Fwd: The Fremont Green Challenge - March 2024

Find out the latest Sustainability news for Fremont.

View this email in web browser.   March 2024 Fremont Earth Day Fair Celebrate Earth Day at the City's Earth Day Fair on Saturday, April 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Downtown Event Center at 3500 Capitol Ave. Explore how you can contribute to a more sustainable future, while enjoying a day full of fun, learning, and community spirit! The fair will include a variety of eco-friendly activities, including: Eco-tainment: Dive into Earth Day-themed art, games, and creative activities. Food Trucks: Enjoy delicious food including vegetarian options. Confidential Document Shredding: Safely dispose of sensitive documents (maximum of 3 boxes). Free Basic Bike Tune-Ups: Act fast to snag a limited quantity basic bike tune-up! Eyeglasses Donation: Give back by donating your old eyeglasses. Condiments and Packaged Utensils Drive: Drop off unused, sealed packets for those in need. Toothbrush Exchange: Exchange your plastic toothbrush for a bamboo toothbrush. Educational Sessions: Learn about recycling, composting, energy conservation, local sustainability programs, and eco-friendly gardening. View Event Information Proposed Change to Default Electric Service Plan In October 2023, the City adopted an updated Climate Action Plan, Climate Ready Fremont. The plan establishes a goal of reducing community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% below 2018 levels (or 55% below 2005 levels) by the year 2030. The plan's "Game Plan" identifies priority actions to implement within the first three years. A GHG reducing action in the "Game Plan" is to adopt a policy establishing Ava Community Energy's Renewable 100 as the default electric service plan for Fremont. (Ava Community Energy is Fremont's electricity provider, and their Renewable 100 plan includes 100 percent solar and wind energy from California.) This action would reduce community-wide GHG emissions by an estimated 18% of the total 2030 reduction target. On March 7, the City's Environmental Sustainability Commission made a recommendation to the Fremont City Council to adopt a resolution establishing Renewable 100 as the default electric service plan for Fremont. To learn more about their recommendation, read the Staff Report. The Commission's recommendation is tentatively scheduled to be presented to the City Council for their consideration on Tuesday, April 16. The meeting will take place at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 3300 Capitol Avenue. The meeting will also be held virtually via Zoom. The agenda will be available online at city.fremont.gov/agendacenter no later than three days before the meeting. It will include a link to a staff report for more information and instructions on how to participate and provide public comment. Compost Giveaway Day Compost Giveaway Day returns on Sunday, April 7! From 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., visit the Fremont Recycling & Transfer Station (41149 Boyce Rd.) to receive two free bags of compost, while supplies last. Simply drive through and show your latest Republic Services bill as proof of eligibility. Bring your neighbors' bills for additional bags. The quality compost is made from food scraps, yard trimmings, and food-soiled paper collected from Fremont residents and businesses. Sorting properly creates nutrient-rich compost that enriches soil and helps plants thrive. Remember, organic waste like food, plants, and paper produce methane in landfills, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. By using your green cart for these items, you are making a positive impact on the environment. Learn more about composting. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take home compost that is truly local and eco-friendly! Clean Cars for All Program The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has opened their Clean Cars for All Program, which offers grant funding to income-eligible Bay Area residents. Eligible residents can receive up to $12,000 to retire an older, more polluting vehicle and replace it with a new or used hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric, or fuel cell vehicle. Residents can also choose to get a pre-paid card for public transit or an e-bike. Eligibility is based on income, the vehicle to be retired, and other requirements. Learn More Water Conservation Opportunities The Alameda County Water District (ACWD) is providing the following water conservation opportunities for Fremont residents. Single-Family Residential Weather-Based Irrigation Controller Rebate Single-family residential customers can receive a rebate of $75 plus tax ($82 total) for purchasing and installing a WaterSense certified weather-based irrigation controller. For more information, visit ACWD's Rebates webpage. Home Water Use Survey A new Residential Do-It-Yourself Home Water Use Online Survey Form is available to help Fremont customers conduct a comprehensive water use review and leak check of their homes. The survey includes instructions and guidance for checking indoor and outdoor fixture flow rates, leaks, and inefficiencies, including in bathrooms and irrigation systems. Customers who complete the survey form will receive custom recommendations for improving water use efficiency in their homes and free water-efficient fixtures such as low-flow aerators and showerheads, if needed. For more information and to complete the online survey form, visit ACWD's Survey webpage. Community Classes & Events Save Money on an EV Date: Wednesday, April 3 Time: 5:00pm-6:00pm Location: Online Register Join electric vehicle (EV) experts to learn how you can save money on an EV with Ride and Drive Clean's discount campaign, as well as the Federal Clean Vehicle Credit—now available as an upfront rebate! Also learn about current and new EVs and EV basics such as charging on road trips and at home. Hosted by Ride and Drive Clean.  Plant and Cutting Swap Date: Saturday, April 6 Time: 12:00pm-2:00pm Location: Centerville Library, 3801 Nicolet Ave. Learn more  Bring house plant cuttings, extra plants, seed starts, succulents, bulbs, or tubers to share and swap with other gardeners. All types of plants are welcome. Please label each plant and be ready to share basic care information. Hosted by Centerville Library.  Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour and Green Home Features Showcase Date: April 6, April 7, May 4, & May 5 Time: Varies Location: Online & In-Person Register Get inspired by joining this free tour of gardens and green homes in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties! Includes two days of online tours and two days of in-person tours. Learn more and register. Sprinkler Spruce Up: Irrigation System Maintenance Workshop Date: Saturday, April 13 Time: 10:00am-11:30am Location: Online Register Learn best practices for maintaining a working, water-efficient irrigation system this upcoming summer. This event is in coordination with the EPA WaterSense Sprinkler Spruce-Up Campaign. Hosted by Alameda County Water District. Alternatives to Lawn Workshop Date: Wednesday, April 17 Time: 6:30pm-8:300pm Location: Online Register Think outside the box and reimagine your landscape! Learn how to transform your water-thirsty lawn into a water-efficient, low-maintenance, sustainable landscape. Hosted by Alameda County Water District. Help the City turn your thoughts into actions!  my.fremont.gov