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In December of 2018, I had the amazing opportunity of fulfilling every climate activists’ dream by traveling to, and speaking at, the annual United Nations climate change conference — also known as COP24 which was located in Katowice, Poland. There, I got to work with environmental activists from all over the world in creating a white paper that would be presented to the United Nations. Our white paper outlined a vision for the world in terms of environmental progress from the perspective of youth. In it, we focused primarily on governmental representation because diverse opinions in the government will lead to more diverse solutions to climate change that will account for every citizen, not just the traditional governmental representatives, typically upper-class white men). Additionally, we advocated for more education regarding climate issues in schools starting as early as Kindergarten. This will lead to a more educated generation of climate leaders. It’s been about two years since I participated in writing this white paper, and as I was evaluating our progress in Los Altos in implementing some of the ideas that we outlined, I realized that Los Altos has made a lot of progress in some aspects, but there are still some gaps that are essential to fill in order to progress in terms of the environment. For starters, Los Altos schools have done a great job in implementing environmental education for students. Whether it’s having Kindergarteners plant potted plants, or teaching fourth and fifth graders about the science behind climate change, we’re building a generation of strong activists with a sense of climate awareness, but we can always do better in educating youth about the pertinence of this issue. Schools are also providing students the opportunities to further their climate interest through different extracurriculars and clubs which expose them to real-world opportunities in which their activism can make a difference. Unfortunately, we can’t have fourth and fifth grades govern Los Altos — as fun as it might seem — Los Altos policymakers also have to embrace the need to protect the planet and future generations from climate change. Some progress has been made here. In 2013, the City of Los Altos adopted a Climate Action Plan. Monitoring progress on this plan, however, has been weak. While Los Altos has elected representatives of diverse backgrounds, not all socioeconomic or racial voices are represented on relevant commissions and the City Council meaning that climate solutions cater to a limited part of Los Altos’ multi-faceted community. Also, environmental action isn’t as urgent in Los Altos, while there definitely has been some progress, I would like to see more open conversations regarding the environment during City Council meetings, and would like more communication on environmental issues. I would recommend that the Los Altos Youth Commission does some work on climate issues or awareness as they also have a widespread impact on Los Altos youth. While Los Altos is just a small town, it’s essential that we start to take climate action more seriously because it might set the precedent for other towns/cities in our area. So, wake up Los Altos, the fate of the world — quite literally — is in our hands.

There’s a new sustainability kid in town on Main Street, occupying the spot where Los Altos Card and Party used to be: Naturepedic Organic Mattresses. Dominic and Michael, who operate the business in downtown Los Altos, say they are purveyors of "some of the most comfortable and customizable mattresses in the world" which are also safe to sleep on because they're sustainably produced. Naturepedic is one of the few independently certified organic mattress manufacturers in the United States. Being organic, their products don’t introduce pesticides or toxic chemicals into the supply chain. There are no fire retardants or polyurethane foam in their products that would expose you to off-gassing VOCs and other toxins. Naturepedic has more certifications, awards and endorsements than any other organic brand giving you peace of mind in their commitment to protecting the planet as well as your health and well-being . Abby Ahrens, who understands quality and comfort, uses Naturepedic mattresses in her Enchante Boutique Hotel. If you're tired of sleeping on petroleum-based beds, and want a safe, comfortable sleeping experience, check out their store and support their sustainability oriented business. NATUREPEDIC ORGANIC MATTRESS GALLERY 222 Main Street Los Altos, California 94022 PH: 408-370-2000 https://www.naturepedic.com/siliconvalley

Happy New Year! I don’t know about you but the past couple of weeks has felt like a couple of months. And it's only January. In the midst of all that’s going on I wanted to assure you that GreenTown Los Altos is still on-the-job. I also wanted to give a big shout out and thank you to all of you who gave financially to GreenTown over the holiday season. Despite the turmoil surrounding us, we exceeded our fundraising goals and had one of our most successful end-of-year campaigns. That’s because of you. Thank you! I’ve never been one for New Year’s resolutions but I am a fan of taking stock of my life and, at the very least, thinking about what I want to accomplish in the new year. One thing I’d like to do is build more reading time into my schedule. Like many of you, I have a long reading list but I’d still love to hear from you about what you’re reading--especially anything related to the environment. If you haven’t read it already, I highly recommend “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer. This year I’ll likely need to get a new car as my 2010 Toyota Corolla has over 335,000 miles on it. It’s been a great vehicle but I need to explore my options for what’s next. I’d like to get an Electric Vehicle (EV) but obviously I drive a lot and "range anxiety" is a big issue. Here’s a great tool from Silicon Valley Clean Energy that’s helping me to navigate this process. Thank you again for your support, financial and otherwise. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or comments about GreenTown, your book recommendations, and any thoughts that might address my range anxiety (for someone living on a nonprofit salary). Warmly, Kris Jensen 650.521.1536 kris@greentownlosaltos.org

