WoW! rates. WALKING SCHOOL BUS A Walking School Bus is a great way to encourage a healthy and environmentally friendly way of getting to school. This type of program is perfect for younger children who need supervision. It can be easily organized by parents and take place once a week, a couple times a week, or even everyday! Steps for Starting Simple: Families in the same neighborhood decide to walk together to and from school. A route is designed and tested by adults for safety. Don’t forget to record how much time the entire route takes. Refer to the list of maps above to determine the best route for your walking school bus. The group decides how often to walk together. Consistent walking school buses are often the most successful. Create a phone list to ensure that all children have emergency contact numbers. Let the Walking School Bus begin! Get Started with this planning guide! BICYCLE TRAIN Similar to the Walking School Bus concept, a Bicycle Train is a group of neighbors that ride their bikes together to and from school. This program involves more planning and training since children must understand bicycle safety and how to ride on a road. Basic Considerations: Bicycle trains are best suited for older elementary children. We recommend that you start out by providing your children with a basic understanding of the rules of the road and bicycle safety. Practice as a group and have several parents on hand to help demonstrate. Every child must wear a bicycle helmet. Check to make sure that your child’s bicycle is working properly and is an appropriate size. More adult supervision is needed than for Walking School Buses. Consider having one adult for every three to six children. See Bicycling to School Together: A Bike Train Planning Guide for an example of steps to implementing a bicycle train in your neighborhood. 2026 Summer Internships application is now open! For 2025, we are offering four paid internships in two project areas. Each internship is for 10 hours/week for 6 weeks at $18.20/hour. Promoting Responsible Use of the Batteries That Power Our Lives (2 Interns) Understanding the food waste pyramid (2 Interns) See this document for additional details. The internships are open to: Students attending the MVLA schools OR residents of Los Altos or Los Altos Hills attending other schools. 1: Promoting Responsible Use of the Batteries That Power Our Lives Mentors: Clari Nolet & Stan Scardino (Rotary Los Altos) and Laura Teksler (GreenTown Los Altos) Description: Our world is full of electronics and many of these devices are powered by lithium-ion batteries. But what happens to that hazardous battery when your electric toothbrush dies? Hopefully it is properly recycled through a program like Rotary Climate Action Committee’s Lithium-Ion recycling program. In this internship you will help promote this program to local residents by creating short-form videos and other media content demonstrating what items can be recycled through the program and what happens to the batteries when they are properly disposed of and the dangers when they are not. 2: Understanding the food waste pyramid (2 interns) Mentor: Madhuri Davidson, Glenda Chang, Margie Suozzo (GreenTown Los Altos) Description: Food waste is a big contributor to climate change. When food ends up in landfills, it creates powerful greenhouse gases like methane. If food waste were a country, it would be the third largest emitter in the world. This internship provides an opportunity to learn why food waste matters and how communities can reduce it. You’ll work with real data from local waste haulers; research solutions used in other cities and organizations, and explore how composting can cut emissions. By the end, you’ll build skills in research, data analysis, and communication, and share your findings with the GreenTown board and the community. Make Your Next Party ECO-FRIENDLY! Zero-waste parties are gaining in popularity. Why not borrow the items you need (to serve up to 40 guests) instead of buying single-use throwaways? Reusable Party Packs Available to Borrow from GreenTown Los Altos GreenTown Los Altos has put together two Party Packs (each serving 20 people) for loan to local residents who want their parties to be eco-friendly. Each Party Pack contains 20 reusable plates, bowls, flatware, and cups by Preserve brand (100% recycled plastic, BPA- and melamine-free, and dishwasher safe) plus 20 cotton easy-to-launder napkins. Borrow one or both Party Packs! Party Pack items will be clean and ready to use when you pick them up, and we just ask that you return them clean and ready for the next borrower. Help our community reduce single-use unrecyclable plastic that is littering our landscapes and polluting our oceans. For more information, please email us at partypack@greentownlosaltos.org or use the form in the link under resources (to the right) to request to borrow a Party Pack. Schools WoW Program Coordinator GreenTown is looking for a new WoW! Project Lead! The Project Lead provides support to school leads in promoting alternative forms of transportation to school, including biking, walking and carpooling. These modes reduce greenhouse gases and toxic air emissions and help reduce traffic congestion around our schools. Plus, it’s a healthy and fun way for kids to bookend their school day! Check out our webpage at: https://www.greentownlosaltos.org/schoolswow The GreenTown WoW! Project Lead: Helps School WoW! Leads with Program Planning Encourages and Supports Bike/Ped Safety Instruction Provides Marketing Support Conducts Data Analysis and Supports Program Evaluation Please see here for a more detailed description Volunteer Development Leader Actively recruit volunteers from our local community to get involved in GreenTown’s projects and events. Mentor volunteers, and organize a Volunteer Appreciation event. EMAIL us if you are interested. Bike/Walk Events Biking you thing? Help organize community bike tours of historical sites, native landscapes, Hardy Jones artistic metal sculptures, and summer & winter solstice rides. Coordinate GreenTown’s Bike Valet service at community events. EMAIL us if you are interested. Help Plant Trees! Our 500 Trees project continues to plant trees throughout our local community. Help us plant trees! The hardest part is digging the hole. Someone with a truck would be helpful too. EMAIL us if you are interested. Researcher/Writer Love the written word? Research and write articles for our blog and for local news outlets to spread the word about green happenings in our community. EMAIL us if you are interested. Marketing Events Outreach and Social Media & Blog Poster Great at networking? Post events on local media datebooks and email schools and other organizations to promote GreenTown projects and events. Post to our Facebook page and Twitter account. Edit articles and post to the GreenTown blog and Los Altos Patch blog. EMAIL us if you are interested Photographer/Videographer Great with a camera? Like video editing? Take photos and videos at GreenTown events. Edit videos and upload to GreenTown’s YouTube channel. EMAIL us if you are interested. BACKGROUND The Walk or Wheel! (WoW!) Program is about using “wheels” or walking to get around. Fewer single passenger car trips. Inspiring more kids to walk or bike to school where it is safe to do so. With 11 local schools actively participating in the WoW! program it’s already a