Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Honored as Clean California Community

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has recently earned the prestigious designation of a Clean California Community, recognizing their significant contributions to environmental stewardship. This accolade places them among 39 communities statewide, including San Luis Obispo County and the City of San Luis Obispo, that have committed to enhancing public spaces through sustainable practices.

Commitment to Environmental Cleanliness

The tribe’s journey toward this recognition involved engaging in various environmentally friendly initiatives and community-focused cleanup efforts. Activities such as trash collection along Highways 246 and 154 are part of the California Department of Transportation’s Adopt-a-Highway Program. This persistent effort showcases their dedication to maintaining clean roadways while promoting a healthier environment.

Consolidating Community Efforts

The Santa Ynez Chumash Environmental Office has played a vital role in community initiatives, including acting as the site captain during California Coastal Cleanup Day in Goleta. There, volunteers from Team Chumash, the tribe’s dedicated volunteer group, collected litter from beaches, demonstrating their commitment to preserving natural beauty.

Additionally, innovative recycling programs at the Chumash Casino Resort have contributed significantly to their sustainability goals. With an impressive 91.9% waste diversion rate, the resort has been honored with the TRUE© Zero Waste certification from Green Business Certification Inc. in 2019.

Clean California Initiative

The Clean California Community Designation Program is an integral part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s overarching $1.2 billion Clean California initiative, launched in 2021 with the goal of revitalizing public spaces across the state. This initiative, developed in collaboration with Caltrans, Keep America Beautiful, and Keep California Beautiful, seeks to transform the state’s atmosphere into cleaner environments.

Recognition and Benefits

In honor of their commitment, the resort will receive Clean California Community signage, access to educational resources, and automatic membership with Keep California Beautiful. Furthermore, their achievements will be highlighted in statewide promotional materials.

Inclusivity and Participation

Entities from all walks of life, including cities, counties, school districts, and community groups, are encouraged to participate in the Clean California initiative, promoting a broad-based approach to environmental care. For a comprehensive list of recognized communities, visit the official Clean California website.

Notable Accomplishments of the Clean California Initiative

Since its inception in July 2021, the Clean California initiative has achieved remarkable milestones:

• 3.3 million cubic yards of litter removed from roadsides and public spaces—enough to fill approximately 115,000 garbage trucks.
• Over 650 free dump days offered across the state, leading to the collection of more than 15,500 mattresses and 57,000 tires.
• Mobilization of over 72,000 community clean-up volunteers, nurturing local engagement and providing job opportunities to individuals facing challenges such as housing insecurity.

Conclusion

The recognition of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians as a Clean California Community is a valuable testament to their proactive approach in fostering environmental wellness. Their participation in local cleanup efforts and successful recycling programs illustrates a commitment that others can replicate, encouraging communities across California to embrace cleanliness and sustainability.