Mnimizing materialism can be challenging during the Holiday Season. We want to be generous and give to those we care about and who have helped us throughout the year. But how can we do this in a way that is environmentally friendly and sustainable? What if we could gift in a way that might even inspire others to go green themselves? We have some suggestions for giving this year that show you care for the planet which could inspire family and friends to do the same. Great gifts don’t have to be new Many of us older folks are blessed to have special family mementos, inherited objects, treasured photos, etc. Why wait until the end of our lives to pass them along? Even small but special items can make great gifts, especially if you include the story behind the object and why you want that person to have it. When shopping, think secondhand, antique, used books or flea market. Give an experience, not a thing Consider giving tickets (to museums, lecture series, parks, mini golf), or lessons (cooking, pottery, language, sewing) or gift certificates that support local businesses or restaurants. Everyone loves homemade Jams, breads, cookies are the usual, but also think healthy, like granola or home roasted nuts. Have a garden? Dry herbs or bay leaves and place in recycled glass jars with your own label. Have a lemon tree? Make homemade limoncello! You don’t have to be a seamstress or craftsman. It’s not hard to make natural homemade soaps, body lotion, lip balm, even toothpaste—how cool is that? Check out Trash Is For Tossers for ideas (see below). If buying something new, think plastic-free and sustainable! Here are a few links to get you started. Some of these retailers have sampler boxes or starter kits that make great gifts. LOCAL OPTIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SHOPPING The Ecology Center’s Eco Store in Berkeley The store is open! Plan a visit to this eco-marketplace (COVID guidelines permitting). Great gift ideas, books, toxic-free toys and children’s products, environmentally and socially responsible products, cookbooks, gardening guides, and recycled paper products. The ecology center operates 3 farmers' markets, and their website has tons of educational material on zero waste and sustainable living. The Source Zero in San Jose San Jose’s first zero waste shop and soap refill store. Shop for holiday gift packages, bath and kitchen products, home goods and cleaning supplies, all with refillable containers or zero waste packaging. MORE OPTIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SHOPPING Life Without Plastic Offers plastic-free essentials as well as informative and educational news articles (at bottom of webpages). Has seasonal boxes (“samplers”) you can subscribe to, or give as gifts. And of course, there’s the book, “Life Without Plastic” which serves as a go-to reference not only for those just getting started, but for those looking to expand their impact with sustainable living. Earth Hero Compiles a wide variety of eco-friendly, sustainable household, office, and kitchen items, plus toys and clothes from a variety of merchants. Great site to browse and get ideas! Made Trade Online retailer that sells carefully selected eco-friendly and ethically sourced products made in the US or in fair-trade businesses around the world. They offer elegant and simple home goods, furniture, gifts, clothing and accessories—all sustainably made and ethically sourced. Made Trade values artistry over efficiency, and fair wages over profits. EcoRoots This small business was founded in Aspen, Colorado, to inform people about the real and negative impacts single-use plastic has on our health and the planet. EcoRoots offers high quality and affordable products that help you reduce waste. Be sure to check out their Zero Waste Blog for terrific suggestions for gifts and for reducing waste during the holidays. Eartheasy This family owned and operated business is based in the US and Canada. Their mission is to help people improve their quality of life by offering information and products for sustainable living. Much of their focus is on education as well as products—be sure to see their LEARN pages, full of “how to” articles (e.g., The Easiest Way to Start Composting Now; Plastic-Free Grocery Shopping Made Easy; Non-Toxic Cleaning and Disinfecting…) They sell great products for home, garden, camping and they have incredible gift ideas! Check out their natural cedar raised beds (assemble in seconds!): Package Free This is the retail space for Trash is for Tossers (see below), filled with excellent suggestions for your zero waste shopping and gift giving. Trash is for Tossers Comprehensive resource for learning how to reduce your waste, live plastic-free, AND reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals in store-bought products by making your own or by shopping at recommended sites. This is a great place to get DIY ideas for cooking and self-care products from natural ingredients, which also make great homemade gifts! If you’re not a DIYer and want to purchase items, see the Trash is for Tossers Package Free shopping site. Gifting Green Has Other Benefits By “gifting green” this year, you can share ideas that help reduce waste, raise awareness regarding eco-friendly living, and encourage others to incorporate more sustainable products into their routines. Do you have a favorite item or website you’d like to share with other Newsletter readers? Let us know! Send your idea, suggestion or comment to GreenTown’s Zero Waste Team at info@greentownlosaltos.org Happy Green Holidays from GreenTown Los Altos!

