Happy Earth Day, Ferndale! While it's important to be environmentally friendly and conscious every day, we want to highlight the specific ways the City helps our planet and what residents can do as well.

What the City is doing

Zero Waste

You might have heard the phrase “Zero Waste” before, but what does it really mean? Zero waste is the conservation of resources by responsibly producing, consuming, reusing, and recovering products and materials. It avoids burning and any discharges that could harm the environment or human health. Ferndale is working to become a “zero waste city,” where we achieve a 100 percent recycling rate and the recovery of all resources from waste materials. The City launched a Compost Pilot Program in the fall of 2021 for residents and businesses that has since expanded into a permanent program. All collected food waste is taken to a certified composting facility. Additionally, the City has taken steps to implement zero-waste practices in City facilities. Currently, City Hall is composting paper towels and other waste materials; the Fire Stations compost food waste from their kitchens; and special events have adopted zero-waste practices, including policies for vendors and waste receptacles.

Sustainability Initiatives

Over the last several years, the City of Ferndale has also implemented several practices and policies to address the global climate crisis. Ferndale’s first iteration of an Integrated Climate Action Plan (CAP) explores the inner workings of climate resilience within our community, including extreme weather events, the global health crisis, how to curb carbon emissions, and how to lead in sustainability. In July of 2020, the City passed a resolution declaring a climate crisis, highlighting the threats climate change is causing to the vitality of Ferndale's community. This is an early initiative of the Climate Action Plan, which will further address the policies, procedures, and projects to actively address climate change. To make a substantial change, the City conducted a Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report to establish baseline measures, which allows the City to set targeted reduction goals and track progress. The City also initiated a Waste Reduction and Recycling Master Plan for Ferndale Downtown, which serves as a roadmap for the next 20 years for assessing current needs and developing waste and recycling plans for the downtown and central business district. The City conducted a Stormwater Vulnerability Assessment as an additional component of creating a more equitable and resilient community. This report provides more information regarding the effects of weather changes and climate impacts on the City of Ferndale, as well as how these changes affect the City's stormwater systems. In 2021, Ferndale became one of the first ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability) cities recognized in the COP26 Climate Champions’ “Race to Zero” initiative, a global campaign to build momentum for a zero-carbon economy.

Ways residents can get involved

Ferndale Environmental Sustainability Commission

If you are passionate about local environmental initiatives, consider attending an Environmental Sustainability Commission meeting! The FESC supports the City's sustainability efforts and aims to ensure equity among the environment, society, and the economy. Members must be City residents qualified by experience and/or training in matters related to conservation, and are appointed by the Mayor. Find out more about the commission here.

Planned Natural Landscaping Benefits

You can do your part by choosing to establish native plants in your garden, which benefits the earth and your wallet. Natural landscaping creates ideal conditions for pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and birds, all of which are vital to our ecosystem. Native plant landscapes need little watering, which can save up to 90% of the costs of conventional landscaping maintenance by requiring less labor, water, fertilizer, pesticides, and mowing. Overall, native landscapes benefit the City, particularly homeowners, by improving water quality, reducing pollution, and conserving water. You can learn more about planned natural landscaping here and register your yard here.

Recycling

It’s not hard work to make a difference. You can come to City Hall anytime to recycle old batteries and pick up a radon test kit, or stop by the Department of Public Works for Recycling Drop-Off Day on Saturday, May 16, 2026, to get rid of other types of materials without harming the planet.

We’re so grateful that the Ferndale community is passionate about reducing its environmental impact and eager to participate in the various sustainability programs we have enjoyed creating over the past few years. On this Earth Day, we hope you learned something new about how the City is working towards its climate action goals, and how you can contribute. Together, we can make Ferndale a greener, more sustainable place for generations to come.