September 2012 Newsletter

Bring Your Own Bag - Really!
San Francisco's Checkout Bag Ordinance goes into effect on October 1 and applies to all retail stores, including small businesses. Be ready for this new ordinance and have your reusable bag with you when you shop. Conserve resources, reduce pollution and litter, protect marine wildlife, and prevent waste! Read the FAQs >

EV Week Comes to San Francisco
SF Environment is working to make San Francisco the EV capital of America through a variety of projects, such as rolling out an extensive network of public chargers. In support of the City's goals, Charge Across Town is hosting EV week activities to help generate public awareness and interest in electric vehicles. Join us for an electric vehicle and equipment expo, with ride-and-drives for the public. More >

City Departmental Climate Action Planning
San Francisco is one of the first U.S. cities to ask individual city departments to produce Climate Action Plans. Did you know the Human Service Agency has over 1,800 employees and monitors the amount of driving necessary for their job? Ever thought about how much laundry Animal Care and Control does in the process of caring for their animals? Curious how the Public Library is planning for climate change? More >

Volunteer September 15th!
Join the Community Clean Team at Abraham Lincoln High School or join a cleanup for International Coastal Cleanup day. Both are fun but which will you choose?
Community Clean Team
International Coastal Cleanup

Community Outreach with SF YouthWorks
In partnership with SF YouthWorks, youth interns Lily and Alika joined the Department of Environment's grassroots outreach team, working in the community to promote zero waste, toxics reduction, and energy efficiency. Read about Lily and Alika's summer internships and participate in SF YouthWorks Internship Program. More >

Don't Be Left in the Dark... Incentives Available for a Limited Time
If you have T12 linear fluorescent lamps currently installed in your business or multi-unit building, now is the time to switch to more efficient lighting with the help of SF Energy Watch incentives. The common T12 linear fluorescent lamps are inefficient but now they do not meet the new federal standard for fluorescent lighting. Incentives expire in December or earlier if funding runs out. Act now >

Join the Great Race for Clean Air!
The race has started between Bay Area employers to reduce pollution and improve air quality by encouraging employees to participate in the Great Race for Clean Air and change their commute to work. Register now to log your daily commute trip and be entered to win weekly prizes! More >

Partnership Opportunities at Our New Space on 1455 Market
The Department of the Environment is moving! We are actively seeking partners to help showcase the latest materials and technologies in energy efficiency and green building in our new EcoCenter and office space. More >