As part of our 500 Trees Campaign, GreenTown Los Altos is happy to report we planted 162 trees last year. This fall, we're now ready to plant some more. Though the Covid-19 restrictions will slow us down, so we will not be planting as many this year, we will plant as many as possible.. Check out the tree list with our top 24 trees, 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! PS - We love when kids get involved and they have! Learn more and sign up!

You’ve seen the evidence. You know a plant-based diet is good for you and good for the planet. But you aren’t vegetarian, let alone vegan. Guess what? You're not alone! It’s hard making dietary changes often because our brains say, “yes,” but our bodies and our habits say, “not yet.” There are many good reasons why changing the way we eat is tough. Starting early in childhood we develop food choices and customs that seem natural and quickly become part of our identity. Choosing different foods can disrupt our sense of ourselves and how we fit into our families and culture. While it may seem adventuresome to try new foods some of the time, most of us have a repeating set of food items that make up a comforting and reliable pantry for our sustenance. It’s also easy to become overwhelmed with new food choices. Making decisions zaps our energy. Willpower alone doesn’t create lasting change. Taking the path of least resistance is easier especially when we have multiple responsibilities. First, if you want to start adopting more plant-based foods it’s important to acknowledge and honor the way you eat now. Guilt and negativity won’t help you. Allow yourself to go slowly and see what may transpire. Next, be curious about what most draws you to a plant-based diet. Often people say health is the strongest motivator but the environment and ethics for animals are also factors that inspire changes. Find out more about these reasons to consider a plant-based diet. Keep giving yourself permission to go slowly while steadily being aware of how your thinking may shift. Make a plan to choose 2 meals or 2 days to start experimenting. Using the substitution method is an easy way to introduce new foods without much interruption in what you already do. If your normal dinner consists of a protein, a starch and a green you might have a veggie burger, rice pilaf and steamed broccoli. Having a vegan butter on hand will help. And get support! A friend, a daughter or an Eating Green volunteer will be so glad to talk through ideas, share a recipe or go on a grocery outing to help you embark on a new adventure. Food should be a pleasure. If you go about making plant-based choices as a way of thriving in alignment with your values you will be successful – one day at a time. ******** The Eating Green team of GreenTown Los Altos is planning a series of community conversations about transitioning to a plant-based diet. We want to support you in exploring obstacles to making dietary changes and celebrate incremental steps. Stay tuned for an announcement about how you can participate in small group discussions online if you are plant curious.

In “normal” times, GreenTown Los Altos organizes two large volunteer cleanups of Permanente Creek each year—alas these are not “normal” times. With COVID-19 restrictions on large group gatherings, this year’s strategy had to be different. Instead of participating in a single nationwide cleanup day as part of the National Coastal Cleanup 2020, we were encouraged to work individually or in small groups to protect our waterways by cleaning up trash and debris in our own neighborhoods, i.e., the watershed areas We reached out to our volunteers, and were thrilled to learn that many of our young environmental protectors answered the call! With masks on and arms ready to lug whatever was found, we had several boys from SLOB, the Service League of Boys participate, and many girls fromat least three Girl Scout Troops who volunteered as well. What a difference they made! THANK YOU TO ALL THESE YOUNG LOS ALTOS ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDS! You're inspiring!

Thank you for making our fall fundraiser, the Future is Now, such a success! We didn’t know what to expect doing a virtual fundraiser but knew our supporters would come through, and because of you we exceeded our goals for the night raising close to $20,000. Thanks too to our amazing sponsors for the evening, Silicon Valley Clean Energy, Los Altos Community Investments, Mission Trail Waste Systems, Zoom Media, and Connie Miller and Present. For most of us, the highlight of the night was recognizing the inimitable Margie Suozzo as our Environmental Hero of the Year. Margie’s involvement with GreenTown goes back to the very beginning of the organization. She and Kacey Fitzpatrick met at a Sierra Club Cool Cities meeting in 2007 and that was the start. Kacey puts it well when she says, “Margie was an amazing partner and co-conspirator… and she is one of those people who lights up a room when she walks into it, making others feel good, always with a great smile, a laugh, a sparkle and endless wisdom.” Arnold Ambiel, former GreenTown board president, said, “Margie has always been one of the ‘go to’ people due to her deep understanding of environmental issues and the science behind them. Always positive, always helpful and always encouraging.” GreenTown supporter Don Bray adds his twist, “It was garbage that first brought us together in the early GreenTown days. What’s better than replacing heavy recyclables boxes with big rolling carts? Or saving food waste in your kitchen so you can throw it on top of your yard clippings? Margie sold these new ideas to the City, and did so with a smile. Mission Trail got the new waste contract, the landfill diversion rate went up, and we now have fewer back aches. Thank you, Margie!” It's been an honor for each of us to work with and learn from Margie. We’re grateful for her and look forward to many more years “making good trouble” as the late John Lewis would say. Thank you Margie!