success. At these schools, parent-teacher organizations assign volunteers to work with students to embrace, educate and empower kids to think “Walk or Wheel!” . BENEFITS Positively impacts kids’ well-being Reduces pollution Uses contests and incentives to encourage kids to get to school on their own. Reduces vehicle miles, pollution and carbon emissions Boosts kids’ confidence and fosters bonding with peers Encourages a healthy, fit lifestyle Reduces local school traffic, thereby improving kids’ safety BICYCLE SAFETY EDUCATION Interested in getting a class for your school. Options include: School Assemblies for Elementary Schools Hands-on Bike Rodeos for 3rd and 4th Graders Drive that Bike Classes for Junior High Raising Safe Cyclists for all Parents Traffic Safe Communities Network Bicycle Safety Brochure for Parents & Students. STUDENT TRAVEL MODES GreenTown also works with the Los Altos and Cupertino School Districts to survey Los Altos/Hills’ student travel modes two times during the year: once in the Fall and once in Winter. See WoW! Survey Data – Feb 2012. Findings include: More WoW! students in upper grades: 40% of 6th graders; > 60% of 7th and 8th graders WoW! to school. Junior High Schools top the charts: 65% of Blach and 45% of Egan students. Elementary Schools with greater WoW! student populations have high parent involvement and active WoW! programs – Oak (42%), Springer (44%), and Almond (35%). Fewer WoW! students at elementary schools with attendance areas on the other side of a major thoroughfare (e.g., Foothill and El Camino). Oak Avenue won Greenest Elementary School 2013, Loyola won most improved. Blach Intermediate won Greenest Middle School 2013. WALKING SCHOOL BUS A Walking School Bus is a great way to encourage a healthy and environmentally friendly way of getting to school. This type of program is perfect for younger children who need supervision. It can be easily organized by parents and take place once a week, a couple times a week, or even everyday! Steps for Starting Simple: Families in the same neighborhood decide to walk together to and from school. A route is designed and tested by adults for safety. Don’t forget to record how much time the entire route takes. Refer to the list of maps above to determine the best route for your walking school bus. The group decides how often to walk together. Consistant walking school buses are often the most successful. Create a phone list to ensure that all children have emergency contact numbers. Let the Walking School Bus begin! BICYCLE TRAIN Similar to the Walking School Bus concept, a Bicycle Train is a group of neighbors that ride their bikes together to and from school. This program involves more planning and training since children must understand bicycle safety and how to ride on a road. Basic Considerations: Bicycle trains are best suited for older elementary children. We recommend that you start out by providing your children with a basic understanding of the rules of the road and bicycle safety. Practice as a group and have several parents on hand to help demonstrate. Every child must wear a bicycle helmet. Check to make sure that your child’s bicycle is working properly and is an appropriate size. More adult supervision is needed than for Walking School Buses. Consider having one adult for every three to six children. See the Safe Routes to School Resources: Bicycle Trains for an example of steps to implementing a bicycle train in your neighborhood. BACKGROUND The Walk or Wheel! (WoW!) Program is about using “wheels” or walking to get around. Fewer single passenger car trips. Inspiring more kids to walk or bike to school where it is safe to do so. With 11 local schools actively participating in the WoW! program it’s already a success. At these schools, parent-teacher organizations assign volunteers to work with students to embrace, educate and empower kids to think “Walk or Wheel!” . BENEFITS Positively impacts kids’ well-being Reduces pollution Uses contests and incentives to encourage kids to get to school on their own. Reduces vehicle miles, pollution and carbon emissions Boosts kids’ confidence and fosters bonding with peers Encourages a healthy, fit lifestyle Reduces local school traffic, thereby improving kids’ safety BICYCLE SAFETY EDUCATION Interested in getting a class for your school. Options include: School Assemblies for Elementary Schools Hands-on Bike Rodeos for 3rd and 4th Graders Drive that Bike Classes for Junior High Raising Safe Cyclists for all Parents Traffic Safe Communities Network Bicycle Safety Brochure for Parents & Students. STUDENT TRAVEL MODES GreenTown also works with the Los Altos and Cupertino School Districts to survey Los Altos/Hills’ student travel modes two times during the year: once in the Fall and once in Winter. See WoW! Survey Data – Feb 2012. Findings include: More WoW! students in upper grades: 40% of 6th graders; > 60% of 7th and 8th graders WoW! to school. Junior High Schools top the charts: 65% of Blach and 45% of Egan students. Elementary Schools with greater WoW! student populations have high parent involvement and active WoW! programs – Oak (42%), Springer (44%), and Almond (35%). Fewer WoW! students at elementary schools with attendance areas on the other side of a major thoroughfare (e.g., Foothill and El Camino). Oak Avenue won Greenest Elementary School 2013, Loyola won most improved. Blach Intermediate won Greenest Middle School 2013. WALKING SCHOOL BUS A Walking School Bus is a great way to encourage a healthy and environmentally friendly way of getting to school. This type of program is perfect for younger children who need supervision. It can be easily organized by parents and take place once a week, a couple times a week, or even everyday! Steps for Starting Simple: Families in the same neighborhood decide to walk together to and from school. A route is designed and tested by adults for safety. Don’t forget to record how much time the entire route takes. Refer to the list of maps above to determine the best route for your walking school bus. The group decides how often to walk together. Consistant walking school buses are often the most successful. Create a phone list to ensure that all children have emergency contact numbers. Let the Walking School Bus begin! BICYCLE TRAIN Similar to the Walking School Bus concept, a Bicycle Train is a group of neighbors that ride their bikes together to and from school. This program involves more planning and training since children must understand bicycle safety and how to ride on a road. Basic Considerations: Bicycle trains are best suited for older elementary children. We recommend that you start out by providing your children with a basic understanding of the rules of the road and bicycle safety. Practice as a group and have several parents on hand to help demonstrate. Every child must wear a bicycle helmet. Check to make sure that your child’s bicycle is working properly and is an appropriate size. More adult supervision is needed than for Walking School Buses. Consider having one adult for every three to six children. See the Safe Routes to School Resources: Bicycle Trains for an example of steps to implementing a bicycle train in your neighborhood. BACKGROUND Electrifying your home is an important, rewarding process and a step towards a secure future. Here are some resources to read through for advice, tips, and recommendations. IMPORTANT FACTS