Sustainability

Oak branches

The Town of Windsor has a proud history of commitment to environmental, climate, and sustainability issues. This page is a hub for sharing the Town’s sustainability plans and actions, and for highlighting information, tools, and resources that community members can use to conserve resources, save money, live more sustainably, and reduce their contribution to climate change. 

What is Sustainability?

The United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development defines sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Sustainable actions balance three pillars, environment, social equity, and economic development with the need to use resources efficiently.

Choose to live more sustainably

The Town of Windsor has the important role of leading by example on sustainability and climate issues. Residents have the important responsibility to make the best choices they can. Having trusted sources of information helps. 

There are many local, county and regional organizations with good quality information. Follow these links below to resources about energy, water, waste, recycling, and composting. You'll also find links to Town documents that discuss Windsor's approach to sustainability.

Energy

Conserving energy and using cleaner energy are two of the most important things you can do to reduce your environmental impact.

Water

  • Visit the Town’s Water Conservation page:
    • To learn about the drought, watering schedules, to report leaks, and access the WaterSmart portal.
  •  Don’t miss their informative Water Conservation Resources page for hints and tips on:
    •  Water-Wise Landscaping
      • The Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) Program
      • The free, County-coordinated Garden Sense Program.
  • Visit the Town’s Storm Water Quality and Management page for information on how to report clogged storm drains, spills, and dumping.
  • Image saying Drought is here The Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership website has many programs, rebates, water saving tips, and landscaping ideas.
  • Windsor is part of the Santa Rosa Plain Groundwater Sustainability Agency. You can read their Groundwater Sustainability Plan here.
  • Keep Creeks Clean! The Streets to Creeks web site explains why it is so important to keep trash and other pollutants off the street, out of storm drains, and out of creeks. Check out best residential and commercial management practices!
  • Sonoma Water’s website provides excellent information on the water resources of Sonoma County including:
    • Water Resources (water supply, flood protection, sanitation, recycled water, and groundwater)
    • Environment (water use efficiency, carbon free water, Russian River Biological Opinion, Fisheries, environmental documents, Integrated Pest Management Program, and climate adaptation)
    • Community (news, public tours, community outreach, water education, información en Español, outreach programs, documents)

Waste, Recycling, and Composting

  • Download the annual Sonoma County 2023 Zero Waste Guide, in English or Spanish, here.

Garbage and Recycling Service

Household Hazardous Waste

CompostingCompost bin label showing compostable items

  • Read Sonoma County Resource Recovery’s Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1393) page, describing what Windsor residents, multifamily properties, and businesses need to do to comply with the mandated recycling of organic materials that went into effect on January 1, 2022.
  • Learn about your green cart and Home Composting from Zero Waste Sonoma.

Town Sustainability Documentation

Regional Climate Resources

Windsor Community Groups

Windsor Earth Action Climate Team (WeACT)

Windsor Garden Club

Windsor High School Committee for Change

Fun and Interesting links

Contact

Reach Windsor's Sustainability Coordinator at kgabor@townofwindsor.com.