Located next to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is committed to environmental preservation. The Boardwalk’s award-winning recycling and reuse programs have been recognized by the State of California and the City of Santa Cruz.
Boardwalk Efforts Include?
- Recycling or reusing approximately 180 tons of material annually.
- Reclaiming approximately 1 million gallons of water annually for landscaping and other non-potable water applications.
- Upgrading to waterless urinals and low-flush toilets began in 2008.
- Prohibiting the use of polystyrene (Styrofoam) at all Boardwalk food locations.
- Installing the first solar powered trash compactors in Northern California.
- Recycling oil generated from vehicles and rides, green waste generated from landscaping, and electronic waste.
- Cleaning the beach in front of the Boardwalk daily, Spring and Summer.
- Participating in valued community programs such as Coastal Clean-Up Day and Bike-to-Work Day
- Providing discounted bus passes, as well as bicycle and skateboard locker to encourage employee use of alternative transportation
- Providing electric vehicles for maintenance crews
The Boardwalk’s Environmental Efforts have been recognized by State and Local Agencies:
- California Integrated Waste Management Board “Waste Reduction Award” winner every year since 1995.
- Selected as a City of Santa Cruz “Clean Ocean Business” every year since 2004
- Recognized in 2008 as a “Bicycle-Friendly Business” by the League of American Bicyclists
- Recipient of 2003 “Sanctuary Reflections Award” from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
- Named 1995 “California Ecotourism Business” of the Year Named 1995 “Ecology Action Environmental Business of the Year”
- Named “Santa Cruz County Sustainable Quality Award” winner in 1995
