Dear Sustainability Friends,

During July, a lot has happened on the sustainability front, despite or precisely because of the pandemic. COVID-19 has become the emblem of our collective vulnerability to systemic shocks and highlighted the importance of systems thinking. Preliminary research, although limited in scope, seem to confirm that an "eco-awakening" might be happening. 

On July 14, the City of Menlo Park became the first city in the U.S. to commit to becoming zero carbon by 2030, a bold and courageous goal. You can learn more about Menlo Park's historic decision here and learn more about what actions cities all over the world are taking to tackle climate change  here. 

Cities are not the only ones to step up. Apple recently committed to be 100% carbon neutral for its supply chain and products by 2030. It follows right in the heels of others, including tech giant Microsoft, which announced its plan to be carbon negative by 2030 earlier this year. Concerned residents are also taking action everyday, becoming more aware of how their many buying and lifestyle choices impact their ecological footprint .

I am heartened to see how a crisis can become a springboard for innovation and change, and encourage all of us to continue to learn, share and forge impactful alliances. Together, we can seize the chance to not only dream but realize the sustainable world we all long for. The time to act is now.   


Be well and stay safe,
Christine Kohl-Zaugg, Executive Director, SSMC
Free or Low-Cost Backup Batteries for Medical Devices through Power On Peninsula Program

Do you use a medical device at home? Live in a coastal or hilly area impacted by power shutoffs in San Mateo County?
You may be able to access free or low-cost batteries to keep your essential medical device(s) going during a power shutoff.

* Solar and backup batteries installed on your home
* Portable backup batteries for renters

Learn more about Power On Peninsula and sign up at PenCleanEnergy.com/medical
Or call Senior Coastsiders at (650) 726-9056
Para información en español, llama a Puente de la Costa Sur en (650) 879-1691

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About Peninsula Clean Energy:
Peninsula Clean Energy launched in October 2016 as California's fifth Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program and is the official local electricity provider for San Mateo County. Peninsula Clean Energy has the goal of providing 100 percent greenhouse gas-free power by 2021. Find out more at peninsulacleanenergy.com
Test your knowledge about San Mateo County: Summertime Trivia is here!

Wondering what to do during these lazzy, hot summer evenings? No worries, we got you covered!

When you are ready to take a break, test your knowledge about a few local sustainability facts. Click here for a sample of our Happy Hour trivia questions.

Ready for the challenge?!

NB: If you have interesting, local data and/or trivia questions on any sustainability topic, please send them our way! Thanks!
 
Virtual Happy Hour Spotlight: 
July Happy Hour - Energy Resilience 

Don't forget your Green Drink...
On July 29, Kirsten Andrews-Schwind, Peninsula Clean Energy's Senior Manager of Community Relations, kickstarted our discussion around Energy Resilience . 

Couldn't make it? Check out our blog about the event  here .

SSMC has been holding monthly Virtual Happy Hours since April. We would love to have you join us next time! The Happy Hour format is designed to allow people interested in sustainability issues to learn and share, have lively discussions, make new connections and brainstorm new ideas. 

Ideas about topics and or speakers? Contact us! 
email: [email protected] with "Happy Hour" in the subject line.
Stay tuned for information about our August Happy Hour - coming up soon!
Upcoming Events

Check our e-calendar here for a full list of upcoming events! 
Always check back with the organizer for the latest status. 
Thanks!

Some Highlights:
  • July 10 to August 10: Plan Bay Area 2050: Public comment period.  Plan Bay Area 2050 is a long-range plan charting the course for the future of the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. Plan Bay Area 2050 will focus on four key issues-the economy, the environment, housing and transportation-and will identify a path to make the Bay Area more equitable for all residents and more resilient in the face of unexpected challenges. More information on Plan Bay Area and how to participate here. 
  • August 3, 7-8:30PM: Peninsula Multifaith Coalition: An Interfaith Discussion about Race and Racism. More information and registration here.
  • August 6-7: Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition's 10th Annual Bike Summit. Detailed agenda and registration here.
  • August 8, 10AM-12PM: PG&E, free webinar for homeowners on the benefits of solar + backup batteries. Includes information about rebates and incentives. Register here .
  • August 11, 11AM-12:30PM: General Assembly, The Fabric of Sustainability - free webinar about sustainability in the fashion industry . Register here.
  • August 19, 10:45AM-12:30PM: Thrive & SIAG Social Impact Series: The Business of Affordable Housing: Successful Cross-Sector Innovation to Address our Bay Area Crisis. Register here.

Don't see your event and want it publicized? Contact Nicole today at:  [email protected]


SSMC is a public charity nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status, so your contribution is tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

Check out our 2019 Impact Report HERE
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