Our Natural Community
Our Natural Community
We've expanded "green practices" citywide to make Ventura a model for a sustainable planet.
Community Partner
"For the past decade, the Ventura County Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation has been working with local and state government agencies to solve beach erosion and water quality problems at Ventura County's most popular coastal recreation area - Surfers' Point."
Our new Green Initiative highlights the city's inventory of cutting-edge environmental practices
- Received state "Flex Your Power Award" for decreasing energy use by 25% in two years
- Reduced greenhouse gas emission of carbon dioxide by over 5 million pounds through use of renewable energy, energy conservation and vehicle fuel efficiency
- Diverted 67% of trash to recycling over two years
- Installed new photovoltaic system that generates 40% of Maintenance Yard's electricity
- Planted 500 trees per year to enhance our urban forest
- Switched to bio-diesel for 100 fl eet equipment/vehicles to decrease fossil fuel reliance
- Collected over 700,000 pounds annually at Household Hazardous Waste events
- Installed the West Coast's fi rst solar powered trash compactor ("Big Belly") downtown
- Created "head of the line" building permit processing for "building green" projects
Reduced hillside erosion and threats to coastal ecosystems
- Diverted storm water at Surfers' Point with $1 million grant to improve water quality
- Storm water management program won EPA award for:
- Removing debris from storm drains to prevent runoff pollution
- Improving storm water quality and limiting impacts to aquatic ecosystems
- Worked with County to ensure repairs to Arundell Barranca are compatible with future natural stream restoration
Reduced pesticide use
- Pursued our goal of eliminating pesticide and herbicide use through Integrated Pest Management Practices:
- Reduced pesticide use in parks by 22%
- Introduced organic foam Waipuna as an herbicide replacement for weed control
The Road Ahead
- Partner with Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance and Southern California Edison for energy conservation projects
- Focus City purchasing practices on more environmentally friendly alternatives such as use of 100% recycled paper
- Partner with California State Coastal Conservancy, Nature Conservancy and Trust for Public Land on Ventura River Parkway
- Assist Ventura Hillsides Conservancy in preservation of hillsides
- Partner with state and residents on sand management and beach maintenance issues
- Work with 11 partners countywide to meet new stormwater quality regulations for cleaner rivers, streams and beaches
- Select first "Green School Award" among public or private schools for best earth-friendly practices