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OUR PROJECTS Interested in volunteering with or leading a project? Email us at volunteer@greentownlosalos.org Pollinator Gardens 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. Learn More 500 Trees We have planted 500 Trees! Thank you for being part of this amazing achievement! Learn More Clean A Creek Volunteer to help us clean up the Permanente & Adobe Creeks Learn More Say No to thirsty landscapes Learn about saving water with drought-tolerant landscaping. Replace your lawn with a beautiful native garden! Learn More Recycle Water Graywater is lightly used water that is safe for most landscapes. Learn about the types of graywater systems and if they are is right for you. Learn More Manage Stormwater Run-off Minimize hardscape. Plant rain gardens and greenscape. Learn More Annual Bike Rides Join us for the annual the Historic, Summer & Winter Solstice and Lawn-be-gone Bike Rides Learn More Electrify You Home Make the switch to clean energy in your home. Learn More Try an Induction Cooktop Hear why this chef cooks almost exclusively with induction and won't be going back to gas! Borrow an induction stove from us - Try it and you wont be switching back! Learn More Reach Codes in Los Altos Electric homes save money, your health and the environment. Learn about why this is important and how the city is addressing it! Learn More Living Electric Fair Join Sparky the Firefly for this family-friendly event to learn how to make your home healthier by living Electric! Learn More

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP OUR MISSION Reduce carbon emissions generated by transportation Increase the adoption of EVs Encourage walking and biking as the primary modes of getting around the town Support implementation of Walk-or-Wheel! (WoW!) programs Advocate for improved walking and biking infrastructure and Safe Routes to Schools Advocate for increased use of public transit THE PROBLEM On-road transportation contributes to more than 50% of greenhouse gas emissions in Los Altos and Los Altos Hills Our communities are leaders in adoption of EVs - the 2nd highest in California as a percent of registered vehicles Yet, only 8% of registered vehicles are EVs, leaving a lot of room for improvement Los Altos has 100 miles of streets. Safe streets for pedestrians and bicyclists are critical to increasing the number of people comfortably walking and biking Our relatively flat geography and mild climate makes it ideal for walking and biking. The number of students biking to high school increased markedly between 2010 and 2019 HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED Get Involved If you are passionate about walking, biking or reducing the carbon emissions from vehicles let us know or join us: info@greentownlosaltos.org Email Us Bike Tours Gary Hedden, our resident reliably dedicated rider has initiated several family fun riding events. Sign Up! to stay informed about the next tour! Email Us Schools WoW! We work with schools to encourage Walk-or-Wheel days throughout the year. We make it fun and rewarding for the kids! Learn More Recycle Bike Drive Every year our community comes together to fix used bikes and donate to school children who need them! We have partnered with Silicon Valley Bike Exchange ! Learn More Go Electric! Everything you need to know about EVs to make the switch! Eliminate harmful emissions by charging your EV with Clean Electricity. Coming Soon!

REUSABLE PARTY PACKS Zero Waste 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. Available to Borrow! Please fill out the form to request to borrow a Party Pack REQUEST FORM or Email partypack@greentownlosaltos.org CONTACT US Email Us For inquiries about other Zero Waste projects, please contact us at: waste@greentownlosaltos.org

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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

In The News Security on Campus Starts with You Sept. 23, 2023 at 11am Botany in The Developing World Sept. 23, 2023 at 11am Women's Soccer vs. NYU Sept. 23, 2023 at 11am Innovation Day 2023 Sept. 23, 2023 at 11am University Symphony Orchestra Sept. 23, 2023 at 11am Student Council Elections Sept. 23, 2023 at 11am

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 JOIN US Volunteer & Intern Volunteers are GreenTown's Engine. Without you we cannot do what we do! See all the ways or tell us how you would like to help! DONATE Becoming a member you’ll support educating and inspiring actions for a better planet. Information below how you can donate Stay Informed Sign up for our monthly newsletter and stay informed on our various programs

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

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

DON'T BLOW IT! Clean Air Frequently asked questions 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 RESOURCES Green Gardeners List is Here! "Don't Blow It!" Flyer Letter to Landscape Provider: English - Spanish CORE Program 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 For inquiries about the "Don't Blow it!" program contact us at: info@greentownlosaltos.org

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