LB Sustainability 2019-2020

Sustainability Year in Review 2019

Long Beach continued making progress towards a more environmentally friendly and resilient city in 2019. Here are some highlights from the Office of Sustainability for 2019:

• Certified 28 businesses through the Green Business Program.
• Co-hosted the 2nd Annual Ranchos Walk, a 9.5 mile walk from Rancho los Alamitos to Rancho los Cerritos for the 400 participants.
• 170 street trees and 68 fruit trees were planted through the Street Tree Program and Fruit Trees in Front Yards Program.
• Approximately 420 tons of mulch diverted from landfill with 311 tons delivered free of charge to Long Beach residents.
• Gave EV chargers to 40 residents through the EV Charger Giveaway Program.
• Hosted 64 free workshops for Long Beach Residents including 56 Edible Garden Workshops and 8 Native Plant Workshops.

Want more highlights from the year? Read the full Year in Review online.

New in 2020

The Office of Sustainability will continue its services to residents in 2020, planting trees, delivering mulch, providing workshops and volunteer opportunities, and helping to create a more sustainable Long Beach. In 2020 we will also launch a new Energy Efficiency Direct Install Program to provide free efficiency upgrades to Long Beach residents in disadvantaged community areas. The program will provide a free energy audit, energy efficiency upgrades up to a maximum spend limit per household, and a list of recommended additional measures with financing options for homeowners to continue upgrades if they choose. For more information on this program, sign up for updates from us.

Fruit tree plantings in front yards continue in 2020 with funding from CalFIRE. If you live in a priority neighborhood, there is still time to apply. This year will also include an orchard planting. We will bring together volunteers to help plant fruit trees in a Long Beach park where they will be accessible to the community as a source of free fresh produce.

2020 will also be the 50^th anniversary of Earth Day! The Office of Sustainability is working with City and community partners to plan a city-wide event to commemorate the occasion. Save the date, Saturday April 25^th we will be at Recreation Park from 10am to 4pm with various volunteer opportunities available from 9am to 12pm in the park and elsewhere in the city. Join us to celebrate, volunteer, and learn more about how we can create a sustainable city.

Read more about our plans for 2020 in our Work Plan. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @lbsustainability for updates on these and other programs throughout the year!