Residential methane (aka gas) appliances make up nearly 32% of city-wide Greenhouse Gas Emissions Studies show that we need 14 million more electric appliances nationwide to achieve net-zero emissions Rising atmospheric concentrations of methane and CO2 affect our environment From the Los Altos Climate Action and Adaption Plan : "Los Altos will experience increased heat waves, floods, drought, and poor air quality from regional events... and...impacts of climate change" APPLIANCES & BENEFITS Heat Pump Space Heating More efficient, which means you can save money on your energy bills. Quieter, which can make your home more comfortable. Longer lifespan, so you won't have to replace them as often. Better for the environment, as they produce no emissions. A heat pump system can multitask: heating, cooling, dehumidifying, and filtering the air. This is your chance to get A/C if you haven’t already! Heat Pump Water Heating Over 3x efficient For every 1 unit of electric energy input, a heat pump produces 3 to 4 units of energy output. So a heat pump can transfer 300-400% more energy than it consumes. Most methane gas-powered furnaces are 80% efficient, with those above 90% considered high efficiency. Safer—zero risk of gas leaks Consider replacing it if your current heater is over 6 years old Especially consider replacement if you are currently using a gas tank less heater, which leaks twice as much methane as gas tank models do. Induction Stoves Gas stoves carry several health risks: poor indoor air quality with particles/carcinogens Fans provided with gas stoves do not properly ventilate Most of your pans should still be usable if they’re cast iron Induction stoves: heat faster than electric and gas counterparts offer more precise temperature control reduce the risks of burns since only the pan, not the cooktop heats up. All-in-one Washer/Dryer These can treat laundry gentler, prolonging life and maintaining quality of clothes Is quieter and requires less space, maintenance Ventless system, which is leads to lower construction costs and electricity bills Lower priority, but still valuable modifications: Fireplaces Electric garden tools Solar panels SVCE supplies us with clean energy so solar panel installation is not required for electrification. It can, however, drive down operating costs over time, put less strain on the grid, and provide you with onsite battery backup. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What if my gas appliances are new and I don’t want to replace them? Consider that embarking onto the electrification journey now will be taking advantage of peak rebate season and would lessen emissions immediately. Try small swaps, like purchasing a stand-alone induction hot-plate for your kitchen to reduce some of your gas use and indoor pollution. Models are available for under $100. There are also hacks to make installation cheap. As a renter, what can I do? Approach your landlord with these electrification suggestions. Make sure to highlight that electrification makes buildings more attractive to future renters Check out these suggestions: https://www.energy.gov/save/renters What if electrifying seems too inconvenient for my home? Arrange for an energy audit and work closely with professionals to find workarounds unique to your home. Consult our case studies for some examples. How do heat pumps work? Simply put: they use electricity to move heat around and use refrigerant to store and release heat in the cycle. Here is a breakdown by MIT Technology Review. Ok, so they need refrigerant. What kind do they use? Some units use naturally occurring CO2 refrigerants, which provide the lowest global warming potential (GWP). Others use synthetic hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, such as R410A or R134A. Here is a more in-depth overview addressing safety concerns. The EPA recently mandated that US manufacturers and importers reduce HFC use by 85% in the next 15 years, a move supported by virtually all US manufacturers. Climate-friendly alternatives to HFCs are increasingly available for most uses: natural or non fluorinated substances with low GWPs, and fluorinated substances with low to mid-range GWPs. For any appliance that uses refrigerants, check regularly for leakage. Won’t this further strain the grid? Planned and existing distributed and grid-level storage will be able to take excess energy and use it to manage the energy needs for the hours of transition in load. California itself has worked to meet this demand, increasing utility scale battery storage ten-fold in the last two years. This is how the state avoided major blackouts in the heatwave of Sept. 2022–the most severe ever recorded. That storage capacity is set to double again in the next few years. The state has also planned for an additional 20 Gw of offshore wind capacity. What if there’s an outage? Install solar panels with a solar battery backup. The best solution for cases of power failure is an all electric home with onsite battery backup. That allows the home to operate without interruption. In the future companies are exploring the potential to use the batteries in your electric vehicle as an electricity source for your home in times of peak usage or outages. It would also be possible to procure a solar-powered generator to keep critical appliances running during a power outage. AVOID petroleum-powered generators due to fire risks and dangers from carbon monoxide poisoning in enclosed spaces. Does electrification mean that I need to upgrade my electrical panel? Not necessarily: upgrading your panel can be a costly disturbance. The majority of all electric homes should be able to run off a 200-amp service or less. It’s important to choose power efficient electric appliances and utilizing power sharing devices that monitor circuit usage and control the power delivered to shared devices. This may help you avoid upgrading the utility service line or your circuit breaker panel. More details are provided in the Watt Diet Calculator Aside from electrification, how can I conserve energy? PGE demand-response programs connect you with third party programs that allow customers to save or earn money by adjusting energy usage. An example would be Ohm Connect Put in a smart thermostat, an inexpensive solution that can save you money on your energy bills. Make your ceiling/attic more energy efficient, using insulation to keep heat in during the winter, and attic fans to pull heat out during the summer. Lower your energy bills and improve your air quality by repairing leaky air ducts. If you have an EV, charge it during the middle of the day, when solar power is most abundant and sometimes over abundant. Your EV battery can store this “surplus” electricity, which would otherwise go to waste. The US Department of Energy’s Home Energy Saver tool can also help you make a plan to improve your home’s building envelope. Switch to LED bulbs, especially for the most commonly used bulbs. Install outdoor shades or awnings, which can reduce solar heat gain by up to 65 percent on south-facing windows and 77 percent on west-facing windows Plant a tree or shrubs to the west of your home to help keep it cooler. IMPORTANT REBATES You can get up to a 30% tax credit off a home energy audit via IRS Form 5695 SVCE’s FutureFitHomes allows you to receive up to 8,000 (up to 13000 if low-income qualifying) this is a program applying only to heat pump