GREEN NEWS New City Trees Free to Adopt Now is the time to apply for street tree planting. Individual property owners can apply to have a street tree planted by the City in the public right-of-way adjacent to their property. Additionally, as per action taken by the City Council, revenues from the recently approved Measure DD will now waive the costs for adopting a new street tree in the public right-of-way in front of your home (See Resolution No. 2021-102). What are the benefits of planting more trees in our urban forest? Albany strives to be a green City in many ways, including actively taking care of our urban forest. In summer, trees promote energy savings through shading, and in fall and winter the urban canopy helps deflect wind and water run-off, limiting flooding. Trees reduce noise pollution, create privacy, furnish homes for birds, supply fresh air, and offset the impacts of air pollution. Trees also make our neighborhoods more beautiful and increase property values! Additionally, carbon sequestering in trees helps to lower the effects of global warming by lowering ambient air temperatures and reducing evaporation, resulting in a cooler, greener environment. Visit www.albanyca.org/urbanforestry for more information.
Creating a Carbon-Free Economy
Albany is committed to decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, creating a more sustainable community and local economy, and curbing global climate change. To meet this goal, it is important to not only look at the emissions being released within Albany, but also at the embodied carbon of goods consumed by the Albany community. Embodied carbon is all the emissions tied to production, transportation, use, and disposal of all goods.
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Recycle Right In addition to reducing the material we send to the landfill, it is important to properly sort materials into the right waste streams. Think you know what goes where? Test your skills with the Albany Residential Recycling Quiz available online at AlbanyCA.org/Recycle. Learn the what, where, why, and how of recycling, composting, and general waste reduction with our Recycling 101 Crash Course materials.
Become a Green Business The City of Albany has partnered with the Alameda County Green Business Program, and has a number of certified green businesses, including restaurants, auto repair shops, and service organizations. Interested in shopping or becoming a green business? Visit greenbusinessca.org. By becoming a certified Green Business, your business will join a network of over 4000 prominent and highly respected businesses across California, appear in the Green Business directory that will be seen by local consumers looking for your products and services, and receive free marketing and promotional support that will get you noticed!
Induction Cooktop Lending Program
When thinking through the best way to dispose of an item you no longer need, make sure to consider reuse and repair, before recycling or disposing of the item. This prevents another item from being created, and thus creating a larger carbon footprint. Not sure what to do with an item? Use the RE:Source Guide at StopWaste.org for nearby reuse, repair, recycling and safe disposal options.
Are you considering switching to an induction cooktop, or just curious how it works? Borrow an induction cooktop for free from the City of Albany! Induction cooktops are safe, powerful, and environmentally-friendly. Try it out for yourself with Albany’s free induction cooktop lending program! Contact mplouse@albanyca.org or call 1(510) 528-5754 for more information.
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City of Albany
RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES 1 (510) 524-9283
