Sustainable San Francisco P.O. Box 460236, San Francisco, CA 94146 Voice: (415) 285-6106, Fax: 415/648-2558 sustainable@igc.apc.org From the Sustainable San Francisco web site San Francisco took another step in recognizing the importance of environmental sustainability when the Board of Supervisors passed a resolution in July endorsing the Sustainability Plan for the City. Considered a success by the coalition of drafters, the endorsement puts San Francisco in the company of Albany New York, Portland Oregon, and a handful of other cities across the nation which are beginning to grapple with environmental sustainability as a development issue. The Sustainability Plan is the result of a community process spearheaded by the San Francisco Commission on the Environment, formerly an advisory committee to the Board of Supervisors. Charged with developing a plan to address San Francisco’s long-term environmental sustainability, the commission formed a broad coalition of representatives from city government, environmental advocacy organizations, community groups and businesses. Calling itself Sustainable San Francisco, this coalition of more than 400 volunteers released in October 1996 the draft of the plan which was considered by the Board of Supervisors. Media coverage of the Board’s endorsement appeared to ridicule the plan by focusing on two minor issues: ousting feral cats and regulating deodorant use. However, there are hundreds of sensible actions suggested in the plan which draw on the knowledge and experience of current programs in city agencies and non-profits. Implementation of the recommended actions is taking place on many levels. The newly formed Department of the Environment is implementing an integrated pest management program mandated by legislation passed by the Board of Supervisors. The Solid Waste Management program sponsors a Shop Smart campaign. In conjunction with local grocery stores, this program is educating consumers about recycled packaging and bulk purchases. The Bureau of Energy Conservation is at work on low-income energy efficiency retrofits, and has started integrating sustainable design concepts into their operations. Non-profit organizations are also working on projects recommended in the plan. The Parks, Open Spaces and Streetscapes section recommends a five-year objective of planting 4,000 trees per year. Friends of the Urban Forest currently plants 2,500 - 3,000 trees per year, helping to meet that objective. Employees at Ti Couz restaurant are trained in the use and value of organic food products, showing that businesses are also getting involved. The restaurant has also been involved in community outreach programs which teach school children about organic foods. At the individual level, each of us can help San Francisco reach the plan objectives. Small changes add up. Grab canvas bags when shopping instead of using paper or plastic; wear a sweater around the house instead of using the heater; buy recycled goods; walk, ride a bike, take the bus instead of using the car; incorporate into our lives all of those little things we know how to do to reduce our impact on the earth. Sustainable San Francisco is following the progress made to achieve the objectives in the plan. We’ll keep you posted on which organizations are already working on plan actions and how we are doing in terms of reaching our five-year objectives. What You Can Do Set up a Sustainable San Francisco presentation at your neighborhood organization or workplace. Let us know what issues your organization is working on as they relate to the Sustainability Plan. Contact the Mayor and members of the Board of Supervisors to let them know you support the vision of the sustainability plan. Volunteer Opportunities Call us at 415-285-6106 Administrative support from your home: We need you to make local phone calls for our various activities. Newsletter mailings: come sit around a kitchen table and help get the newsletter in the mail. Plan implementation advocate: Call the office for more information. Join our newsletter committee: We need people to write stories.