2021 Year in Review: Green Tips

Throughout 2021, the Palisadian-Post partnered with locally founded environmental nonprofit Resilient Palisades to deliver a “green tip” each week to our readers. Here are a few of the tips they provided.

January 7

‘Step into 2021 With a Truly Green Garden’

The very first tip of 2021 addressed something that is discussed year-round in Pacific Palisades: gas-powered leaf blowers, lawn mowers and hedge trimmers. Resilient Palisades warned that “gas engines drop hazardous levels of toxins into our backyards at an unconscionable rate,” suggesting that community members speak with their gardeners about creating a truly green garden by leaving leaves be, using a rake instead of a blower when appropriate and sharing news of Southern California Air Resources Board’s trade-in rebate program.

February 25

‘One Solution to a Texas-Sized Problem’

Following the weather-driven electrical outage in Texas that left millions without power for days, Resilient Palisades focused on improving energy resilience in the community, including urging installation of solar panels and battery storage in homes and businesses—“an efficient and environmentally friendly way to power” energy needs and decrease dependence on the electrical grid. The organization shared plans to launch the Palisades Community Microgrid project, which is now underway.

April 22

‘Happy Earth Day’

In honor of the 51st anniversary of Earth Day, each of the four Resilient Palisades teams provided one or two actionable tips. The Zero Waste Team recommended bringing reusable to-go containers to restaurants, food trucks, farmers markets and festivals; Clean Air and Water suggested avoiding leafblowers, as they “blow away the topsoil” and “destroy microhabitats;” Clean Energy said to consider “harnessing solar power;” and Plant-Based Solutions shared that “eating plant-based vegan foods can dramatically lower our carbon footprint.”

July 8

‘Home Insulation Increases Savings and Comfort’

In most American homes, heating and cooling use more energy and cost more money than any other activity, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Doug Macmillan shared in this green tip ways he buffered his 1956 home from the increasing heat of summer and cold of winter, including double glazed windows, wall insulation, roof insulation and under floor insulation. A properly insulated home should maintain a comfortable 65 to 75 degrees all year long, Macmillan explained.

September 9

‘Free Trees & Free Planting Service’

With the arrival of fall, Sheda Morshed encouraged Palisadians to take a look around their property for the opportunity to plant something they may not have considered before: a new tree. She explained that City Plants will deliver free trees and will even plant sidewalk trees for no cost. Some of the benefits of adding a tree include lowering air pollution and capturing global emissions, creating shade, and capturing rain and sprinkler runoff to help replenish groundwater supplies, Morshed reported.

November 18

‘Proactive Water Saving Idea’

Bart Lynn reported that Metropolitan Water District—the regional water wholesaler that decides how much water LADWP receives—declared a drought emergency for Southern California. He shared one tip for homeowners in order to help: speak to their gardener, head of HOA or apartment owner and ask them not to use a hose to wash away grass clippings and leaves. For every 10 minutes a hose is used at full blast, Lynn explained, it uses an average of 40 gallons of water.

December 2

‘5 Easy Holiday Travel EcoTips’

When it comes to travel-related tips, Sheda Morshed recommended referring to Treehugger.com’s carbon offset programs, turning down water heaters to “vacation mode,” turning off HVAC thermostats, pausing newspaper delivery and unplugging electronic chargers to reduce impact on the environment while on vacation. She also suggested selecting “Green Seal” accommodations when possible, as well as avoiding single-use items.