appliances For more granular rebates based on individual products, see Golden State Rebates by PG&E Rewiring America has resources dedicated to finding rebates funded by the IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) BayREN provides Bay Area specific rebates and a free consultation with a Home Energy Advisor Stack stack stack! Take advantage of all the rebates available now and apply several at the same time to shave down the price of electrification RECOMMENDATIONS FOR APPLIANCES Key takeaways from Redwood Energy's comprehensive guide to appliances: When it comes to deciding between ductless and ducted space heating systems, split ductless heating can be more easily installed, provide advanced filtration, and is significantly cheaper all in-one washer/dryers are the simplest upgrade, specifically 120v condenser washer/dryers, as they can be plugged into any 120v outlet Get a heat pump water heater instead of a gas/electric tankless model, which can emit nearly twice as much gas as a normal gas tank model 120v heat pump water heaters are a new, extra-convenient option If you don’t currently have electrical resistance water heating (which requires a 240v outlet), this would be much more accessible than a 240v model Try local lending programs for induction stoves to see if your pans work! If they are cast-iron, they will most likely be fine. BACKGROUND Gas-powered leaf blowers are illegal in over 170 cities across the country because they are highly polluting, unhealthy, and noisy. ENVIRONMENT Gas-powered leaf blowers are bad for the environment and contribute to climate change. The California Air Resources Board states that by 2020, leaf blowers and other small gas engines will create more ozone pollution than all the cars in the state. For more information, please review this report by KQED News. Carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, and hydrocarbons escape in large quantities from the 2-stroke engines of gas-powered leaf blowers. Oxides and hydrocarbons contribute to smog formation. In a comparison with a Ford F-150 Raptor truck, the 2-stroke gas blower generated 23 times more carbon monoxide and nearly 300 times more non-methane hydrocarbons than the truck. https://www.edmunds.com/about/press/leaf-blowers-emissions-dirtier-than-high-performance-pick-up-trucks-says-edmunds-insidelinecom.html California officials said that the contamination from running a top-selling leaf blower for just one hour matches the emissions from driving a 2016 Toyota Camry for 1,100 miles, the distance from Los Angeles to Denver. www.arb.ca.gov/msorog/offroad/sore/sm_en_fs.pdf HEALTH Gas-powered leaf blowers are unhealthy for everyone, particularly children, seniors, pets, wildlife and especially the operator. They generate two very significant health hazards: toxic emissions and particulate matter. The gas leaf blower 2-stroke engines disturb neighbors and disrupt our quiet neighborhoods. For more information, please take a look at this informative website. Hydrocarbons can be carcinogens and nitrous oxides can cause acid rain. Health hazards of gas leaf blower use are documented by the American Lung Association, American Cancer Society, Bay Area Air Quality Management District and California Air Resources Board. In addition to toxic emissions, leaf blowers blast particulate matter of fungi, pollen, spores, animal feces, pesticides, mold and more into the air. Exposure to particulate matter is an important contributing factor in hundreds of deaths in the Bay Area each year. (CAARB) Fine particulates measuring 2.5 microns and coarser materials measuring 10 microns are readily absorbed in the lungs. 2.5 microns can migrate hundreds of miles and stay in the air for days or weeks. Microns measuring 10 can travel up to 30 miles and stay aloft for hours. (USEPA) GARDEN Landscape experts advise: LEAVE THE LEAVES. Leaf blowers dry out garden soil, push mold, pollen, insect eggs, animal feces and more into the air and destroy habitats for wildlife. For more information, please read this informative article. Let your gardener know about the ordinance. Purchase an electric blower and/or batteries for your gardener, or instruct that he/she use a rake and broom. LAW & ENFORCEMENT The use of gas leaf blowers is prohibited in Los Altos at any time. Fines for violations range from $100 to $500. In 1991, Los Altos was the first city in the Bay Area to prohibit the use of gas leaf blowers. Recent changes to enforcement of this municipal code ordinance occurred in November 2022 when the responsibility for enforcement was moved from the Los Altos Police Department to the City staff. A new code enforcement officer was hired in April 2023. On July 11, 2023, the City Council approved a new “stand alone” ordinance (section 11.15) in the municipal code. The major change in the ordinance is to assign the responsibility of liability for the operation and use of a gas-powered leaf blower to the recorded property owner of the site where the violation has occurred. You can help promote cleaner air in our community. Report the use of gas leaf blowers through the online complaint form, phone, or email. Online: https://www.losaltosca.gov/developent-services-webform/online-codeenforcement-form Email: codeenforcement@losaltosca.gov Phone: (650) 947-2775 Bike Month Brings the Community Together on Two Wheels! GreenTown Los Altos’ LASD WoW! Survey Analysis - Fall 2025 Green Gardeners - Use Electric Leaf Blowers!

RECYCLE WATER: GRAYWATER Conservation BACKGROUND Graywater is lightly used water from clothes washers, showers, bathtub, and bathroom sinks. Although it contains some soap and detergents, it’s a safe water supply for most landscapes. A graywater system can save water, money and time. Learn about the types of graywater systems and if a graywater system is right for you. Attend a 4-part virtual graywater workshop and check out the rebates here. THE PROBLEM With demand for water exceeding the supply in California, we need to look for additional sources of water. Greywater in one solution. Greywater is gently used water from your bathroom sinks, showers, tubs and washing machines. Although it contains some soap and detergents, it’s a safe water supply for most landscapes. A greywater system can save water, money and time. HOW YOU CAN HELP Learn about installing a graywater system at home by referring to the resources on the right! RESOURCES The Water-Wise Home Create An Oasis with Greywater Greywater Action Graywater & Water-saving resources at Valley Water For inquiries about Graywater program contact us at: info@greentownlosaltos.org

Past Programs CLIMATE CHANGE Encouraged the City to sign the US Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement. Recommended the City complete baseline inventory of greenhouse gas emissions. WASTE Saved the City >$200,000 in consulting fees by providing in-depth research and analysis for waste contract. Educated Environmental Commission and City Council about waste collection issues, including importance of food waste and compostables collection WoW! This is a great place to tell people more about your business. WATTS This is a great place to tell people more about your business, and the services you offer. Want to make this content your own? It's easy. WATER This is a great place to tell people more about your business, and the services you offer. Want to make this content your own? It's easy.

