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      ElectrificationHelp meet climate goals by making the switch to clean energy.

      Karl Knapp GoEV ProgramWorkshops and financial incentive clinics to help you switch to electric vehicles.
      Green@HomeMinimize your carbon footprint by optimizing electric use in your home.
      Air QualityImproving air quality for a healthier planet and communities
      FoodPromoting healthy habits and policies for people and the planet.

      Healthy Plate, Healthy PlanetLearn about the benefits of plant-forward lifestyles and how to prevent food waste.
      Farm Fresh FuturesBringing fresh, healthy food to schools while supporting local, sustainable farms.
      HomeGrown Bay AreaJoin a City Team improving food systems change in San Jose.
      San Mateo Food System AllianceA food-system-alliance to build a more resilient and just food system.
      EducationOur main tool for promoting behavior change.

      You(th) Be the ChangeHelping middle school educators teach children about the causes of and solutions to climate change.
      Acterra’s Student Ambassadors ProgramTraining & resources to empower high school & college students to take action.
      Public Lecture SeriesProminent voices address essential topics like equity, policy, innovation, and action.
      AdvocacyAccelerating the equitable transition to a sustainable future

      EV Charging for All CoalitionAdvocating for equitable, safe, and convenient access to EV charging.
      Code Red Resource HubDiscover webinars, tools, and actions for building decarbonization.
      Food Systems and San QuentinExploring a variety of equity initiatives at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center.
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Acterra Action for a Healthy Planet
EcoHappenings Newsletter

25 July 2024

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Sustainable zero-waste shopping is reshaping the way we approach our daily purchases by prioritizing the reduction of single-use plastics and excess packaging. This approach involves using reusable containers, buying in bulk, opting for products with minimal or compostable packaging, and choosing alternatives that prioritize sustainability. By adopting zero-waste practices, you can significantly reduce landfill contributions which may take years to decompose, decrease pollution associated with the manufacturing, transportation, and disposal of single-use packaging materials, and foster a culture of sustainability and circularity.

 

Embracing zero waste shopping not only transforms your routine, but also helps contribute to a more sustainable future while making impactful and healthy choices for the environment. Discover more about zero-waste practices, explore recommendations, and learn about local organizations and individuals committed to being zero-waste through the articles below.

  • The EPA and how different communities define zero-waste
  • Merci SF's Guide on Bay Area Zero-Waste Stores
  • Plastic Free Future - A Bay Area non-profit dedicated to the reduction and elimination of plastic pollution
  • Anne-Marie Bonneau - Also known as Zero Waste Chef, Anne-Marie creates delicious recipes with little to no waste, including any plastic and food waste. 
Donate now

Support Acterra's climate action programs by clicking the "donate" button above.

Announcements

Staff Updates: New Roles at Acterra

Congratulations to our incredible team on their new roles at Acterra!

  • Zack Wurtz, stepping into the role of Director of Operations

  • Irvin Rivero, taking charge as Beneficial Electrification Manager

  • Michelle Kim, leading as Operations Manager

  • Jacquelyne Espejo Vera, spearheading our efforts as Community Engagement Specialist

Your dedication and hard work continue to inspire us every day. Here's to new beginnings and continued success! 

New Staff Roles at Acterra
 

New Blog Post!

Check out the latest blog post by Acterra's Communications Intern Joey Sausville on the effective ways to save money, decrease your energy usage, and reduce your carbon footprint.

 

Whether you're a renter or a homeowner, we've got practical solutions for everyone.

 

Read the blog post and start saving today! 

New Blog Post!

Home Upgrades with Peninsula Clean Energy

Get a 0% loan up to $10k to make energy efficiency upgrades to your home! Learn more here. Eligible upgrades include:

  • Heat pump water heater and/or heat pump for heating & A/C

  • Electrical panel upgrades, energy efficiency & weatherization work (e.g. insulation, air sealing).
Home Upgrades with Peninsula Clean Energy
 

Acterra is Hiring!

We're thrilled to announce a new open position for the Director of Development! In this pivotal role, you'll lead our efforts in fundraising, strategic communications, and marketing to support our mission of environmental sustainability and equity. You'll oversee major gift programs, foundation support, and innovative communications campaigns that drive our annual operating budget as well as collaborating closely with our Executive Director, Board, and Program Teams to expand our impact.

 

If you're passionate about sustainability, equity, and creating lasting impact through strategic initiatives, we invite you to visit our website to learn more about this exciting opportunity and apply today!

 

 

Apply to be a Fellow with Acterra!

Apply to be a Sustainability Service Corps with Acterra!

Sustainability Service Corps (SSC) is accepting applications for our AmeriCorps 11-month fellowship program. SSC Fellows will lead sustainability projects and work alongside climate leaders. Fellows will have the opportunity to develop professionally, grow their networks, and establish a career in the climate field while making a lasting impact in California communities.

 

Their program offers a monthly stipend, healthcare benefits (with dental and vision), UC Climate Stewards certification, and an Education Award upon completion of the fellowship. Acterra is pleased to be one of the partner organizations where the fellows will have the opportunity to work.

Program term dates are September 3, 2024 – July 31, 2025.

Learn more and apply now
! 

 

Event Recap: Garden to Plate Cooking Demo

The Garden to Plate Cooking Demo last weekend was a big success! 

