| Action | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Planting Gardens Together | SF - Rec and Parks - Community Gardens Program |
The SF Recreation and Park Departments supports and manages a program of 38 community gardens (and growing!) on city-owned property, where members can grow produce and ornamental plants for personal use. |
| Identifying and Fixing Oil Leaks on Your Vehicles | LA - CA Used Oil Recycling Program |
Did you know that used motor oil never wears out? It just gets dirty and can be recycled, cleaned, and used again. Motor oil poured onto the ground or into storm drains, or tossed into trash cans (even in a sealed container) can contaminate and pollute the soil, groundwater, streams, and rivers. When you take your used oil to a certified center for recycling, you are protecting the environment, conserving a valuable resource, and getting paid for it. Locate used oil recycling centers in your area by using the form on this webpage to search by city, county, or ZIP code. You can also call the Earth's 911 hotline (1-800-CLEANUP). |
| Installing Water-Saving Devices | Palo Alto - WaterWise Survey Program |
Residents of the Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD) can take advantage of a two-part water saving program, which includes the Water Wise Outdoor Survey and the Do-it-Yourself Water Wise Indoor Survey Kit. After completing the DIY kit's step-by-step guide for finding leaks and efficiency improvement opportunities, you can request free water conservation gear to address your findings. |
| Installing Energy-Efficient Lights | LA - Proper disposal of CFLs |
Click Lighting & Fans to find out where to properly dispose of compact flourescent (CFL) light bulbs |
| Preparing for Your Medical Needs | LA - CERT |
In addition to preparing a bag of medical supplies, you can be trained for free as a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member, where you will be trained in how to respond to medical emergencies. With this training, you can help your family, and your neighbors, in the event of medical emergency. |
| Creating a Healthy Block Club | Palo Alto - Library - Well-Being Resources |
Enjoy Breathing & Tai Chi classes (weekly) and Exploring Happiness Through Meditation & Movement (second & fourth Wednesday of the month) (calendar).
|
| Buying an Energy-Efficient Car | SF - Electric Charging Stations |
This resource from SF Environment includes links to an Alternative Fuels Station locator, Chargepoint, Nissan Chargepoint Portal, Bink Network and PlugShare. |
| Planting Gardens Together | SF - PUC - College Hill Learning Garden |
The College Hill Learning Garden is the SFPUC’s education and demonstration garden which contains a range of features designed to teach local students about how they can help cities transition to ecologically friendly water, food, energy, and waste systems. |
| Preventing Crime | LA - Neighborhood Watch Program |
‘Neighborhood Watch Programs fight the isolation and separation that crime creates and feeds upon. It forges bonds among area residents and businesses, helps reduce burglaries and robberies, and improves relations between police and the communities they serve. By starting your own Neighborhood Watch with the support and guidance of LAPD’s program, you will make your neighborhood a safer place. |
| Storm Drain Stenciling and Maintenance | LA - DPW Stormwater Resources |
The LA Department of Public Works provides stormwater resources. Make your neighborhood safer during storms and will also conserve water that would otherwise be wasted. |
Our neighborhood. Our planet.
Resources
“Cities are the platform for change in our world today. The Cool Block links the challenges facing our planet to the intimate, personal, social scale of the city block. This program starts and ends with the premise and promise—that the individual, household, and neighbors are the way forward in the face of seemingly insoluble global problems.”
