Healthy Earth

Healthy Earth Strives toward a greener, cleaner Rancho Cucamonga by adopting policies and implementing programs and strategies that advance environmental sustainability in the community and in City operations. Learn how you can make a difference in Solid Waste Reduction, Energy, Water, Transportation & Air Quality, Environmental Education, and Buying Local.


Solid Waste Reduction


Reduce This is the most important step because it prevents waste from being created in the first place. Use reusable items like shopping bags, beverage containers, water bottles, utensils, napkins, and more.
  • The City of Rancho Cucamonga no longer allows the use of expanded polystyrene, commonly known as "Styrofoam®", at any City facility, event or program. If you are using a City meeting room or park, please switch to other more environmentally friendly serving products.

Reuse Reusing items extends their life, saves resources from purchasing brand new products, cuts costs, and keeps them out the landfill a little longer. Purchase previously used goods like books, CDs, clothes, appliances, and more.

Recycle The City makes recycling easy for residents. A complete list of what goes in each container can be found in the Healthy RC Green Living Guide. Look for the recycling symbol on products that have a number inside which refers to the type of plastic used.

  • Newly adopted AB 341 requires commercial recycling for businesses and multifamily complexes with at least 5 units that generate more than 4 cubic yards of solid waste per week  starting July 1, 2012. For more information on the bill please visit CalRecycle and for more information about recycling in Rancho Cucamonga please call the Environmental Programs info line.
  • The Commercial Climate Calculator is designed for virtually any California business or multifamily complexes to assess financial, greenhouse gas emission, and waste reduction/environmental benefits of reducing and recycling their discarded materials. If you have questions regarding the calculator please contact CalRecycle's Local Assistance and Market Development staff.

Buy Recycled Purchasing recycled-content products is essential because it keeps the market strong for recyclables and closes the recycling "loop". Look for items that have the highest amount of "post-consumer recycled content", which means that items we recycle were used. "Recycled content" means paper scraps from the manufacturing process were used.

Household Hazardous Waste Items like leftover chemicals, paint, cleaning supplies, batteries, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), fertilizers, insecticides, medical waste and electronics (old computers, tv's) must be taken to a household hazardous waste facility. It is illegal to throw these products in the trash. Check the Green Living Guide for a complete list and take items to the City's Household Hazardous Waste facility. Visit www.earth911.org to locate nearest drop off facilities for all types of items.


Check Your Number
How frequent does your vehicle need an oil change? it might be more than 3,000 miles, which can save you money and helps to use oil more efficiently. CalRecycle's Check Your Number Campaign shows you the mileage between oil changes.


Energy


Energy Efficiency Here are some ways you can become more energy efficient which saves money and the environment:
  • Swap incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescents (CFLs), LEDs, or solar lighting. *dispose of CFLs at a Household Hazardous Waste Facility 
  • Use Energy Star appliances and devices
  • Set energy efficient settings on computers, dishwashers, thermostats, and more
  • Maintain and tune up air conditioners, refrigerators, water heaters, and more
  • Insulate your water heater and look into solar-powered water heaters
  • Purchase solar photovoltaic panels for your home
  • Improve home weatherization like proper sealants, insulation, and windows
  • Utilize passive solar heating and cooling building principles like shading your home to keep the sun out during the day, and use ventilation to let hot air out or cool air in, among others.
  • Hang dry clothes or use a clothes rack instead of the dryer which lengthens the life and color of garments

For information on Green Building visit the U.S. Green Building Council

Download the Light Bulb Finder smart phone app for information and resources

Energy Rebates

Rancho Cucamonga Municipal Utility (RCMU) Rebates        Southern California Gas Company

Energy Upgrade California                                                 Go Solar California

Southern California Edison                                                 Flex Your Power

 
Energy Savings Assistance Program provides low-income residents, that meet income guidelines and have high energy bills, with free weatherization upgrades


Water

Water Efficiency It takes a great deal of energy to transport and clean water in addition to conserving this precious resource. At home use low flow shower heads, faucets, and toilets.

Landscape Calibrate outdoor sprinklers to ensure they are not watering the cement and only water during early morning or late evening to avoid evaporation. Install drip or soak irrigation and use California native drought tolerant plants.

Water Quality Prevent urban runoff by properly disposing of chemicals, use organic fertilizers, and biodegradable products.

Cucamonga Valley Water District Visit Cucamonga Valley Water District (CVWD) to learn about water use, programs, and events.

Transportation and Air Quality

Travel Green Use one of the following options for getting around:

Rancho Cucamonga Pedestrian, Bike, and Equestrian Trails

Omnitrans

Metrolink (RC is one of a few stops on the new San Bernardino Express Line to Union Station which takes 60 minutes end-to-end)

Bike To Work

Vehicles

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Thinking of an electric car? Find answers to your questions and read up on Southern California Edison's guide to be Plug-In ready

Healthy RC EV Charging Station Pilot Program

Seven public EV charging stations are available for use at no cost through the Healthy RC EV Charging Station Pilot Program. Grant funding helped to update older chargers with new Level II chargers which allow for a complete charge of an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid in a few hours. You can view a map of the charging stations which are located at:


        • Archibald Library
        • Civic Center (public parking lot)
        • Animal Center
        • Heritage Community Park
        • Metrolink Station
        • Red Hill Community Park

 

Visit Cool California to calculate your carbon footprint and find out ways to shrink it.

Education

The Rancho Cucamonga Library is happy to provide Kill-A-Watt monitors for checkout. With this device you can measure energy consumption and reduce your electric bill. Check the library catalog for availability and visit the circulation desk to check one out. This service is provided by a grant from the California State Library.

The City has partnered with the Cucamonga Valley Water District in teaching students about water, recycling, gardening, resources, and energy efficiency at their Environmental Learning Center.

Visit the Frontier Project , a green building and sustainability demonstration site located in Rancho Cucamonga to learn how you can incorporate its principles.

Buy Local

Purchasing locally-made goods is an important piece to sustainability because it cuts down on emissions associated with shipping and our local economy is strengthened. Support your local Rancho Cucamonga businesses and look for items made in this area.

Farmers' Market Find locally grown produce, crafts, and other goods by visiting your nearest California Certified Farmers' Market

Green Business Recognition Program

Has your business gone green? Join the Rancho Cucamonga Green Business Recognition Program today and view businesses who have joined the program.