Sunnyvale Cool Green Letter
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Sunnyvale Cool Green Letter

Posted by barbf on Wed, 05/20/2009 - 08:35

Sunnyvale Cool Green Letter
May 12, 2009
Welcome!
Welcome to the first edition of the Sunnyvale Cool Green Letter!  We’ll publicize
local Earth-friendly events and  highlight our local government’s actions to create a sustainable community.  We hope to inspire individual and group actions to help protect our planet for future generations.  This letter is brought to you by the Sunnyvale Cool Cities Team, aka Sunnyvale Cool, SunnyvaleCool.org.
 
Upcoming Events
Thursday, May 14.  Bike-to-Work Day.  a community event that encourages local residents to try bicycling as their mode of transportation to help relieve traffic congestion and ease motor vehicle emissions in the Bay Area. The Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition sets up over 70 “Energizer Stations” to provide free refreshments, give-aways, bicycling information, and encouragement to the thousands of bicyclists who will pass through on their way to work. Bicyclists who fill out a prize card online or at one of the Energizer Stations will be eligible to win a grand prize.   For more information: http://bikesiliconvalley.org/btwd , http://btwd.bayareabikes.org/
Saturday, May 16.  National River Clean-Up Day, 9 AM-noon.  Volunteers are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes, sunscreen, long pants and gloves. Volunteers under 18 require supervision and transportation.  For locations, visit www.cleanacreek.org, call (408) 265-2600 or e-mail info@valleywater.org.
 Sunday, May 17.  “Over Under” Bike Tour, 10 AM-3 PM.  To celebrate the opening of new bicycle and pedestrian under and over crossings, the VTA Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition are sponsoring a self-guided "Over and Under Tour.”  Map of route to be published at:  http://bikesiliconvalley.org/content/723

Wednesday, May 20. Charles Street Gardens presents Free Master Gardener Class, “Alternatives to Home Lawns,” 7-9 PM, Sunnyvale Library
 Thursday, May 21. City of Sunnyvale Budget Workshop, 8:30- late afternoon, Council Chambers, City Hall.
Ongoing: 

Expanding Bike and Pedestrian Routes
A number of barriers to biking and walking were shattered this spring.  Sunnyvale opened Bike and Pedestrian Borregas Bridges over 237 and 101, Cupertino opened the Mary Avenue Bridge over 280 for bikers and pedestrians, and Mountain View opened an extension of the Stevens Creek Trail, so it now extends from Shoreline Park, under El Camino near 85 and into the Waverly Park neighborhood of Mountain View.  Each of these achievements resulted from the combined efforts of community activists and local governments.
Earth Week Sunnyvale:  Rich Offerings
It was literally impossible to attend all the Earth Week events presented by Sunnyvale's community groups and the City of Sunnyvale.  Sustainable Community Gardens hosted two well-attended events, the Chamber of Commerce presented for the Greener Good Expo, and the City offered the Mercury Thermometer Exchange, an event for preschoolers on waste and water, a waste-reduction contest for elementary schools, two panels and a speaker,  a Council ceremony in recognition of Green Certified Businesses and a litter clean-up. Way to go, Sunnyvale!
 New Green Certified Businesses in Sunnyvale
On April 21 Mayor Spitaleri and Council honored Sunnyvale businesses that have made an extra effort to protect our community’s environment by completing the County’s Green Businesses Certification process.  Green Certified Businesses save energy and water, reduce waste and the use of toxic substances—usually saving money at the same time. Sunnyvale now has 28 Green Certified Businesses. http://www.reducewaste.org/portal/site/iwm/agencychp/?path=%2Fv7%2FIntegrated%20Waste%20Management%20%28DIV%29%2FGreen%20Business  or search "Santa Clara County Green Business Certification Program."
 Sunnyvale’s newest Green Certified Businesses:

  • Akraya, Inc.
  • Cepheid
  • Cgrafx
  • Domain Hotel
  • International Culinary School at the Art Institute of America - Sunnyvale
  • Juniper Networks, including the Junos Cafe
  • Net App
  • SummerWinds Nursery

 
Information on Home Energy-Efficiency Tax Credits