Full Text
Agenda Item No. 5(E) RESOLUTION 2012-XX RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO ENDORSING THE 350 HOME AND GARDEN CHALLENGE WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of El Cerrito is concerned about the health and well- being of its residents and seeks to create a healthy, sustainable and livable community; and WHEREAS, Sustainable Contra Costa is a key partner, providing programs and services that educate residents, students, businesses and community leaders about sustainable practices; and WHEREAS, the Contra Costa 350 Home and Garden Challenge, a Sustainable Contra Costa program, seeks to inspire Contra Costa County residents and organizations to collectively take 350 actions to grow food, save water, conserve energy, and build a more stronger, healthier and resilient community; and WHEREAS, the Contra Costa 350 Home and Garden Challenge works in partnership with the Contra Costa Master Gardeners and other organizations - garnering combined resources so that all economic sectors of our community benefit. The households receiving assistance benefit from the resources and tools being provided and they in turn are empowered to become stakeholders in the community's wellbeing; and WHEREAS, there is a renewed interest and an increasing necessity for sustainable practices such as growing food, establishing community gardens; conserving water and energy, and reducing waste, and the Contra Costa 350 Home and Garden Challenge is designed to help people do these things. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of El Cerrito, that it hereby expresses its support for the Contra Costa 350 Home and Garden Challenge by declaring the weekend of May 12 & 13, 2012 a 350 Home and Garden Challenge weekend, and encourages our community to work together during these countywide days of community action to build a stronger, healthier and more sustainable City. I CERTIFY that at a regular meeting on May 1, 2012 the City Council ofthe City ofEl Cerrito passed this Resolution by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: IN WITNESS of this action, I sign this document and affix the corporate seal of the City of El Cerrito on May X, 2012. Cheryl Morse, City Clerk APPROVED: William 1 ones, III, Mayor ---PAGE BREAK--- Join us for the First Annual [AQenda Item No. 5(EJ ~_ttachment 1C_o~-t~~~-~ta 350 L H~r. j A y 12-13, - i. ..~2012 ®grow food water \]conserve energy~ build community Goal: 350 powerful actions in a single weekend! Envision it!!! May 12-13, Contra Costa County citizens and organizations collectively taking 350 actions to grow food, save water, conserve energy, and build our community stronger, healthier, more beautiful and more resilient. Let the 350 Home and Garden Challenge inspire YOU to undertake a project or two that you've been meaning to do for years. Doing a lot already? Help others give their home and garden a 21st century upgrade. Why 350? Globally, we're at -393 parts per million C02 in the atmosphere. Scientists believe we need to get back to a maximum of 350 ppm to avoid serious changes to our climate. What kind of action can you take? We're looking for actions big and small so even if you don't have a lot of time or money to invest, you can still participate. Actions can include small things like hanging a clothesline and committing to drying your clothes outside during the summer or starting an herb garden to grow the herbs you use most while cooking. Large actions like converting your lawn to a vegetable garden or drought resistant plants, or installing a grey water system will not only reduce your carbon footprint but will also save you water and money. Actions big or small, we want them all! Need more Ideas? Convert your lawn (or patio/balcony) into a vegetable or drought-tolerant garden Switch to drip irrigation Install low-flow fixtures Conduct a Water Smart home Survey Create an herb garden Grow a row for a local food bank Start a worm bin or compost Plant a fruit tree Get a home energy audit Set up a greywater system Hang a clothes line Have a block party and share stories Help a neighbor or volunteer on a community project! Find ideas (for kids too!), how-to Action Guides, and register YOUR actions at SustainableCoCo.org 0 ~~SUsf~i vt~~le.- CoNTRA CosTA CONTRA COSTA ~ MASTER GARDENERS ~B ECC)MULCH EBMUD Rcsoun:es