We hosted two lovely events in August that focused on landfill reduction, allowed the community to learn and share knowledge, and brought people together to focus on creating a more sustainable civilization.

8/16 – Backyard Composting Workshop with Joan Irwin, Master Gardener: Did you know that Compostable organics make up 30% of California’s overall waste stream, contributing over 12 million tons annually to our state’s landfills, and producing significant quantities of methane? Workshop participants found out how they, personally, could help to do their part to mitigate greenhouse gas emission through backyard composting. Find out more about the benefits of composting here.

8/23 – Community Council: On a gorgeous summer day in August 8 people came inside to sit in council together to tackle the difficult question of how to create less waste and live more lightly in a single use society. We reflected on how we came to understand the problems of waste and over-consumption and how this knowledge has impacted our lives.

How, we all asked, did we get into this cycle, and how do we extricate ourselves, or at least lessen our impact on the planet we love and free ourselves from the influences of excess? Reconnecting to the natural world, that in our backyards and the remaining wilderness around us, and more intimately, by reconnecting with the nature we carry within us as mortal beings, were suggested as gateways to a deeper consciousness about this issue. We also acknowledged the difficulties of being conscious consumers and attending to the day to day tasks of proper disposal of waste while we lead busy lives.

We look forward to the wisdom and plans for action that will emerge from our monthly councils. Again, many thanks to Teya Valentina Chavez for co-facilitating and sharing her lovely Sol Studios for this event, and to Rachel McKay for facilitation and vision.

Over the years, Sustainable Fairfax has made many important contributions to the community, inspiring residents and policymakers to deepen their commitment to sustainability principles. Now, the Board of Directors is thrilled to announce new leadership as it moves forward with exciting new and continuing initiatives.

Our former Communications Chair, Jennifer Hammond, has accepted the position of Executive Director. Jennifer holds an MBA in Sustainable Management from Presidio Graduate School, has volunteered as a board member since 2010, and was recently appointed to the Town’s Climate Action Plan committee. Jennifer is energized by the opportunity to align her work with her passion for battling climate change, building strong communities and promoting alternative transportation solutions.

Also new to the board within the last year are: Rachel McKay, Cultural Liaison, and the newly appointed Lisel Blash, Communications. Continuing board members include President Elizabeth Baker; Vice President Renee Goddard; Treasurer Boog Bookey; Secretary and Development Director Merrell Maschino; and Event Coordinator Jen Jones. These experienced and talented members are deeply committed to the organization and to the community.

The board is currently busy making plans for 2015. We will continue taking a leading role in helping Fairfax reach its zero waste goal of achieving a 94% diversion rate from landfill by 2020. In addition to waste reduction, Sustainable Fairfax will focus on issues related to toxins, water conservation, transportation, and energy.

This year we took quick action in response to the drought, and designed a successful water conservation program including a movie, a panel discussion and a home greywater systems bike tour. We plan to continue efforts to address the drought and help residents conserve water through installing greywater systems, rainwater catchment systems, and swales as well as investing in more efficient appliances. We are also designing an alternative transportation program to inspire people to leave the car at home whenever possible.

Of course, we will also continue our popular workshops and events, including the upcoming beekeeping workshop, composting workshops, our environmental film series, Streets for People, and more.

Join Us in Making Progress

Sustainable Fairfax receives support from individual members and private foundations that believe in our mission, and every contribution makes a difference.

Please consider a donation to Sustainable Fairfax to sustain the important work we do, or if you would like to volunteer we would love to meet you (please e-mail SustainFx@gmail.com).