GET INVOLVED Internships for Students Application 2026 Summer Internships is now open! Apply Here MEET OUR 2025 Summer Interns MEET OUR 2024 Summer Interns MEET OUR 2023 Summer Interns MEET OUR 2022 Summer Interns MEET OUR 2021 Summer Interns MEET OUR 2020 Summer Interns Email Us internship@greentownlosaltos.org Email Us info@greentownlosaltos.org Volunteer Opportunities Abound... There are lots of opportunities to volunteer with GreenTown Los Altos, whether you just want to contribute to a single project, work with us for a few hours on a single day, or make a longer term commitment. Below are some of our current volunteer openings. To volunteer, email us. Email Us volunteer@greentownlosaltos.org Email Us info@greentownlosaltos.org JOIN US WE ARE LOOKING FOR ... Volunteer-Intern Openings VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Schools WoW Program Coordinator GreenTown is looking for a new WoW! Project Lead! The Project Lead provides support to school leads in promoting alternative forms of transportation to school, including biking, walking and carpooling. These modes reduce greenhouse gases and toxic air emissions and help reduce traffic congestion around our schools. Plus, it’s a healthy and fun way for kids to bookend their school day! Check out our webpage at: https://www.greentownlosaltos.org/schoolswow The GreenTown WoW! Project Lead: Helps School WoW! Leads with Program Planning Encourages and Supports Bike/Ped Safety Instruction Provides Marketing Support Conducts Data Analysis and Supports Program Evaluation Please see here for a more detailed description Volunteer Development Leader Actively recruit volunteers from our local community to get involved in GreenTown’s projects and events. Mentor volunteers, and organize a Volunteer Appreciation event. EMAIL us if you are interested. Bike/Walk Events Biking you thing? Help organize community bike tours of historical sites, native landscapes, Hardy Jones artistic metal sculptures, and summer & winter solstice rides. Coordinate GreenTown’s Bike Valet service at community events. EMAIL us if you are interested. Help Plant Trees! Our 500 Trees project continues to plant trees throughout our local community. Help us plant trees! The hardest part is digging the hole. Someone with a truck would be helpful too. EMAIL us if you are interested. Researcher/Writer Love the written word? Research and write articles for our blog and for local news outlets to spread the word about green happenings in our community. EMAIL us if you are interested. Marketing Events Outreach and Social Media & Blog Poster Great at networking? Post events on local media datebooks and email schools and other organizations to promote GreenTown projects and events. Post to our Facebook page and Twitter account. Edit articles and post to the GreenTown blog and Los Altos Patch blog. EMAIL us if you are interested Photographer/Videographer Great with a camera? Like video editing? Take photos and videos at GreenTown events. Edit videos and upload to GreenTown’s YouTube channel. EMAIL us if you are interested. STUDENT INTERNSHIPS 2026 Summer Internships application is now open! For 2025, we are offering four paid internships in two project areas. Each internship is for 10 hours/week for 6 weeks at $18.20/hour. Promoting Responsible Use of the Batteries That Power Our Lives (2 Interns) Understanding the food waste pyramid (2 Interns) See this document for additional details. The internships are open to: Students attending the MVLA schools OR residents of Los Altos or Los Altos Hills attending other schools. 1: Promoting Responsible Use of the Batteries That Power Our Lives Mentors: Clari Nolet & Stan Scardino (Rotary Los Altos) and Laura Teksler (GreenTown Los Altos) Description: Our world is full of electronics and many of these devices are powered by lithium-ion batteries. But what happens to that hazardous battery when your electric toothbrush dies? Hopefully it is properly recycled through a program like Rotary Climate Action Committee’s Lithium-Ion recycling program. In this internship you will help promote this program to local residents by creating short-form videos and other media content demonstrating what items can be recycled through the program and what happens to the batteries when they are properly disposed of and the dangers when they are not. 2: Understanding the food waste pyramid (2 interns) Mentor: Madhuri Davidson, Glenda Chang, Margie Suozzo (GreenTown Los Altos) Description: Food waste is a big contributor to climate change. When food ends up in landfills, it creates powerful greenhouse gases like methane. If food waste were a country, it would be the third largest emitter in the world. This internship provides an opportunity to learn why food waste matters and how communities can reduce it. You’ll work with real data from local waste haulers; research solutions used in other cities and organizations, and explore how composting can cut emissions. By the end, you’ll build skills in research, data analysis, and communication, and share your findings with the GreenTown board and the community.

