Sustainable Fairfax

Bringing people together to support a vital environment and thriving community

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Greywater Webinar – September 23rd

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Graywater Webinar – September 23rd.

Washing machines are among the top three water users in your home – about 22% of water use.

Reclaim water from your washing machine to use for your garden by installing a graywater system. Marin Water is holding an introductory webinar with The Urban Farmer Store on September 23rd. Laura Allen, lead author of “The San Francisco Graywater Design Guidelines for Outdoor Irrigation”, will host and give an overview on how to get started with a Laundry-To-Landscape graywater system. To register early for the webinar visit this link.

Marin Water offers $100 discount on greywater kit. Application

For more Water Conservation Tips and Resources

Water Action NOW in Fairfax and Beyond

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Understand the Imperative to Save Water Today AND Build Resiliency in our Watershed for the Future

Historically low rainfalls combined with hot weather means that we are experiencing historic drought conditions that cannot be ignored. The threat has been raised from “severe” to “EXCEPTIONAL”!

As of the end of August, our reservoirs which supply about 75% of Marin’s water, are at 38% of capacity. The other 25% would normally come from Sonoma but that is NOT happening this year. That’s bad.

Nicasio Reservoir - June 2021

Hopefully it will rain this Winter but the County will need about 250% of a typical rain year to bring our supplies to a “normal” level. That is unlikely to happen.

It is a priority for communities to come together to protect this watershed. Brown lawns are good and dirty cars are fashionable. Anything else means those folks need help understanding the imperative and tools to take action to change it up.

We need YOU. If you can help with this effort, please contact us.

Read More Water Action NOW in Fairfax and Beyond for Tips, Resources and Rebates, Becoming a Water Warrior and more…

Join us for the Resilient Neighborhoods Workshop Series

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Resilient Neighborhoods- Climate Action Workshops. Join Fairfax and other Marin County residents for the free, fun Resilient Neighborhoods Climate Action Workshop series. In just five online meetings you will get the support you need to reduce your carbon footprint get prepared for emergencies like wildfires and power outages. Over 1,500 people in Marin have reduced 8.6 million pounds of CO2 pollution through Resilient Neighborhoods.

Recent Testimonials:
–“The wonderful surprise was that each change I made actually improved the quality of my life as well.”- Michelle Meyers (San Rafael), December 2020
–“As someone who has been teaching environmental and energy education since 1972 and from a basic educator and climate activist’s point of view, I see so many things that make it informative, educational and manageable for folks.” – Molly Whiteley (Woodacre), March 2021
–“This is potent information presented in a format that makes action super easy. it was easy to change my ways. I’m so grateful to Tamra for having the inspiration to create this course. And it’s free. Should be a requirement for all residents.”- RN Graduate, March 2021

Go to the Resilient Neighborhoods Webpage to check out upcoming workshops!  Sign up for a Team Here

Email: RNOutreachAssociate@gmail.com with questions.

This program is endorsed by Drawdown: Marin as a climate solution.

Pictured: A prior Fairfax Resilient Neighborhoods team that met in-person (before COVID).

Changes Afoot at Sustainable Fairfax

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Lots of changes at Sustainable Fairfax!  

An Opportunity to Renew, Recreate, Re-envision…
Sustainable Fairfax hums along through the generosity of time and commitment from many.

Elizabeth Baker has been a backbone of the organization from its earliest days.  For the last 8  years, Elizabeth has served as President of the Board and to our great sadness, has decided it’s time to focus on other projects and will be stepping down as President this summer.  We are delighted that Elizabeth will remain on the board. Elizabeth will continue to oversee the Free Community Seed Exchange and help organize homesteading workshops, Fairfax on Foot hikes and the Sustainable Film & Lecture series.

Renee Goddard is one of the earliest leaders and to this day, continues to bring new ideas for how we come together with an unfailing commitment to sustainability and community.  She was a main driver in the successful campaign to ban single-use plastic bags and created a new town event, Streets for People. Her vision for safe alternative transportation as well as zero waste education and implementation have contributed to our town’s identity as a leader in tackling climate change.  Renee is just a wee bit busy as our Mayor in this time of Covid-19.  While Renee will remain on the Board as an advisor, she is stepping down as the Vice President. We look forward to her continued vision and guidance for the organization.

We are grateful to these two women and are pleased that they both will continue to be involved.

NEXT STEPS! Sustainable Fairfax is ready to emerge with a new purpose that continues to nurture our families and community and protects our ecosystem. We need your ideas, leadership skills, and fresh perspective to refocus our efforts and create new programs, platforms and projects that meet the demands of these challenging times. Join us to work together AND bring your vision and people power..

If you are interested in participating in a leadership role in this new visioning and planning process, please call so we can chat. Laura Vernon 415-866-5377.

Thank you!

Sustainable Fairfax in Solidarity with Black Lives Matter

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Sustainable Fairfax stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

We are devastated by the gut-wrenching and needless death of George Floyd. The heartbreaking events of the last month have made the truth of present day America quite clear: racism continues to be deeply rooted in our present day society.

For us, this has been a time of deep listening, learning and introspection. Fairfax is 89% white, and Marin County is highly segregated due in large part to the racist housing policies of the past. As a center working toward a better future for all, we must work to dismantle the systems that tolerate racism and violence against people of color. There can be no climate justice without social justice.

What can we do as individuals and as an organization to become effective allies to people of color, and join with them to support the movement towards an equitable and sustainable world for all?  

Diversity, de-segregation and equity can only strengthen our community. Let us work together to make positive change, heal the deep wounds of the past, and honor the memories of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and the many others who have tragically lost their lives.

Stay Safe and Strong,
Sustainable Fairfax

“In a Racist Society it is not enough to be non-racist. 

We must be anti-racist.”

– – Angela Y. Davis

Share the Fairfax Flair with Fairfax Forward

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While we are sheltering in place, the Fairfax community is brimming with creative ways of supporting each other. The Town developed #fairfaxforward to encompass the spirit, mindset and momentum of the Fairfax community. It considers the legacy of our town and the forward thinking of our residents.

Fairfax, show off your vibrance and color! Pull out an old tie-dye, turn it into ribbon to ‘Tie around the old Oak Tree’ to show support for our First Responders and frontline workers and to celebrate community connection. Get creative and share your flair! Take a picture of something that celebrates community resilience and tag #fairfaxforward. Follow Fairfaxforward on Instagram to see what others are doing!