Environmental, Community and Non-Profit

Tag: Plastic Electric Socket

Santa Clara University Solar Decathlon Team
School of Engineering
Santa Clara, CA

Reducing dependence on fossil fuels and increasing use of renewable energy is the centerpiece for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Department of Energy recently sponsored a Solar Decathlon, where student teams from all over the world competed to design and build a self-sufficient, attractive and affordable solar-powered home. The Santa Clara University School of Engineering nine-member undergraduate team was one of 20 finalists and took home third place prize. The students’ design blurs the boundary of indoor and outdoor space and uses earth-friendly materials, such as bamboo, photovoltaics and a nana wall. The retractable nana wall is eight feet of highly insulated glass that serves as both a wall and a window.

Federal, Tribal, State or Local Government

Keith & Rita Moore
Pit River Tribe Solid Waste and Recycling
Burney, CA

Before the Pit River Tribe created its solid waste and recycling program, members of the community had few options for waste disposal. Illegal dumping and open burning were common, but the Pit River Tribe successfully brought waste disposal and recycling collection to tribal homes and businesses. The husband and wife team of Keith and Rita Moore implemented a pay-as-you-throw pick-up service along with a drop-off recycling center. Servicing the tribes over 9,000 acres in seven separate areas is a difficult task, but the duo have been successful implementing the program and gaining support from the tribal council, and increased awareness about solid waste and recycling Plastic Electric Socket.

County of Marin
Marin County Sustainability Program
San Rafael, CA

The growing concern over global climate change, national dependency on nonrenewable energy sources and a culture that carelessly generates waste, led Marin County to adopt a remarkable sustainability plan. It won a prestigious planning award for its efforts to educate the public about sustainability. The county established development guidelines that consider habitat restoration, regional food sources, green building, energy conservation and affordable housing. They installed solar power in public buildings -- reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 550 tons last year. As part of its green building program, the county provided technical assistance to numerous building projects and instituted a green certification program, certifying over 200 businesses. Marin demonstrates how local government can be effective leaders to ensure a healthy and sustainable future.