CREEK CLEANUP Conservation BACKGROUND In 2011 GreenTown officially “adopted” the Permanente Diversion Channel through the Santa Clara Valley Water District (currently Valley Water). The channel runs from Heritage Oaks Park at Portland and Miramonte to Stevens Creek at Highway 85. Look for the sign at the corner of Portland and Miramonte declaring this a GreenTown “baby”. Our commitment? To organize and gather volunteers for biannual creek cleanup events in coordination with Valley Water. Ours is one of 50 sites countywide that participate in National River Cleanup Day, the third Saturday in May, and National Coastal Cleanup Day, the third Saturday in September. THE PROBLEM People are the main source of litter in our waterways. Litter from streets goes into our creeks and flows into San Francisco Bay and then into the ocean. 80% of the trash on beaches starts in inland areas. HOW YOU CAN HELP GreenTown encourages volunteers of all ages to help support a healthy environment in our local creek through these educational and fun-filled experiences. Activities include education about watersheds and water pollution, removing debris from the creek bed and the creek banks, and sorting and weighing all that was removed. GreenTown reports back to Valley Water and the results are spectacular! You can check out the countywide numbers at cleanacreek.org, where you also can register to volunteer for the next cleanup event. RESOURCES National River Cleanup Day Community Kids Cleaned the Creek National River Cleanup Day Recap Another Successful Creek Cleanup For inquiries about the "Don't Blow it!" program contact us at: info@greentownlosaltos.org

DON'T BLOW IT! Clean Air No FAQs yet This category doesn't have any FAQs at the moment. Check back later or explore other categories. RESOURCES "Don't Blow It!" Flyer Letter to Landscape Provider: English - Spanish How does a Gas Leaf Blower compare to a Gas Powered Vehicle ? Other Resources: Emissions Are Significant Edmunds Emissions Study NPR Comments More Pollution Than Cars Alternatives to Gas Leaf Blowers Rakes and Brooms Bad for the Environment Bad For Your Health More on Health Also Bad For Your Health Bad For Children Bad For Your Pets Leave the Leaves Santa Monica bans all leaf blowers 4-minute video Palo Alto Online Opinion Regulations Hideous Gas Leaf Blowers Email Us For inquiries about the "Don't Blow it!" program contact us at: info@greentownlosaltos.org

Events UPCOMING 500 Trees - Library Talk Register Come learn about our 500 Tree campaign. Why are we doing this? How can you get a Tree? Presented by Gary Hedden 500 Trees - Library Talk Register Come learn about our 500 Tree campaign. Why are we doing this? How can you get a Tree? Presented by Gary Hedden CALENDAR

STORMWATER RUNOFF Conservation BACKGROUND Runoff is rain that falls onto hardscape such as the asphalt and concrete of driveways, walkways, and streets. These impervious surfaces in our urban environment prevent stormwater from naturally soaking into the ground. Following 3 years of GreenTown advocacy, in November 2018 the Los Altos City Council voted to adopt eco-friendly solutions to capture dirty street runoff. The Shoulder Paving Policy, which applies to all new residential construction and major remodels, embraces permeable materials in the City Right of Way. Organic materials allow rain to sink into the ground, where toxins are captured and decompose. These “green streets” keep polluted water out of our waterways. The abundance of natural frontage in Los Altos, streets without curbs and gutters, offer tremendous opportunity to maximize stormwater capture. THE PROBLEM Believe it or not, the single largest source of pollution in the San Francisco Bay is stormwater runoff. Runoff flows through the system of curbs and gutters to storm drains that empty directly into our watershed. Along the way, beautiful rain transforms into a pollutant. Stormwater runoff picks up oil, grease and metals from cars, chemicals that leech from asphalt, fertilizer, herbicides and insecticides from our landscape, and pet waste laden with bacteria and viruses. These pollutants pose health risks to humans, wildlife, and plants. HOW YOU CAN HELP Minimize Hardscape. Maximize Greenscape. Be a part of the solution to stormwater pollution! Capturing rain where it falls helps to keep our waterways clean and healthy. Rain water is easily captured in rain gardens, vegetated swales, catch basins, dry creeks and other greenscapes. The water is purified as it gradually percolates through the soil and recharges our aquifers. To learn more watch the videos in the resources section: “Capture Rain Where It Falls” Permeable Surfaces Handbook The "Permeable Surfaces Handbook" is a comprehensive, innovative guide designed to educate readers on easy installation of permeable surfaces, aligning with the Los Altos city code for permeable surfaces for sidewalks, walkways, patios, driveways and/or uncovered parking lots. It provides practical advice on installation and maintenance, aiming to help both DIY enthusiasts and professionals implement these eco-friendly solutions. The handbook was developed by high school student Aanya Dhruv. She worked with city engineers and iterated the guide to get it up to Los Altos housing codes. Aanya leads the ejgrassroots.org initiative that is focused on environmental justice and leveraging science to solve environmental issues. RESOURCES Download the "Permeable Surfaces Handbook " Learn about the storm water runoff and how you can help manage it - watch the videos bleow: Email Us For inquiries about stromwater run-off contact us at: info@greentownlosaltos.org

Pollinator Gardens Conservation NATURE IS CALLING! Want to encourage song birds and butterflies? Plant a pollinator garden with California native plants! Small pollinator gardens scattered throughout the city will form a healthy connection for the insects and birds that will help them thrive. NATIVE POLLINATOR GARDEN PROGRAM Pick out a small sunny location on your property, about 100sf, or a circle about 11ft. in diameter, and we will suggest some plants that will look attractive and as a group will provide color that spans the entire blooming season. We offer two levels of support: Premium Full Service: We consult with the homeowner, present our suggested plants, purchase the plants and mulch, and with the help of volunteers, plant everything. The homeowner will water the plants and weed as necessary. Cost: $250 Do it Yourself: We consult with the homeowner, present our suggested plants, purchase the plants and mulch, but the homeowner plants everything and waters the plants and weeds as needed. Cost: $175 These prices cover most but not all of our costs. We will start planting in January and will cap the Premium Full Service at ten (10) recipients for this first year. If you are interested please sign up using the form on this page. RESEARCH GreenTown's 2025 Summer interns, Luke Byrne, Huck Twerdahl and Sahana Srinivasan laid the groundwork for the pollinator gardens with their research in Sustainable Landscapes in Los Altos. They were mentored by Gary Hedden, Madhuri Davidson & KJ Janowski. Below are links to their presentation & Video Thank you for your interest in Pollinator Gardens but we are now fully booked and registration is closed for this planting season. FIRST NAME* LAST NAME* E-MAIL* ADDRESS PLEASE CHOOSE A LEVEL OF SUPPORT* Do it Yourself The Premium Service level is sold out for the season. Please check back with us in the Spring of 2026 for updates. Additional comments Submit RESOURCES Summer Intern Project Presentation Intern Presentation Video