Hope. That was one of the main messages of a GreenTown-sponsored talk on “Ocean Plastics: Circular Economy and Green Chemistry Solutions” on Wed., Jan 23 at the Los Altos Library. Julie Noblitt, a long-time advocate for reducing plastic waste, and the Energy and Climate Director of Acterra, a Palo-Alto based regional environmental organization, presented facts on plastic waste, the dire state of the oceans, and offered a glimmer of hope. The crux of Julie’s talk was to highlight, not only what we can do as individuals to address the problem of rampant plastic waste, but what companies and creative entrepreneurs are doing to help mitigate the problem. Yes, she’s 14. But Cambria Bartlett feels strongly about the future of oceans given the looming plastic crisis and has joined the organization “Heirs to Our Oceans” to help combat the issue. In addition, Cambria Bartlett, a 14 year-old youth advocate active with the organization Heir to Our Oceans spoke about the work of their organization in educating people and policymakers about sustainable alternatives. If you don’t know about them, you should. The problem: Nearly 300 million tons of plastic are produced each year. Only about 10 percent is recycled in any meaningful way. 8 million metric tons of plastic enter our oceans every year. Unless we act now to reduce plastic waste generation, this rate is expected to triple by 2050! The solutions: Julie highlighted a few big solutions that she is watching evolve. Good alternatives to plastic More and more bioplastics, plant-based plastics and edible/degradable substitutes are becoming available. Examples include styrofoam substitutes made out of mushrooms, from Ecovative and straws made out of marine-edible seaweed, from Loliware. In addition, we can return to paper for some uses. For example, good quality paper straws are now available from Aardvark and other manufacturers. Dealing with existing plastics Let’s talk about our clothing – 40 percent of clothing is plastic. When these plastics are washed, microfibers are released into our waterways. The CoraBall, can be thrown in with the laundry to collect these fibers before they go out in the wash water and into our waterways. Adidas has found an answer, teaming with Parley, to create shoes and jerseys made of plastics collected from the ocean. Julie also described her own journey in reducing plastic in her life. She started with declining single-use plastics, such as bags and water bottles, and reducing any packaging waste that she could by considering packaging before she purchases and by bringing her own containers, e.g., reusable water bottles, coffee mugs, and takeout containers. Her last ziploc bags were purchased about 10 years ago; she continues to wash and reuse them–a sorry testament to their staying-power in the environment. The good news is reducing package waste is getting easier with zero waste stores cropping up. Sprouts Market (locally) and Rainbow Market (San Francisco) carry a wide range of bulk or package-free items. In addition to reducing your personal waste, you can make your voice heard. Let legislators know that you are concerned about the impacts of single-use plastics on the planet. Advocate for policies that support waste reduction at the source. Legislation that works, includes bag and styrofoam bans–currently in effect here in Los Altos–and extended producer responsibility, that require companies to take-back packaging that comes with things sold in their stores. GreenTown has been working to combat plastic pollution in our community. Through our Skip the Straw initiative, we encourage local restaurants to offer straws only on request and offer paper (not plastic) straws, when requested. GreenTown volunteers got a boost in January 2019, when state legislation went into effect requiring dine-in restaurants to offer straws only on request (though they can offer plastic straws). The committee’s focus shifted to informing restaurants about the new legislation and offering paper straw alternatives for restauranteurs to test. Thus far, Tom’s Depot, Pompeii Restaurant, Cafe Vitale, Amber India (for some drinks), and the Drive-Up Coffee Shop are offering straws on request and/or offering only paper straws. In addition, we have new recommendations for recycling thin plastics at store drop-off locations (such as at Safeway, Lucky and Draegers) to avoid these items going to the landfill and we are working on identifying the best markets for a zero-waste. Additional resources and ideas mentioned at the talk Zerowastechef.com, lots of tips from a local chef and zero waste advocate Zerow.org, a zero waste blog by Sunnyvale resident, Tim Oey Bring your used dental products (empty floss and toothpaste containers) to a recycling drop-off  in Sunnyvale Make recyclable bags available at Farmers Market Write to suppliers to suggest packaging changes Be an active shareholder Advocate for laws that require manufacturers to take packaging back Attend the Mar 19 Oceans Day in Sacramento Support companies like Loliware The GreenTown Waste Reduction Team has information to help you go plastic-free as well as ways to get involved. For more info, email us.

