As of the latest Burlingame e-newsletter, there are exciting environmental changes underway!  It has taken time, but it seems like green/eco-friendly construction & living are finally gaining momentum.

Now if Burlingame would implement recycling pick-up on a weekly basis rather then the current  bi-monthly schedule as well as start a home green garbage compost program (currently just yard waste is picked up).  Thus far my complaints and suggestions to Allied Waste have fallen on deaf ears.

My understanding is that more frequent pick ups are expensive but I believe there would be an increase in recycling by Burlingame residents.  If it’s not “easy” it’s not going to happen is my feeling.  As it currently stands, we also have to sort paper from glass/cans/metals adding another layer of inconvenience.

In comparison, San Francisco has a great recycling program consisting of weekly pickup, one bin for paper and glass, and home composting pick up.  Currently, I have to store 6 bulky bins due to Burlingame’s recycling system.  Ah well, I’ll keep working on this…..

Two architects have been elected to lead the new Burlingame Citizens Environmental Council, an organization of citizens who plan to help their community become more environmentally sustainable by reducing carbon emissions, preserving natural resources and promoting sustainable lifestyles.
The group elected Stan Vistica as Chair and Jerry Winges as Vice Chair. Vistica, an architect based in San Francisco, has served on the Planning Commission for 10 years. Winges owns an architectural firm in Burlingame.

The Burlingame Citizens Environmental Council (BCEC) began meeting this fall after the city’s Green Ribbon Task Force disbanded. The Task Force, which was formed in 2007, completed its work when the city’s Climate Action Plan was adopted by the Burlingame City Council last summer.

BCEC plans to promote the adoption of green building practices in Burlingame and to make certain the city meets deadlines outlined in its Climate Action Plan. Representatives will work closely with local schools. Among its local initiatives will be a Drive Less Challenge, bike tours, a tour of sustainable homes and a green business incentive program. The group plans to continue the successful green speaker series and Green Street Fair pioneered by the Green Ribbon Task Force.

“I am delighted to lead Burlingame citizens in our effort to clean up the planet while improving lifestyles. One of our goals is to attain measurable environmental improvements using the Climate Action Plan as a baseline. It’s going to be exciting,” said Vistica.

Vistica noted that BCEC is currently looking for individuals to help design a Web site for the group, write grants and assist with community outreach.
BCEC invites other interested Burlingame residents to join. The organization’s next meeting will be held Thursday, December 3, at 7 p.m. at TRG Architects in Burlingame.

For more information about BCEC, contact Vistica at hapvist@gmail.com or Winges at jlw@wingesaia.com.
To learn more about what the City of Burlingame is doing to address climate change, see the Sustainable Burlingame section of the city’s Web site. The city’s progress on sustainable programs is outlined at http://www.burlingame.org/index.aspx?page=1374.