In Hillsborough, Youth Lead a Data-Driven Climate Movement

Chiara Luey

As California faces rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and worsening wildfire seasons, local communities are increasingly looking for leadership and in Hillsborough, that leadership is coming from its youth.

The Hillsborough Youth Commission (HYC), a group of selected high school students who advise the town on civic matters, has placed environmental sustainability at the core of its mission. With climate action becoming more urgent, HYC has turned to data to drive solutions, engaging their community through practical initiatives focused on waste reduction, energy efficiency, and public awareness.

Confronting Residential Emissions Head-On

According to Hillsborough’s most recent Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, residential natural gas accounts for 31% of the town’s total emissions, while electricity consumption contributes 14% ,making household energy usage one of the largest contributors to local climate impact.

In response, the HYC has launched an outreach campaign promoting accessible, data-backed strategies for energy reduction, among the recommendations: switching out incandescent bulbs for energy-saving compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or LEDs, regularly replacing furnace air filters, and unplugging unused electronics—simple changes that can reduce a home’s electricity use by up to 15%, according to the Town of Hillsborough’s official energy guidance.

The Youth Commission has worked to disseminate this information through educational materials and digital outreach, using graphics and concise language to encourage residents, particularly young people and their families, to become active participants in cutting carbon emissions.

Encouraging Smarter Waste Habits

Waste is another major focus. Though Hillsborough offers residential compost, recycling, and landfill pickup through its contract with Recology, contamination and underuse remain challenges.

To address this, HYC has ramped up its efforts to raise awareness about proper waste sorting and recycling behavior. Educational media campaigns have helped clarify what belongs in compost versus recycling versus landfill, and promote participation in programs such as curbside compost pickup and special recycling drop-offs.

The town’s Climate Action Plan highlights waste reduction as a key area for improvement. HYC’s work supports Hillsborough’s long-term goals by helping increase the town’s waste diversion rate, reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills, and cutting emissions from decomposition.

Building Community Through Sustainability

The Youth Commission also hosts community events that emphasize the importance of reuse and sustainability. One of its most impactful efforts this year was a town-wide Item Swap, where residents exchanged gently used clothes, books, and household items. The event helped reduce waste while encouraging a culture of sharing and mindful consumption.

According to the Town of Hillsborough’s Building and Planning Division:

"Our mission is to serve customers with professionalism, efficiency and a community partnership approach... in compliance with local, state and federal environmental regulations."

The swap aligns with the town’s zero waste goals and demonstrates how youth-led programs can reduce environmental impact in tangible, measurable ways.

A Generation Stepping Up

While climate change can feel overwhelming, the Hillsborough Youth Commission has shown that local action, especially when informed by real data, can produce meaningful change. With every campaign, social media post, and community program, they are building not only a greener town, but a more engaged and empowered generation.

As other youth commissions across California look to increase their climate efforts, Hillsborough’s example underscores the power of youth to lead, educate, and innovate.

Key Stats from the town of Hillsborough:

• Residential natural gas usage accounts for 31% of the town’s emissions
  
  

• Electricity contributes an additional 14%
  
  

• Together, household energy use represents over 45% of Hillsborough’s climate impact
  
  

• Simple energy-saving behaviors can reduce home electricity use by up to 15%
  
  

• Community events like Item Swaps help promote waste diversion and reuse

For youth commissions statewide, the lesson is clear: climate action starts local—and it starts now.

Check out the Hillsborough Energy Efficiency Yourself

Image credit: Erica Lin and Chiara Luey