It's been an exciting year full of accomplishments for Alameda Green thanks to participants like you! Since the program launched last August, Alameda Green participants have supported nearly 2,000 megawatt hours of renewable energy and reduced their collective carbon footprint by over 2 million pounds of carbon dioxide - that's like taking 220 cars off the road for a year* ! In addition, Alameda Green was listed on the prestigious National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) Top Ten List for using at least 2% solar in our green power program! 

We are working on more exciting initiatives for year two of the program, including a partnership with the Park Street Business Association to "Green Park Street," a campaign that will encourage your favorite local businesses to sign up for the program! We will highlight participating businesses in upcoming enewsletters and on our website so stay tuned.

*To learn more about how these environmental equivalencies are calculated, please visit: www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html

Not only was Monkey Bars one of the first businesses to sign up for Alameda Green, it was also the winner of the Small Commercial Green PowerStar Award from Alameda Municipal Power! Owner Heather Rider installed LED lighting both inside and outside of the eco-friendly children's boutique located on Park Street, resulting in dramatic energy bill reductions.

Heather also installed a new building facade made of locally sourced, reclaimed wood, recycled aluminum and environmentally friendly paints. Monkey Bars was able to benefit from one of the last Façade Improvement Grants available from the City, via the former Commercial Revitalization Fund. Join us in congratulating Monkey Bars on all of its Earth-Friendly accomplishments! 

The Green PowerStar Awards are given to Alameda residents and businesses that showcase innovative approaches to energy savings and greener power use. Other 2013 Green PowerStar Award winners include Abbot Diabetes Care in the Large Commercial Category and Ben and Estie Kus in the Residential Category. Read more about the Green PowerStar Awards on our website.

Say hello to the newest Alameda Green businesses! They've joined a growing list of local businesses that have signed up for wind and solar energy with Alameda Green! To see the full list of business participants, please visit our Alameda Green Businesses webpage.

• Fasco Fastener: Fasco Fastener supplies corrosion-resistant stainless steel, silicon bronze and brass fasteners for the marine industry. You can find them near the Alameda Marina at 2041 Clement Avenue.
• Rhythmix Cultural Works: Located at 2513 Blanding Ave, Rhythmix Cultural Works is a community cultural arts center that includes a theater, art gallery, and classroom and features live music and more!
• Skin Mind Body (SMB) Essentials: Going green never looked so good! SMB Essentials is a sustainable beauty and wellness products company whose brands include: Lotus Moon, Plain Jane Beauty, DetoxRx and SON. Visit them online to learn more.

We had a blast at the Earth Day Festival! Thanks for coming out to celebrate with us. Hundreds of Alamedans stopped by our booth to learn how to reduce their carbon footprint and sign up for Alameda Green!