Here are some of the remarkable steps we have taken to reduce our city’s carbon footprint:

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

• Incorporate recycled materials such as recycled rubber in our street paving material to repurpose waste and enhance road durability.
• Used mulch from removed trees and compost recycled from Athens Services composting facility to minimize waste generation.
• Used wood chips made from recycled materials as ground cover at our park playgrounds.
• Reused discarded plywood from the Community Services dance floor as a temporary fence at a construction project to promote waste reduction and cost efficiency.

Green Transportation

• Transitioning the fleet to hybrid and electric vehicles to reduce harmful emissions.  
• Purchased electric utility vehicles (Gators) for park maintenance operations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Retrofitted older diesel fleet vehicles with advanced emission equipment to comply with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) & the California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards to help us meet regulatory requirements while contributing to improved air quality.
• Conducted in-house vehicle repairs rather than outsourcing them to distant locations to not only save valuable staff time but also minimizes transportation pollution.
• Established a “low-use” criteria for older diesel vehicles, compliant with AQMD regulations. By doing so, we aim to extend the service life of our fleet by reducing the environmental impact associated with fleet turnover.

Storm Water Management

• Implemented a citywide street sweeping initiative to prevent debris from entering the stormwater drainage system.
• Cleaned in-house stormwater catch basin to remove pollutants and debris from our stormwater system.
• Installed catch basin inserts to intercept and trap contaminants. 
• Introduced a bio-filtration system at the Public Works Facility to remove hydrocarbon contaminants from stormwater runoff.
• Constructed up to a dozen permeable curb and gutter projects to mitigate pollutant runoff.
• Pursuing funding for a large stormwater capture project at Vincent Lugo Park after completing a feasibility study.
• Implemented a Low Impact Development (LID) Ordinance to allow us to treat and reuse stormwater at private properties, reducing runoff.

Hazardous Material Recycling

• Operates a hazardous material disposal program that ensures hazardous substances are safely and responsibly handled.
• Recycled our used motor oil, tires, batteries, and wheel weights to mitigate harmful environmental effects.
• Hosted Household Hazardous & Electronic Waste events to help residents dispose of their hazardous materials safely.
• Participate in a regional Used Motor Oil & Filter Grant Program and Recycled Beverage Container Grant Program to reduce the amount of toxic and recyclable garbage.

Waste Diversion

• Reduced plastic waste by installing water bottle filling stations throughout the city to combat single-use plastic bottle usage and encourage residents and visitors to opt for reusable bottles.
• Implemented a Solid Waste & Organics Recycling (SB 1383) Program to divert organic waste from landfills, promote composting, and foster sustainable waste management practices. 

Energy-Efficient Infrastructure

• Installed various solar-powered equipment including state-of-the-art solar streetlights, radar signs, and pedestrian crossing signs to create a more energy-efficient space.
• Introduced drought-tolerant landscaping in various locations throughout the city. 
• Installed cool roofing on city-owned facilities. The lighter color of these roofs reflects heat, which significantly lowers cooling demands and energy consumption. 
• At Smith Park, we have installed a solar pool cover at Smith Park to reduce water evaporation and to decrease the reliance on natural gas heating.

Sustainable Construction Practices

• During the entitlement phase of large construction projects, complete street designs are promoted to prioritize pedestrians and cyclists, encouraging eco-friendly transportation alternatives.
• Using battery-operated power tools such as blowers, string trimmers, and hand tools to promote sustainable practices.
• Ensure that construction materials are properly disposed of and reused, minimizing waste and encouraging sustainable building practices through the Construction and Demolition (C&D) Ordinance.
• Acquired an electric forklift for warehouse and construction site uses to reduce carbon emissions and air pollution.

Community Engagement Efforts

• Encourage the community to participate in sustainable practices by hosting compost giveaway events.
• Promote greener commuting options such as a more cyclist-friendly environment which was explored in a Bike Master Plan. 
• Through a tree planting program, residents can request for trees to be planted in a free parkway area in front of their properties.