Our Environmental Commitment

Dedicated to a Healthy Planet

Our Mission

At Cabrillo National Monument, our mission is to preserve the park’s resources and serve the public in an environmentally sensitive and sustainable manner. We are dedicated to demonstrating environmental leadership through the implementation of sustainable and best management practices; the use of alternative energy; energy-efficient appliances, vehicles, instruments, and power tools; recycling; and the use of recycled and recyclable products as an integral part of the park’s operation in the accomplishment of our mission.

Environmental Leadership and Sustainability

Environmental Purchasing Guide

Recently, the National Park Service issued “Environmental Purchasing in the National Park Service – A How-To Guide,” which steers us in the management of an effective environmental program. The guide states:

"As the single largest employer and consumer of goods and services, the Federal government’s footprint is significant with economic, social, and environmental impacts on local and regional communities where government facilities operate and function. 'Greening the Government' is a phrase that has gained popularity among Federal agencies and describes a wide variety of efforts undertaken to reduce the government’s overall environmental impact."

Recycling Initiatives

Cabrillo National Monument takes “Greening the Government” seriously and applies it to our everyday activities. It’s our policy to reduce both visitor and staff waste through regular recycling of the following:

• Paper
• Fiberboard
• Glass
• Aluminum
• Plastic
• Batteries
• Fluorescent bulbs and ballasts
• Carpet
• Motor oil
• Antifreeze
• Information technology equipment

Recycling containers are conveniently placed next to trash cans in visitor use areas and parking lots, encouraging visitor recycling.

Zero-Waste Lunch Program

For educational school field trips to the park, we have developed a Zero-Waste Lunch Program, consisting of handouts and pre- and post-visit activities to encourage recycling and waste reduction.

Sustainable Purchasing

We purchase products with minimal packaging and actively encourage vendors and manufacturers to reduce packaging.

Alternative Fuel Vehicles

For in-park travel, staff utilizes donated electric GEM and Think vehicles, and 25% of our vehicle fleet is Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

Solar Energy

We strive to reduce the use of fossil fuels through the use of alternative energy, including solar and natural gas, and the incorporation of energy-saving features in the park’s buildings, including natural light, insulation, and passive ventilation.

Environmentally Preferred Products

We purchase environmentally-preferred products made of post-consumer recycled and recyclable materials. Some of the green products we purchase include:

• Paper and file folders
• Printer cartridges
• Carpet
• Barricades
• Plastic lumber for benches and erosion control
• Antifreeze and motor oil
• Trash bags, paper towels, and coffee filters
• Pens and pencils

We also purchase the most energy-efficient appliances, instruments, and tools compared to cost to give taxpayers the best value. We use water-based and low volatile organic compounds (VOC) paints and stains and have reduced our chemical inventory, phasing out most cleaning chemicals and using environmentally safe products for the maintenance of the park.

Environmental Management System (EMS)

The park initiated an Environmental Management System (EMS), a Servicewide program where parks can evaluate their environmental impacts and develop strategies to minimize, mitigate, or eliminate these impacts. There is a rigorous tracking process to allow for full documentation of these impacts and solutions year by year.

Energy Conservation

The vending machines in the Visitor Center complex have been fitted with Vend-Misers to reduce energy consumption during times when the machines are inactive, such as at night and during low visitation periods.

Sharing Best Practices

We share best management practices with the visiting public and other parks. We encourage you to look at additional ways that you can reduce, reuse, and recycle – and join the National Park Service in maintaining a healthy planet.

Thank you for supporting Cabrillo National Monument's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.