Join the fun. Reserve your spot here! Tuesday, Oct. 20, 7-8:30pm Our Online Auction Is Live Now! What's in store for you? FUN! Great Music! From local artists and environmentalists: Tami Mulcahy and The Song Gardeners. Kinship! With neighbors who love and care for our planet. Like you do! Inspiring Stories! From youth environmental leaders. A Transformative Talk! With Kristie Middleton, author of MeatLess: Transform the Way You Eat and Live--One Meal at a Time and VP Business Development at Rebellyous Foods. Celebration! Honoring GreenTown's work and this year's Environmental Hero, Margie Suozzo. What's in it for us? FUNDING for our local projects. Your support for this event helps us maintain and grow our programs. By purchasing your ticket to next Tuesday evening's event and by supporting our ONLINE and LIVE auctions you ensure that we can continue to protect and enhance our local environment and contribute to global environmental sustainability. Browse the ONLINE AUCTION CATALOG Now! Note that FRIDAY is the last day to purchase awesome GOODY BAGS with your ticket. One of our GreenTown board members has been hard at work creating these bags to make your evening extra special. Get your event ticket here. Student tickets available starting at $10. SPONSORS: This wouldn't be possible without support from our AMAZING sponsors! Silicon Valley Clean Energy |  Mission Trail Waste Systems | Zoom Media | Connie Miller | Present | Los Altos Community Investments  Info@GreenTownLosAltos.org

The GreenTown Los Altos Waste Team recently held a screening of the newly released film The Story of Plastic and hosted a Zoom discussion on what we can do locally and beyond to reduce plastic use and waste. Joining the panel for discussion were: Louie Pellegrini, President, Mission Trail Waste System Emiko Ancheta, Sustainability Coordinator, City of Los Altos Joanne Brasch, Project Manager, California Product Stewardship Council Nick Lapis, Director of Advocacy, Californians Against Waste The documentary is an amazing account of how we arrived at the plastic crisis we face today. Yes, we have a dire situation of plastic litter and ocean pollution, but it’s much more than that. Missed the film? Learn how you can watch it, or host a screening HERE. The film explains how plastic pollution is truly an environmental injustice impacting all of us—some more than others. Fossil fuel extraction and plastic production result in environmental degradation and damaging health effects to those living nearby, typically communities of color and low socioeconomic means. Moreover, we are now flooded with plastic waste that is not biodegradable—it only breaks down into smaller and smaller particles over centuries to end up in our water, air and food. Add to these social and environmental injustices an economic injustice: those producing, selling and profiting from inexpensive plastic packaging (think single-use plastic) don’t have to pay for addressing these injustices. WE, the taxpayers, and our local governments must pay for environmental clean-ups, household trash collection and hauling to expensive sorting facilities–and it turns out most plastic is NOT recyclable. Everyone’s health suffers when our environments are polluted in ways that lead to unhealthy oceans, contaminated drinking water and food tainted with plastic chemicals. Fortunately, California has a plan to tackle this challenging crisis, and YOU can help! Efforts are underway to include on our November ballot a measure to reduce plastic waste. Thank you to all who signed the petition to add this!!! If successful, the Plastics Free California Initiative will be voted on this fall. More info HERE. We’ll know soon, so stay tuned! The California State Legislature is working on The California Circular Economy and Plastic Pollution Reduction Act (AB1080 and SB 54). Though inactive now due to COVID-19, it is anticipated that work to pass this legislation will resume as soon as possible. Be ready to advocate! Watch a short video about the effort HERE and check out this factsheet from the California Product Stewardship Council HERE. Did you see that GTLA is promoting Plastic Free July? Have fun this month practicing how to live a more plastic free life. Be part of the solution! See our post in the July Newsletter. It’s easy to sign up HERE. Volunteer! We’d love you to join GreenTown’s Waste Reduction Team! Just email us at info@greentownlosaltos.org.