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SMALL CHANGES, BIG IMPACT

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April 2026

Small Changes, Big Impact

Tips on how County residents can do their part this Earth Month and beyond.

Living in Los Angeles County gives us some unique advantages — and challenges — when it comes to sustainability. Here the Chief Sustainability Office provides some easy-to-adopt how-to’s for keeping L.A. cool and green.

☀️ Take Advantage of the Sun

One of L.A.’s greatest natural assets is its abundance of sunlight—so use it.

  • Solar everything (even small-scale): If rooftop panels aren’t an option, use solar-powered outdoor lights, chargers, or even window fans.
  • Line-dry year-round: L.A.’s dry climate makes air-drying clothes faster than most places. You can skip the dryer almost entirely.
  • Passive cooling tricks: Close blinds during peak heat, open windows at night. This can cut AC use dramatically.

💧 Water-Smart Living

Water conservation is essential in Southern California, especially across Greater L.A. Droughts are becoming more frequent and severe. We need to stop wasting water.

  • Drought-friendly landscaping: Replace lawns with native plants like California sage or succulents. Nearly 50% of our water use in greater L.A. goes to watering landscapes!
  • Shower bucket habit: Collect cold-start water (huge in older L.A. buildings) and reuse it for plants.
  • Laundry timing: Wash during cooler hours to reduce evaporation and energy strain.

🚗 Work Around Car Culture

Let’s be honest—getting around Los Angeles often means driving – lots of it.  But a few adjustments can make a noticeable difference.

  • Errand batching: Plan routes to reduce multiple short trips. L.A. traffic makes this more impactful than you’d think.
  • Transit + micro-mobility mix: Pair Los Angeles Metro with bikes or scooters for shorter hops.
  • Car-free days: Even one day a week without driving significantly lowers your footprint in car-clogged L.A.
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🛒 Local & Low-Waste Groceries & Goods

Angelenos love to eat ... and to shop. But that doesn’t mean we can’t be smart about it.

• Farmers markets + refill shops: L.A. has one of the best networks of farmers markets in the country and a growing network of zero-waste shops—fresh, local food with less packaging, plus options to refill household basics like soaps and detergents.

• Reusables as a habit: Bring bags, produce sacks, and a reusable water bottle when you’re out. It’s a small shift that cuts down a surprising amount of single-use plastic.

• Mix in plant-based proteins: Meals built around beans, lentils, or tofu can be affordable, satisfying, and lighter on environmental resources—no need to give anything up, just add variety.

🏢 Apartment-Friendly Sustainability (Very LA)

A lot of Angelenos rent, so:

  • Peel-and-stick upgrades: Weather stripping, window film, and draft blockers improve insulation without permanent changes.
  • Portable induction cooktops: More energy-efficient than gas and safer for indoor air.
  • Mini composting: Use countertop bins or local compost drop-offs if your building doesn’t support it.

🌊 Beach & Outdoor Lifestyle Swaps

The shoreline is L.A.’s greatest natural resource and playground. Let’s do our part to protect what we love:

  • Zero-waste beach kits: Use reusable containers and water bottles. L.A. beach trash is a big issue, especially Styrofoam.
  • Reef-safe sunscreen: Protects marine ecosystems along the coast.
  • Join local cleanups: There are frequent events along the coast and in parks.
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🌴 Energy + Air Quality Awareness

Los Angeles has some of the hottest temperatures and most challenging air quality in the nation. Here’s what to do:

  • Avoid peak-hour electricity (4-9 p.m.): This is when L.A.’s grid is dirtiest and most expensive.
  • Use air purifiers wisely during heat and wildfire season instead of running AC nonstop.
  • Houseplants + ventilation help, but our air quality still requires mindful habits.

🧠 L.A.-Specific Mindset Shift

L.A. is cool. But hip needn’t be wasteful.

  • Space is limited → consume less: Smaller living spaces in dense L.A. make minimalism easier and more impactful.
  • Trendy ≠ sustainable: Fast decor and lifestyle trends are huge in L.A. Resist the churn and invest in durable items.
  • Community matters: Tool libraries, Buy Nothing groups, and neighborhood swaps are very active in our region.

Keep an eye out for some more tips from us throughout the month. And please review our comprehensive, newly revised OurCounty Sustainability Plan, which contains 162 action items for making our communities cleaner, healthier and happier.