Palo Alto is one of the greenest cities in America. Join in the craze and follow our favorite Patch Picks on the best five ways to be green right here in town:

1. GREEN YOUR HOME

Learn how to save the world, one energy-saving light bulb at a time.
Acterra's Green@Home program helps you learn how to "green" your home or business, saving money and reducing your carbon footprint. Volunteers from the program perform house calls to install basic energy-saving and water-saving devices, and to help residents create personalized, home energy conservation plans. Find it at: 3921 East Bayshore Road in Palo Alto, at 650-962-9876, and at www.acterra.org.

2. TAKE A WEEKEND FARM TOUR

Support local farms like Hidden Villa, a 1,600-acre organic farm, woodland open space and educational center in Los Altos Hills. Pack a picnic and plan a hike, or tour the organic garden and beautiful historic Duveneck House! Find it at: Hidden Villa, 26870 Moody Rd, Los Altos Hills; Weekly on Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Price: $2 per person, free for children ages 2 and under.

3. PLANT A GARDEN

Get green in your garden with a workshop at Common Ground Organic Garden Supply. Common Ground teaches composting and the importance of not using chemical fertilizer or pesticides as to not depleat the soil's richness. This community learning center also offers a selection of gardening tools, organic fertilizers and natural pest-control products, all specific to Common Ground's method of gardening. To sign up for classes or tours, call or visit Common Ground's website. Hours: Mon - Fri, 10am - 5:30pm; Sat - Sun, 10am - 5pm Find it at: 559 College Ave, Palo Alto.

4. VOLUNTEER WITH ACTERRA

Whether it's a Coastal Cleanup Day that interests you, or simply a Wednesday wacking weeds, Acterra's Stewardship programs could be for you. Check out their schedule to see which day works best for you to hep save the planet. Saturday's are typically restoration days at Arastradero Preserve, Redwood Grove, or along creeks on the lower peninsula. Find it at: 3921 East Bayshore Road in Palo Alto, at 650-962-9876, and at www.acterra.org.

5. SHOP AT THE FARMERS MARKET

Buying local means reducing that carbon footprint. Farmers market produce doesn't travel as far as supermarket produce does—which means fewer gallons of gas, less carbon emitted and, for the other "green"-minded folks, a boost for the local economy. Eat up! Where/When: California Avenue in Palo Alto, Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.