Acterra's fellows Crystal Hernandez and Remy Rinn led the cooking demonstration at Urban Tilth’s 6th Street Community Garden, creating a hearty salad with fresh ingredients from the garden and sharing practical tips on sustainable kitchen practices. A group of 10 people joined in to help beautify the garden and enjoyed a meal together at the end of the event.

A huge thank you to Urban Tilth and CivicSpark for this enriching opportunity!

Stay tuned for more exciting events at Acterra! 

Garden to Plate Cooking Demo Recap
Upcoming Partner Events

Protect Our Community with Mothers Out Front! 

Artificial turf poses serious health risks and environmental hazards. Join Mothers Out Front and prioritize the health of the planet by choosing natural grass. Sign the petition to prohibit the installation of new artificial turf on County-owned property and learn more on the Santa Clara County Medical Association's stance on artificial turf.

Tell Santa Clara County: No New Artificial Turf on County Property!
 

San Francisco Environment - Life's Better Electric Home Tours

Life's Better Electric home tour

The San Francisco Environment Department  is excited to announce their inaugural "Life’s Better Electric" home tour. on . September 29. This event will highlight home electrification strategies across 5-10 homes in the San Francisco's neighborhoods, featuring fully electrified homes, gradual retrofits, and affordable DIY solutions for homeowners and renters alike

They are seeking enthusiastic hosts who have adopted electrification measures in their homes and are eager to share their green living experiences with the community. The application to become a tour host is open until August 2nd.

Why Participate?

  • Share your eco-friendly achievements

  • Provide insights on the benefits of home electrification

  • Highlight resources, rebates, and incentives

  • Inspire your neighbors to go electric too!

Interested in participating or learning more? Apply now! After applying, a staff member from SF Environment will reach out to discuss your application. For any questions, please reach out to Elise McLane.

Take Action with Acterra
Support the creation of an urban food forest in San Jose, CA!

HomeGrown Bay Area (HGBA): Support our Urban Food Forest Initiative 

 

The San Jose City Team of HGBA has been pushing for a community food forest to be created in San Jose to provide nutritious food, educational opportunities, green spaces, community resilience, and environmental benefits to the city’s residents. You can take action today by signing our petition here. Please share this link with your networks — and feel free to email hgba@acterra.org if you’d like to volunteer or otherwise get more involved in our meetings and events. 

Climate Bond Primer 

Did you know that on the November ballot, there will be a $10 billion taxpayer-funded climate bond at stake? The Climate Bond would enable California to improve our drinking water, mitigate wildfire risk, and protect the coastline from rising sea levels. Equity is also a centerpiece of the measure, which contains provisions to aid disadvantaged communities. Opponents of the Bond, however, cite the high burden on California taxpayers. Learn more about the Climate Bond with our fact sheet.

 

Endorsed Events and Job Opportunities

 

Comment on Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan - The Metropolitain Transportation Center (MTC) has released a draft plan outlining the Bay Area’s near-term transportation blueprint for people with disabilities, older adults, and low-income populations. The plan calls for developing new policies for the region including establishing “Mobility Managers” in each county,  infrastructure and paratransit improvements, addressing equity, and more. Members of the public are invited to submit comments.

Deadline August 7 at 5 PM. Link.

 

The City of Campbell is currently developing its first Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) to set specific targets that align with statewide emissions reduction goals and help Campbell achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. The City is dedicated to creating a planning process that is welcoming, equitable, and focused on the needs of all community members and welcomes community input to shape a CAAP that reflects Campbell's diverse community.

English Survey. Spanish Survey.

 

Want to get involved in climate action but unsure where to start? Join thousands of San José residents in the fight against climate change and participate in the City of San José’s Climate Smart Summer Challenge! It’s a fun and easy way to track the steps you’re taking to reduce your carbon footprint and includes a range of actions, helpful tips and resources for you to track your financial savings and carbon emission reductions. Winners are eligible for special recognition and prizes! The Challenge will span from July to September.

Sign up here.

 

Climate Resilient Communities (CRC) is hiring! In collaboration with the Adaptation team and other CRC staff, the Adaptation Program Associate is responsible for carrying out climate adaptation efforts, including program implementation, strategic planning, partnership development, arranging meeting and project logistics, budgeting, and reporting. A major part of the job is to implement effective approaches to a wide array of climate adaptation projects and efforts. See more details and apply today! Link.

 

Join Thrive Alliance to discuss wildfire risk during California's driest months. Speakers Timothy Federal, Manager of the San Mateo Resource Conservation District’s Forest Health and Fire Resiliency Program, and Cari Chen, Director of Innovation and Strategy at the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program will share their insights on ongoing local efforts to mitigate wildfire destruction and offer advice on how the community can proactively prepare for wildfire season.

July 31 from 10:00 AM – 11:00 am. Link.

 

Join a Recology Public Tour to find out what happens to your trash, recycling, and compost and become an expert on why Recology sorts and how to do it properly. On this tour, you will learn bout Recology and the programs offered in San Francisco, how to properly sort items with their three-bin system, why reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting are more than just buzzwords and wow you can make a difference every day to conserve natural resources, save money, and contribute to a healthier planet.

August 14 from 9:30 AM – 12 PM at the John A. Legnitto Environmental Learning Center. Link. 

 

Acterra has newsletters for everyone. Our offerings include sustainable food, electric vehicles, EV charging equity, young professionals, and more. Click the "Subscribe to our Newsletters" link below and make sure to select each one you want to receive, even if you are already subscribed!

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