Start Small

Many impactful sustainability efforts require little to no monetary investment, just time, effort, and community spirit. Below are a selection of existing Pittsfield Village and A2Zero programs that are free or low cost. Many Pittsfield Village residents care about Sustainability and work together informally to research and champion new ideas like the Leave the Leaves program featured below. If you are passionate about something and willing to put some legwork in, you can make a real difference! These actions support Pittsfield Village's resilience and align with the A2Zero plan's focus on equitable, community-driven solutions.

Leave the Leaves Pilot Program (PV)

In keeping with the Board of Pittsfield Village's recent commitment to sustainability, we think it is important to work towards a community where all residents, not just human beings, can survive and thrive. As part of this, we have piloted a "Leave the Leaves" program (hereafter LLP), allowing residents who would like to keep the leaves in their individual garden beds over the winter to do so rather than having them raked, blown out, or otherwise removed by Village landscape maintenance staff.

Numerous studies in recent years have shown the benefits to soil quality and biodiversity provided by leaving the leaves to decompose in yards, gardens, etc. Leaves provide wildlife and beneficial insects with shelter and food to survive through the winter. They are a natural mulch (that also reduces weeds). They provide nutrients to the soil as they decompose and they help to improve water retention and overall structure of soil. See Recycle Ann Arbor for additional information.

If you want to participate in the Leave the Leaves Program, review and fill out the Leave the Leaves form sent out in the fall. You will be provided with a colored marker to place in your garden beds. Note that this program is separate from the Garden Marker Program and uses different markers.

Garden Marker Program (PV)

The Garden Marker Program allows residents to maintain their own garden beds and opt out of herbicide use. It's a great way to connect with fellow gardeners, enjoy the outdoors, and contribute to better soil health, air quality, and local ecosystems.

Participation is free, and garden markers are provided to identify your cared-for beds. To sign up, follow the spring mailing with program details. Participants must maintain their gardens according to program guidelines (see Residency Rules). A Do Not Plant List is provided, along with recommended plant alternatives. Markers should be displayed visibly to notify the landscape crew of your participation.

Compost and Recycling (City)

Keeping our waste out of landfills is a great sustainable action! The City of Ann Arbor provides both compost and recycling services. All residents are required to participate in the recycling cart programs, and many PV residents also participate in the compost cart collection programs; some neighbors even share compost carts. What is unique about the compost collection programs is the acceptance of food scraps in addition to plant material. Seasonal compost pickup is weekly; in winter months the City provides a monthly pickup. Check the City's website for the most up to date info about recycling and compost pickup.