SUNDAY, MAY 4 | 11AM - 3PM State Street, Downtown Los Altos 100 block of State Street FREE ! REGISTER NOW Join Sparky the Firefly for this family-friendly event to learn how to make your home healthier by living Electric! Explore over 25 exhibitors in four featured zones and discover how you can Electrify, See the latest in e-mobility, learn about waste reduction and enjoy interactive family activities. Check out the Silicon Valley Clean Energy Dream Home model as well as 20+ exhibitors showcasing various home electrification solutions. Select EVs will be on display showcasing their ability to act as a power source during power outages and outdoor activities. Electric Avenue Learn about how to reduce your household waste, cut back on plastic use, and check out cutting-edge upcycling initiatives that are producing cool products out of common waste items. Zero Waste The latest and greater in E-scooters and E-bikes will be on display with retailers and brand reps present to answer your questions. Micro- Mobility This interactive area will highlight educational Climate Carnival games, arts and crafts, a mini makerspace, face painting, and fun for the whole family.-to font for titles, paragraphs & more. Family Discovery Thank you to the Event Sponsors! Event Map Download PDF Map Visitors Register Here! More Event Info Exhibitors Exhibitors We are constantly updating featured Exhibits. Check back often to see what's new! Silicon Valley Clean Energy With clean electricity provided by SVCE you have the power to make all-electric choices. Learn More IRBIS Heat pump systems, smart water heaters, EV-chargers Learn More Harvest Thermal Smart Battery Harvest is on 24/7, working hard to make sure your home’s air and water temperatures are just right. Learn More Shade Power Shade Power installs solar shade structures and battery backup. We will showcase example projects. Learn More 1-888-Heat-Pumps We look at your home, comfort goals, ductwork, panel, and room layout, then help you choose a system that actually fits. Learn More Tesla Model Y Tesla Model Y, Tesla Wall Connector, Tesla Mobile Connector Learn More Hyundai Ioni5 - 2026 Meet the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5! Learn More Ford 150 Lightning See the Lightning in action and talk to its owner and how they use it to power electric equipment! Learn More Volvo PHEV Meet Volvo Electric! Learn More Maker Nexus Making jewelry and art from upcycled aluminum cans. Learn More Los Altos PD & Complete Streets Commission Learn More Cocoplum We turn hard-to-recycle pill bottles into stylish, sustainable sunglasses Learn More QuitCarbon Free ENERGY STAR® certified guidance along with vetted contractors to electrify your home. Learn More Emerald Eco We are electrification contractors. Our focus: Electrification of Appliances and Resiliency. Learn More Copper The World's First Battery Enabled Induction Range: The Charlie Learn More Acterra Electric Vehicle info with rebates & Incentives, home electrification resources and incentives. Learn More Electrification Collaboration Residential Electrification by and for Local Residents from Your Neighbors Learn More ALSO e-bike TM-B Transcendent Mobility. Class 3 E-Bike Starting @ $3500. Learn More Rivian See the Rivian R1T truck power an electric Fireplace! Learn More Telo Meet TELO. The All-Electric Mini Truck! Learn More Kindred Motor Works - Ford Bronco Classic Cars, reengineered to be driven. Meed the electrified Bronco! Learn More LAHS Sustainability Committee Learn More City of Los Altos Sustainability Learn More Ridwell Sustainably reuse and recycle your stuff with Ridwell Learn More Cinnamon Energy Systems Bay Area's premier solar, storage, HVAC and home electrification contractor Learn More Fuse Services Fuse will will showcase Heat Pump Equipment and HVAC solutions for energy-efficient electrification . Learn More Air Care Heating & Cooling Efficient heating and cooling information from a locally owned HVAC company Learn More Citizen's Climate Lobby We create political will to enact legislation to minimize climate disaster. A main action: Electrification. Learn More The Switch is On The Switch Is On helps make home electrification easy! Learn More Pebble Electrified RV Meet the electric RV - Pebble Flow ! Learn More Chevrolet Equinox Meet the Chevrolet Equinox EV ! Learn More The Bicycle Outfitter See a variety of E-Bike offerings from your local bicycle store! Learn More eMotion Autos The best way to buy a USED electric car! Learn More Los Altos Mountain View Community Foundation Learn More VR Clean Air Quest Learn More Cobalt Power Systems Residential Photovoltaic Solar and Energy Storage Systems Learn More Earth Bound Homes Green Building, All electric Homes, Natural Materials, Passive House, Energy Efficiency, Toxin Free Learn More Wallbox Smart EV chargers for home, business, and more! Avoid panel upgrades. Bidirectional charging, Rebates & Incentives Learn More Infinium Solar Roofing & Electric Demo products of solar and battery storage solutions. Learn More Silicon Valley Electric Vehicle Association Educating the public about the many benefits of EVs Learn More Kia EV6 Meet the Kia EV6 ! Learn More Lucid Motors Meet the NEW Gravity Electric SUV! Learn More Last Mile E-Bikes, E-Scooters & E-Skateboards Learn More FabMo Fabric & More Rescuing designer materials, that would have ended up in lanfiills, for creative reuse. Learn More Los Altos Rotary Learn More Repair Café Silicon Valley Encouraging repair and reuse of goods rather than dumping them! Learn More Join the Exhibit Exhibitor Info Become a Sponsor More Info Volunteer Sign Up Here Hosted By We look forward to seeing you at the event. Please register to be kept updated with the latest. Register Here! About Exhibitors Highlights Event Map Visitors Exhibitors

