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Sustainable Sunnyvale Newsletter - Aug. 2025 |
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Save the Date: California Coastal Cleanup Day
New Location to Pick Up Free Compost
Sunnyvale, Mountain View and Cupertino residents have access to a new compost pick-up location! In addition to the free compost and mulch at the SMaRT Station (301 Carl Road), residents can also pick up compost by the Charles Street Garden (433 Charles St.). The compost is made from local yard trimmings and is certified organic by the US Composting Council. It is processed at Z-Best Composting in Gilroy.
Any residents interested in using compost for gardens, landscaping or backyards can pick up material seven days a week. Just drive into the Charles Street Garden parking lot and follow signs to the pile. Once you’re there, please scan the on-site QR code to record which city you’re a resident of. Limit 200 gal. per person, per week. Bring your own shovel and container for the compost.
Keep Sunnyvale Green and Water-Wise This Summer
Summer in Sunnyvale means more sunshine, and more outdoor water use. In fact, water use can go up by two to four times during the summer. By switching to water-efficient landscaping, you can reduce your outdoor water use. Low-water-use plants grow well in Sunnyvale’s climate. They need less water and care than traditional lawns.
The City purchases water from Valley Water. It serves as the City's wholesale water supplier. So, we partner with Valley Water to offer the Landscape Rebate Program. This program encourages residents and businesses to convert their high-water use landscape to drought-tolerant options.
Sunnyvale's residents may qualify for:
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Up to $3,000 for single family homes
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Up to $100,000 for commercial, industrial, institutional and multi-family sites (five or more units)
To learn more, visit Valley Water Rebates.
Not sure where to start?
Valley Water also provides free resources to help you plan your landscape conversion. To learn more, visit Valley Water Landscape Guides and Resources.
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 Studio Sproutling: Sparking Environmental Action Through Art
This spring, Cynthia Li and Elaine Zhou co-founded Studio Sproutling. A nonprofit dedicated to teaching children about the environment through hands-on art projects. We believe that education is the key to climate action. Which is why we are using creativity to empower the next generation of environmental leaders.
We hosted a successful event at Hester School Garden making seed bombs from recycled paper and California poppy seeds. This lesson taught students the difference between native vs. invasive plants. Now we’re looking forward to working with Save the Bay on July 28th to plan our next event- and reach even more youth!
If you’re a student passionate about climate change, art, or both and want to volunteer and give back to your community, sign up here!
Interested in attending our events or partnering with us? Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @studiosproutling and visit our Linktree. Contact studiosproutling@gmail.com to reach our team.
About the Students: (Left to Right) Eric Yao, Natalya Sahlin, Kylee Magbitang, Cindy Cheng, and Cynthia Li are freshmen at Homestead High School. Elaine Zou is a sophomore at The Harker School. These students are passionate about community service and sustainability- seen here dedicating their time to help others!
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Do Your Doody & “Chews” Wisely for Your Pets!
We all love our pets and caring for them the right way also means protecting the environment. Pet waste and flea medicine can harm both stormwater and wastewater systems. Dog waste contains harmful bacteria that can wash into storm drains and pollute creeks and the Bay. Never put pet waste in your backyard compost, FoodCycle bin or yard trimmings cart. Many people think pet waste can be composted, but it can’t! The germs in pet waste can stay in soil for years and are dangerous to wildlife. Carry extra plastic bags on walks and always pick up after your dog. If you need free doggy bags, look for the Environmental Services team at your next community event.
When applying flea and tick treatments to your pet’s skin, the pesticides don’t stay put; they can spread to their bedding, your clothes and your hands. When washing these items, the chemicals go down the drain and into the wastewater system. Treatment plants can’t remove all the pesticides, which means they may end up in the Bay, where they can harm aquatic life. Ask your vet about chewable flea and tick medication. Visit Baywise.org for more information for you and your vet. You can also find resources on how to safely dispose of expired pet medications.
Thank you for keeping your pets and the Bay safe and healthy!
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Cut the Heat with Induction
Hot weather can make everyday activities, like cooking, feel uncomfortable. Gas stovetops give off extra heat, making your kitchen even warmer in the summer.
With our Cool Cooktops Program at the Sunnyvale Public Library, you can borrow an induction cooktop for three weeks! Induction cooking keeps your kitchen cooler because it only heats your pan, not the air around it. It heats up faster than other stovetops, while remaining cool to the touch. Induction cooktops also improve indoor air quality since they don’t burn gas. Reserve a Cool Cooktop Kit today!
Hot weather can not only be uncomfortable but dangerous. Extreme heat can lead to heat exhaustion, heat cramps and more serious conditions. It’s important to stay safe and alert. Sign up for AlertSCC, Santa Clara County’s official emergency alert and warning system.
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 Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action (SVYCA) is a youth-led nonprofit based in San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Alameda Counties empowering high schoolers to combat climate change through policy advocacy and climate literacy. Join over 500 attendees at SVYCA’s 2025 IMPACT Summit on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Campbell Heritage Theatre! Get pumped for a day of learning, networking, and mobilizing towards effective climate advocacy solutions! Register today.
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