COMMON GROUND RECYCLING PROGRAM is Award Winning!

The Common Ground team won California's prestigious WRAP Waste Reduction Award Program for redirecting about 4.6 tons of potential waste to recyclers or for reuse. Pallets and shipping materials were returned to suppliers, unsold calendars were made into colorful envelopes, corrugated cardboard was cut into take-home plant trays or taken to a recycling center, and organic waste was donated to local gardens for compost. We reuse nearly every piece and section of blank paper. Staff and volunteers reduce fuel emissions by walking, bicycling or using public transit to get to Common Ground and for errands. Students and customers help by donating their unneeded grocery bags for reuse here. Thanks to the entire Common Ground community for their support towards achieving this distinguished honor.

Gabriel Robinson has been coming in and assisting with various moving and cleaning projects Wednesday mornings for many months. Gabriel brightens our day with his unhindered enthusiasm for life.

He is in "Achieve Kids" Student. This program that teaches self-reliance through mental health and education. It is Vocational Training a Road to Self-reliance. We are happy with Gabriel's performance and presence at Common Ground.

NASA Ames Earth Day Event on April 22, 2004
Common Ground Representatives Evelyn Kmetovic and Arnie Cornez did a fabulous job of introducing new folks to the Common Ground Store, our Saturday Gardening classes and the concept of sustainable landscaping.

Green Business Certification and City Proclamation: In October 2003 Common Ground was certified as a Green Business by the Green Business Program of Santa Clara County. We were recognized by the program and by the City of Palo Alto Council and Mayor "for the initiative taken to operate in an environmentally responsible manner to conserve resources, minimize waste and reduce pollution."

Palo Alto Mayor Dena Mossar used to work at Common Ground and stated that we have been walking our talk for over three decades. It is with great pride and joy that we accept the acknowledgement of our years of being as sustainable as possible. Your continued support makes all this possible. Thanks to all!

Bug Buster and Super Soil Workshop and Fair Trade Coffe Tasting  Sept 20, 2003 Sponsored by City of Palo Alto Water Quality, Recycling and Community Garden Programs; Valley of Heart's Delight, and Common Ground

Village Harvest Tasting and Master Gardener Clinic - July 19, 2003 Jams and Jellies! Mmmm! Plus great advice from the Santa Clara County Master Gardeners.