"This project is a high-visibility climate action event held in the heart of San Francisco at Yerba Buena Gardens. In collaboration with the San Francisco Environment Department, and the Yerba Buena Gardens Conservancy/Yerba Buena Partnership, we are hosting a large-scale neighborhood clean-up that serves as the official kick-off for the Earth Day Festival and Green Business Expo. This initiative bridges the gap between immediate urban maintenance and long-term climate advocacy. By mobilizing volunteers to clean the South of Market (SoMa) and downtown corridors, we are fostering a culture of climate resilience while celebrating the local sustainable economy through the Green Business Expo. Anticipated Climate Outcomes The project is designed to produce measurable environmental benefits that align with San Francisco’s climate goals: Waterfront & Marine Protection: Yerba Buena Gardens and the surrounding SoMa district are critical entry points for San Francisco’s stormwater system. By removing plastic pollution, micro-litter, and toxic debris before it enters the drains, we prevent the contamination of the San Francisco Bay. This protects local aquatic carbon sinks and preserves the health of our coastal ecosystems. Methane Abatement through Proper Sorting: In partnership with the San Francisco Environment Department and their CCAC fellows, we emphasize organic waste diversion. Volunteers are trained to sort collected materials into recycling and compost streams rather than sending them all to the landfill. This prevents the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, that occurs when organic matter is trapped in landfill environments. Upstream Prevention & Reuse Advocacy: Volunteers and event attendees will learn about the critical climate impact of shifting away from single-use items. Tasks include demonstrating the benefits of commercial reuse systems and encouraging a ""Bring Your Own"" (BYO) culture for cups and containers at local establishments. By emphasizing waste prevention at the source, volunteers help reduce the carbon footprint associated with the production, transport, and disposal of single-use products. Support for the Sustainable Economy: By integrating the clean-up with a Green Business Expo, we provide a direct link between volunteerism and consumer behavior. Supporting Green Businesses demonstrates that a climate-resilient future is powered by a thriving, localized, and low-carbon economy. Tasks to be Accomplished by Volunteers: Volunteers will be deployed in coordinated teams to execute several key environmental tasks: Litter Abatement & Deep Cleaning: Armed with grabbers and bags, volunteers will perform a sweep of the neighborhoods surrounding the Yerba Buena Gardens, removing hundreds of pounds of refuse from sidewalks, tree wells, and gutters. On-Site Waste Sorting: To maximize our diversion rate, volunteers will manage waste sorting stations. They will manually separate collected debris into three distinct streams: compostables, recyclables, and landfill-bound waste. This ensures that every piece of litter is disposed of in the most environmentally responsible manner possible. Climate Education & Outreach: During the Expo, staff will use data from the sorting at educational booths to share information about SF Environment's upstream prevention programs: BYO campaigns, commercial reuse incentives, and proper waste sorting with a particular focus on organics waste. "