Dedicated to a Healthy Planet

 

It’s the mission of Cabrillo National Monument to preserve the park’s resources and serve the public in an environmentally sensitive and sustainable manner.  We are dedicated to demonstrating environmental leadership through the implementation of sustainable and best management practices; the use of alternative energy; energy efficient appliances, vehicles, instruments, and power tools; recycling; and the use of recycled and recyclable products as an integral part of the park’s operation in the accomplishment of our mission.

 

Recently, the National Park Service issued “Environmental Purchasing in the National Park Service – A How-To Guide,” which steers us in the management of an effective environmental program.  The Guide states:

 

As the single largest employer and consumer of goods and services, the Federal government’s footprint is significant with economic, social, and environmental impacts on local and regional communities where government facilities operate and function.  “Greening the Government” is a phrase that has gained popularity among Federal agencies and describes a wide variety of efforts undertaken to reduce government’s overall environmental impact.

Cabrillo National Monument takes “Greening the Government” seriously, and applies it to our everyday activities.  It’s our policy reduce both visitor and staff waste through the regular recycling of the following:

 

Paper

Fiberboard

Glass

Aluminum

Plastic

Batteries

Fluorescent bulbs and ballasts

Carpet

Motor oil

Antifreeze

Information technology equipment

Recycling containers have been conveniently placed next to trash cans in visitor use areas and parking lots, to encourage visitor recycling.

 

For educational school field trips to the park, we have developed a Zero-Waste Lunch Program, consisting of handouts and pre- and post-visit activities to encourage recycling and waste reduction. 

 

We purchase products with a minimum amount of packaging, and actively encourage vendors and manufacturers to reduce packaging.

 

 

For in-park travel, staff utilizes donated electric GEM and Think vehicles, and 25% of our vehicle fleet is Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

We strive to reduce the use of fossil fuels through the use of alternative energy, including solar and natural gas, and the incorporation of energy-saving features in the park’s buildings, including natural light, insulation, and passive ventilation.

We purchase environmentally-preferred products made of post-consumer recycled and recyclable materials. An example of some of the green products we purchase: 

 

Paper

File folders

Printer cartridges

Carpet

Barricades

Plastic lumber for benches and erosion control

Antifreeze

Motor oil

Trash bags

Paper towels

Coffee filters

Pens and pencils

 

We purchase the most energy-efficient appliances, instruments, and tools compared to cost to give the taxpayers the best value

 

We use water-based and low volatile organic compounds (VOC) paints and stains.

 

We reduced our chemical inventory, phasing out most cleaning chemicals and use Simple Green-D, in addition to utilizing environmentally safe products in the cleaning, care, and maintenance of the contemporary facilities and historic structures and museum collection.

 

The park initiated an Environmental Management System (EMS), a Servicewide program where parks can evaluate what impacts they may be having on the resources and how to minimize, mitigate, or eliminate the impacts.  There is a rigorous tracking process to allow for full documentation of these impacts and solutions year by year.

 

The vending machines in the Visitor Center complex have been fitted with Vend-Misers to reduce energy consumption during times when the machines are inactive, such as at night and during low visitation periods.

 

We share best management practices with the visiting public and other parks.

 

We encourage you to look at additional ways that you can reduce, reuse, and recycle – and join the National Park Service in maintaining a healthy planet.