Pasadena takes green thinking online

Pasadena, Calif., residents who may be a little behind in their environmental conservatism can pick up some tips from the city's new online Green Training Program. The Web site, www.cityofpasadena.net/greencity, is part of the city's Green City Action Plan that includes more than 70 initiatives. The 15-minute tutorial offers tips on how residents can support the city's green efforts, such as using recycled copy paper or reusable shopping bags instead of plastic ones, as well as links to other green Web sites. “This program is meant to inspire action,” the city's Environmental Analyst Ursula Schmidt said in a statement. “By the end of the training, we think people will be moved, hopeful and excited about the changes they can make in their daily lives for the good of the planet.” Pasadena's Green City Action Plan, created in 2006, is based on the United Nations' Green Cities Declaration and Urban Environmental Accords. It includes seven major themes: energy, waste reduction, urban design, urban nature, transportation, environmental health and water conservation.