Action Title Description
Generating Power From the Sun Palo Alto - Solar Water Heating Rebates

A solar water heating system uses the sun’s heat to provide your home with hot water for domestic use. Installing a solar water heating system can reduce your utility bill and may qualify for a 30% federal tax credit if installed before December 31, 2016.  The maximum rebate is $2,719 for natural gas displacing systems, and $1,834 for electric or propane displacing systems. 
 
Creating More Cool Blocks Palo Alto - Transition

The weekly Transition Café has been running for more than 3 years, and has provided a venue for people to talk about climate related concerns, along with a wide range of other topics. For the Transition Café, a topic is always announced in advance by the facilitator.

Contact the Transition Café team to request scheduling a Cool Block Café through their program.
Generating Power From the Sun SF - Multi-Family Solar Sharing

Check out this primer on virtual net energy metering. VNM increases access to renewable energy to many homes and businesses that previously could not directly benefit from a renewable energy system, such as renters. VNM helps occupants of multi-metered residential (and commercial) buildings receive direct benefits of the building's renewable energy system, rather than all of the benefits going to the building owner. This material was prepared by SF Environment under a U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative Rooftop Solar Challenge grant managed by SolarTech.
Installing a Rain Barrel SF - Rainwater Harvesting

A rainwater harvesting system can be as simple as using a small home-made rain barrel or installing a large cistern or underground storage tank. Capturing rainwater at your home or business reduces the use of drinking water for irrigation, and helps reduce runoff from entering our combined sewer system during storm events. This resource from the SF Public Utiities Commission includes a link to the SF Rainwater Harvesting Manual and information about the recently expanded rainwater harvesting program.
Planting Gardens Together LA - Urban Agriculture Incentive Zone

Through the legislation AB551, LA set up the Urban Agriculture Incentive Zone (UAIZ) program.  A flow-chart to the process can be found here. If there is a vacant, non residential lot in your neighborhood you may appeal to the landlord to turn it into a community agriculture project and they will receive a 70% reduction in property tax; this is a new LA county-wide incentive to encourage urban agriculture. Start a community garden in unused space and raise the sense of community in your neighborhood.
Buying an Energy-Efficient Car LA - Charge Up L.A. - rebate program

LADWP will reimburse you for some of the costs involved in preparing your home for an electric vehicle.
Participating in a Food Cooperative as a Block LA - Azure Standard

Start an organic buying co-op by bulk buying organic goods from Azure Standard with your neighbors. You will be able to buy high quality organic goods at bulk cost with no grocery store mark-up.
Reducing Your Household Waste SF - Zero Waste

Resources for residential customers i.e. recycling, composting, bulky item collection and household hazardous waste, provided by SF Environment.
Eliminating the Use of Toxic Pesticides, Herbicides, and Fertilizers in Your Garden LA - Backyard Composting for Gardening

The County of LA (LADPW) sells discounted backyard compost bins. Bins are sold at select workshops, where you can learn how to compost.  See also The Growing Club which offers community lessons in composting every 2nd Saturday of the month. Organic compost acts as a soil enriching alternative to chemical fertilizers. Protect the health of yourself and your community as well as the health of the soil and water supply.
Creating a Community Vegetable Garden SF - Urban Agriculture Alliance

The San Francisco Urban Agriculture Alliance (SFUAA) promotes the growing of food within San Francisco through advocacy, education, and grassroots action.

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