Concord, CA | Living in Concord | Recycle | Environment 9/20/10 1:21 PM

The Environment

Take Concord Environmental Pledge

The City of Concord is committed to continually enhancing the safety, environment,

Resources
quality of life and economic vitality of the community. Concord is fortunate to have a
varied geography and moderate climate. Summer is mostly dry while winters are mild.
Adopt-A-Street
The thermometer seldom drops below 40 F/4 C in winter. Concord is nestled between the
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to the north and Mount Diablo to the south. CA Coastal Cleanup
Clean air
The Delta Earth Day
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is a unique and Environmental Library
valuable resource and an integral part of California's
Garbage facts
water system. It receives runoff from over 40 percent of
the State's land area including the Sacramento, Hazardous Waste
Mokelumne, Cosumnes, and Calaveras rivers. The Laundry
Delta provides habitat for thousands of species of fish,
Litter
birds, mammals, and plants, supports agricultural and
recreational activities, and is the focal point for water Pollution Prevention
distribution throughout the State. Power Outages
Thermometer
State Park exchange
Mount Diablo State Park is known for its ecological Greenwashing
diversity. Every season in the park has its special Solar Power
qualities. The mountain displays beautiful wildflowers,
an extensive trail system, fascinating wildlife and
distinctive rock formations. Residents can view the stars Lawn and Garden
from its lofty heights, bike ride to a 3,849-foot summit,
or explore remote trails by horseback. Composting classes
Compost Bin
Environmental Impacts
Less Toxic Gardening
Environmental impacts can come from a host of activities associated with urban life. Natural Fertilizer
Domestic animals like dogs, cats, horses, chickens and ducks contribute solid waste and
Pesticide Labels
biological pathogens. Cars contribute to pollution of air, soil, groundwater and surface
water runoff with automotive repair, car washing, leaking fluids, brake dust, exhaust Pool draining
fumes and refueling stations. Outdoors, residential and business facilities contribute air, Vehicle Washing
water, and soil pollution by adding yard waste, fallen leaves, gas lawnmowers, hot tubs
and pools, runoff from roofs and paved areas, fertilizers, pesticides, painting, litter, and Water Conservation
more. Indoors, they add pollution from household chemicals, solid waste, mercury lights Water Usage
and thermometers, and fireplaces. West Nile Virus
Xeriscape
Doing your part
Together, we can do a lot to reduce our impact on the Recycling
environment. Some ways are common sense: driving
less, consuming less, and buying products with recycled
View our Recycling
content. Other ideas are not as obvious like capturing
Page
Freon from old air conditioners and buying appliances
with environment-friendly refrigerants. The Bay Area
Stormwater Management Agency brochure "Blueprint
for a Clean Bay" has more ideas. Research has shown that people will do the right thing
for the environment if they have the appropriate information and motivation. These web
pages are designed to provide you with information. They contain links to lots of organizations, special events, ongoing

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Concord, CA | Living in Concord | Recycle | Environment 9/20/10 1:21 PM

programs, and resources in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. It is up to everyone to maintain the beautiful
environment nature has provided us here in the City of Concord.

Green Ribbon Task Force

A special Green Ribbon Task Force was convened in 2007 to develop recommendations to improve the environment by
decreasing the City's production of greenhouse gasses, lowering the City's energy usage, and reducing the City's overall
environmental footprint. Task Force members included elected officials, representatives from the Greater Concord
Chamber of Commerce, small business, higher education, corporations, solid waste and recycling companies, home
builders, public utilities, residents and City staff.

Grasscycling
Grasscycling is the natural practice of leaving clippings on the lawn when mowing. This can save time, money and other
resources, such as landfill space. The clippings quickly decompose, returning nutrients to the soil. Proper turn
management, in conjunction with the practice of grasscycling, can reduce water and fertilizer requirements, mowing time,
and disposal costs. For more information, call (925) 671-3448.

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