Green Tip: Rebuilding the Palisades

The Palisadian-Post has partnered with locally founded environmental organization Resilient Palisades to deliver “green tips” to our readers. This edition’s tip was written by Resilient Palisades Social Media Lead Sara G. Marti.

Many of us at Resilient Palisades have faced unimaginable loss, with most of our organization members losing their homes and vital community spaces. While our homes are gone, our community stands strong.

As we navigate our new reality and take time to grieve, we recognize the urgency of moving forward—lawmakers and legislators are advancing plans for our community with or without us, and we must join them in shaping our future.

Our rebuilding plan emphasizes that sustainability means insurability. By focusing on these key goals, we can create a safer, more resilient community without delaying the rebuilding process, all while ensuring long-term financial benefits:

1. Bioremediation: Cleaning toxins from soil, air and water while creating community spaces that promote health and well-being.
2. Electrification of All New Homes and Businesses: Transitioning to all-electric systems to reduce emissions and enhance safety.
3. Use of Native Plant Landscaping: Emphasizing fire-resistant native plants that reduce fire risk, promote biodiversity and prevent the reemergence of invasive species that pose a fire hazard, ultimately creating a healthier and more resilient ecosystem.
4. Fire-Resilient and Sustainable Construction Materials and Design: Implementing fire-resistant materials to protect our homes and ensure insurability.
5. Rainwater Harvesting: Utilizing rainwater capture and greywater reuse to enhance sustainability and resilience in our community.
6. Community Engagement and Education: Promoting awareness of sustainable practices and involving residents in the rebuilding process to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Together, we can turn this tragedy into an opportunity for collective growth and renewal. Work hand-in-hand with us to rebuild a vibrant, insurable Pacific Palisades that stands strong against future challenges.

We invite you to sign onto the letter to elected officials advocating for a S.A.F.E. Rebuild of Los Angeles. For more information and to add your name, visit rebuildlasafe.org.