Sustainability and the Environment

By Annan Paterson

Protecting our environment and encouraging Novato's leadership in sustainable living will be a priority when I am on the City Council.

Novato and its environs make us a destination for visitors and a wonderful place to live. Protecting our environment and encouraging Novato's leadership in sustainable living will be a priority when I am on the City Council.

As a parent and educator, I know that a healthy environment benefits our youth, families and seniors in many ways.

As a councilmember, I will work with City staff, council members and residents to:

• Protect our open space and wetlands;

• Seek grants for pilot projects involving use of alternative transportation;

• Pass and facilitate efficient implementation of Green Building Ordinance;

• Work towards providing healthy and organic food choices in all parts of our community, including schools;

• Increase recycling practices in our business community;

• Spearhead a "Shop Local! Shop Novato!" campaign to keep residents in town and off the freeways;

• Work with the County of Marin and other agencies to seek alternative energy resources regionally;

• Scale up energy and water efficiency to save money, stabilize rates, hold down operating expenses and life-cycle costs and cut back harmful emissions;

• Economize by leveraging resources efficiently through cooperation among schools, City and agencies;

• Encourage the "3 Rs" : "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" to reduce landfill and promote the sharing of resources.