About Us Mission OUR MISSION To protect and enhance the environment of Los Altos & Los Altos Hills through community engagement, education, and advocacy while contributing to and leveraging regional and global environmental efforts. OUR VALUES Leaving the environment a better place for the next generation Policy and decision-making based on data and scientific research Inclusion and partnership, and conducting our activities in a fair, ethical (and, when appropriate, fun) manner Education, mentorship and the inclusion of youth as much as possible in our activities Honesty and respect when presenting fact-based research and educating our community OUR BELIEFS A clean and healthy environment is vital to the health of our communities. Human activities impact the natural environment and contribute to climate change and pollution that directly affects human health Individual, community and governmental actions can mitigate the negative environmental impacts of human activities We can arrest human caused climate change and environmental degradation by individual, community and legislative action GreenTown is a project of the Los Altos Mountain View Community Foundation’s Local Impact Collective Team OUR TEAM Suresh Venkatraman President, Board Suresh’s daughters’ engagement in environmental causes were a major influence to join GreenTown. Youth all over the world are asking us, the current stewards, to do everything we can to reverse our effect on the planet’s environments and climate. Actions by individuals, communities, and governments must all come together to accomplish this monumental but achievable task. Suresh is passionate that we become acutely conscious of our consumption – from energy to products, from how they are manufactured, packaged to how they are disposed of – and make decisions and take actions to minimize our footprint. Connie Miller Clean Air Lead As a Bay Area native and Los Altos resident who has spent her entire life enjoying the abundance of nature our region offers, Connie sees the urgent need to act boldly to create a sustainable and thriving environment for our children. All actions start with one person and grow into a collective wave of change. Connie believes Los Altos and Los Altos Hills are perfectly poised, with their educated residents, affluence and regional influence, to be the leaders of change and leave a lasting positive legacy for our planet. Through GreenTown Los Altos programs, education and policy influence, Connie hopes to be a resource for and inspire positive environmental change in others. Don Weiden Treasurer Don’s career as a civil/environmental engineer and his personal enjoyment in wilderness camping since grade school have led to his interest in minimizing the impacts of our engineered and human activities on the natural environment. He became interested in GreenTown Los Altos when investigating residential solar panels for his home and is now a proponent of converting vehicles and equipment from using fossil fuels to clean electrical energy. Gary Hedden Past President, Board Member Conservation Lead Gary joined GreenTown in 2011 and now leads the effort to protect our natural resources. That means planting trees, cleaning creeks and advocating for sound conservation policies. He still likes to bike, and leads the Historic Homes Bike Ride, the Native Garden Bike Tour, the Hardy Jones Memorial Bike Ride, and the Summer & Winter Solstice night bike rides. Glenda Chang Board Member Water Lead, Woodland Library Garden Lead Glenda is a long-time reef and ocean conservation advocate, and pursues the Sustainable Development Goals, also known as the Global Goals. Change for a healthier planet can start at home, by young and old alike. As such, she is eager to learn, collaborate, and engage together as a community. Her interests include SCUBA diving, technological innovation, disaster relief, island nations and their people, discovering the outdoors, photography, and being foodies with her family. One of her recent projects is providing clean water to an indigenous mountain tribe. Laura Teksler Board Member Clean Air, Electrification Laura first became involved with GreenTown as the Almond parent lead for the Walk or Wheel (WoW) program over a decade ago. She is a life-long environmentalist and lover of the outdoors who has dedicated her paid and volunteer careers to sustainability efforts. Recently through her work on the Los Altos Environmental Commission and Acterra she has become an advocate for home electrification. Madhuri Davidson Board Member Schools WoW!, Zero Waste Madhuri has been a volunteer in many of GreenTown's conservation projects. Recently, she has taken on a pivotal role, working alongside Jana to maintain, update, and clean up our membership database. Madhuri is a Living Classroom Docent at Springer Elementary where her two children are students. She is also working with GreenTown and the City to revive the WoW program and Safe Routes to School education program at Springer Elementary! Cary Anderson Eating Green Lead Cary enjoys an active lifestyle as a retired CPA and as CFO in private equity and commercial real estate industries. Cary currently volunteers for the YMCA basketball programs, the LAHS Mentor/Tutor program and, recently, a vegan farm / animal sanctuary. Cary enjoys learning how things work, being hands-on and has a strange attraction to performing manual labor ("brawn over brains"). As the Eating- Green lead, he aims to have fun challenging himself and encouraging others to better understand how our food choices impact all forms of life. Kim Jelfs Adopt-A-Highway Lead Past Board Member, Kim first became involved with GreenTown through our "Skip the Straw' campaign and hasn't looked back! She loved our hands-on, "can do" approach and immediately felt at home. A former H.R. Manager, she has volunteered in schools and local communities and is passionate about waste reduction, eliminating single-use plastics, and living sustainably. When not growing food in her garden, you can find Kim hiking local trails and traveling. Kris Jensen Consulting Director, Development Kris is our quintessential perfect match. The living embodiment of an advocate, starting at age 13 by penning a note to Pres. Reagan protesting removing the White House’s solar panels. He lives sustainably, is a certified permaculture designer, gardens, cooks and does woodwork when he’s not guiding our community efforts. Michele Gerstel Marketing Lead Michele admits joining the GreenTown team was a no brainer. Why? Who wouldn’t want to be a part of a team of passionate, brilliant residents working to improve our community’s future? Marketing its programs are just plain fun. Not to mention rewarding. Enough to keep anyone smiling. Jana Schlanker Organization Lead Jana is our organizational go to. Her smiling face makes it easy to make any request and know it will be readily handled. From managing our growing database, organizing volunteers and coordinating events, she has an eye for details that we enjoy having on board.

Building Community for Electrification Code Red Series March 18, 12 - 1 PM via Zoom Register Here Home: Welcome LATEST NEWS & ARTICLES GreenTown Blog | Subscribe to Newsletter Bike Month Brings the Community Together on Two Wheels! Margie Suozzo May 5 GreenTown Los Altos’ LASD WoW! Survey Analysis - Fall 2025 Margie Suozzo Apr 2 Green Gardeners - Use Electric Leaf Blowers! Linda Ziff Jan 29 Electrification Journey KJ Janowski Sep 12, 2025 Heat Pumps Cause Pregnancy!! Connie Miller Aug 7, 2025 Walk or Wheel into the New School Year with WoW! Margie Suozzo Aug 4, 2025 UPCOMING EVENTS Event Calendar No events at the moment CONNECT WITH US SEARCH THE SITE