With heat waves, fluctuating rainfall, threatening wildfires, rising floodwaters and an “extraordinary” El Nino on the horizon, climate risk is never far from the minds of Larkspur residents. 

In 2021, the city adopted a Climate Action Plan, which aims to help Larkspur reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030. Last year, the City Council created a Climate Action Forum (CAF) to help it connect with our community to achieve the plan’s goals. 

Councilmember Sarah Margulies serves as the city’s liaison to the CAF. We asked her to outline the program, share easy ways to reduce our personal climate footprint and entice residents to get more involved by joining the next CAF meeting on Aug. 18.

LCF: How did you get involved with Larkspur’s City Council and the Climate Action Forum?

Councilmember Sarah Margulies: I ran for office because I very specifically wanted to get involved to protect our natural resources and work on implementing our Climate Action Plan.  I love Larkspur and feel so blessed to live here.  I have also always wanted to be a public servant and give back to my community.  

LCF: What are the main elements in the city’s 2030 Climate Action Plan? 

SM: The plan identifies six sections of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and actions to reduce the emissions by a specific amount for each section. 

• Low Carbon Transportation
• Renewable Energy & Electrification
• Energy Efficiency
• Waste Reduction
• Water Conservation
• Sequestration & Adaptation

In May of this year, the CAF put forth five priorities and corresponding actions which the City Council approved.  These actions fall under the first two sections—Low Carbon Transmission and Renewable Energy & Electrification—because those areas account for approximately 68% of Larkspur’s carbon emissions.

LCF:  How is Larkspur’s progress towards the Climate Action Plan goal? 

SM: Each year, Larkspur receives a greenhouse gas inventory report from the consultant hired by Marin Climate & Energy Partnership. The data from the latest report stated that as of 2023, our community emissions were down by 36% since 2005 resulting in a total reduction of 25% below 1990 levels.

LCF: When did Larkspur’s Climate Action Forum begin?

SM: The City Council created the Climate Action Forum (CAF) in 2025 to be a community-driven space to discuss sustainability initiatives, share ideas, and support the implementation of the Climate Action Plan.  At that time, we appointed a Liaison (me) and Alternate, Stephanie Andre. 

LCF:  The city’s climate action website outlines action items for each of the major focus areas that can help reduce our community’s greenhouse gas reductions. Which of these initiatives do you think are the quickest and/or easiest for residents to implement?

SM: By far the quickest, easiest and most economical actions involve the old tried-and-true adage: Reduce, reuse and recycle:

• Turning lights, fans, TVs and other appliances off when not in use.
• Practicing conscious consumption—buying only what you need and/or shopping at farmers’ markets, which helps to minimize packaging as well as fuel used to bring products to market.
• Bringing your own travel mug to coffee shops and receiving a discount. I’ve saved hundreds of dollars doing this.
• Composting food scraps and paper soiled by food, such as paper towels and pizza boxes—it’s actually the law.
• Eating less beef.  I became a vegetarian in 2019 and since 2024, I eat vegan once a week, as well—It’s better for my health and saves money.
• Purchasing items made from natural fibers to mitigate the proliferation of microplastics.
• Turning the water off when brushing your teeth and filling the sink up with water to wash the dishes.
• Avoiding idling in your gas-powered vehicle.
• Biking, walking or riding public transit whenever possible
• Signing up for MCE’s Deep Green Energy to use 100% renewable power.
• Using the washing machine, dishwasher and other energy-intensive appliances during the day when there’s an opportunity to leverage renewable energy sources.  
• Planting your own herb or vegetable garden.  

So many of these small actions have big impact when the entire community participates. And there are so many little measures that create ripple effects, including modeling and instilling these values in the next generation.  That said, they may already be ahead of us: My children taught me the value of thrifting!

LCF:  What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about climate change mitigation since you’ve joined the forum?

SM: I recently read that when people are asked why they aren’t doing anything to help slow climate change, Anthony Leiserowitz of the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication said that the number one response is “No one asked me!”  

So its not surprising that getting the community involved in this conversation is integral to success.  

Ultimately, community action is where the rubber meets the road.  The City of Larkspur’s carbon footprint is not that big.  We need to educate and encourage our residents to do more in order to achieve our lofty goals.  It really does take a village in this case.  

LCF: Are there key organizations that residents should consult for ideas on how to reduce their household’s greenhouse emissions?

SM: Start with the city’s Climate and Sustainability web page, which has links to many helpful resources. And sign up to receive the City Manager’s E-Newsletter.  Each newsletter has a Climate Action Corner section where we update residents about events, actions and programs available to help them achieve climate goals and save $$$$$.  

The city is co-hosting a “Lunch and Learn” webinar with Resilient Neighborhoods on September 17 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. (lunch provided) at the beautiful new Larkspur Library.  

LCF: How can Larkspur residents get involved with the Climate Action Forum?

SM: All interested parties, residents or not, are invited to join the conversation. We meet on the second Wednesday of every other month.  However, the August meeting will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.  We meet from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Larkspur Library in Community Room #3.  Please join us!