San Jose established a national reputation for environmental leadership and innovation during the 1980s with award-winning recycling, water conservation, and wastewater treatment programs. In 1993, the Environmental Services Department (ESD) was formed to integrate these programs and other environmental protection services. Its major initiatives are to provide: Healthy streams, rivers, marshlands and Bay waters; Reliable water, garbage, and recycling services; Clean and green air, land and energy policy development; Community education aimed at environmental sustainability.
