"On this 30^th anniversary of Earth Day, we are finding that people’s attitudes have come a long way in supporting a cleaner and healthier environment," said Sunnyvale Public Works Director Marvin Rose. "Our residents are taking action on a day-to-day basis, demonstrating that we can each make a difference if we choose to do so."

Fifty-one residents wrote essays describing what they do to drive less, save energy, reduce waste and recycle, conserve water, prevent pollution, or protect open space and habitat. Representatives from City divisions selected 19 outstanding residents, including 9 adults and 10 youth, to receive Environmental Achievement Awards. Here are some of their creative and unique ways to help protect our environment.

"Two or three times a week, I leave the car at home, jump on my two-wheeler, and commute to my office in Cupertino via bicycle," shared Sunnyvale resident Kevin Gregory. "It takes me less than 25 minutes, only about 10 minutes longer than it takes to drive." Gregory feels that biking to work is a practical way to get some exercise, and it takes a car off the streets which eases traffic congestion. It’s also economical. "I estimate that I saved about 90 auto commute trips and 900 miles driven last year with my commute riding alone." On some mornings Gregory is joined by his first grade daughter as they ride to her school.

Twelve-year-old Kenneth Mendes shared that his family installed double-pane windows to keep the heat inside "because with our old, single-pane windows, the house would get really cold." Other winners practiced energy-saving habits such as replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents, using an energy-saving refrigerator, and turning the heater off at night.

Lindsay Jacobson said her family eats a vegetarian diet to conserve resources and protect open space. "To produce one single hamburger patty takes enough fuel to drive a small car 20 miles and enough water for 17 showers. One third of all raw materials and fossil fuels used in the U.S. are used to raise animals for food," wrote Jacobson, citing statistics from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Kim Jelfs likes to "drive retail clerks crazy" by bringing her own bags to the grocery store or mall, or declining a bag altogether. At Christmas her office presented her with a Ranger’s hat bearing a recycle logo on the front. Her office nameplate now reads "Recycle Ranger."

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The City of Sunnyvale has been recognized as an "Earth Day 2000 Community" in conjunction with the 30^th anniversary of Earth Day, and has been presented with a "Green Community Seal of Approval" from Denis Hayes, the organizer of the first Earth Day and Chair of Earth Day Network. Sunnyvale Mayor Patricia Vorreiter has proclaimed April 22 as Earth Day and encourages the City’s residents, businesses, and institutions to use Earth Day to commit to building a sustainable society. The proclamation also pledges the City’s support of the Earth Day Network’s Clean Energy Agenda and commits the City to undertake programs that further the clean and efficient use of energy within its borders.

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