Instead of cheering on the Browns, Cleveland’s reputation is turning green to increasing its environmental sustainability projects. According to an article featured in The Plain Dealer (Sunday Sept. 28, 2008), Cleveland has recently initiated eight major projects for environmental sustainability. Cleveland is gaining rank on SustainLane’s annual survey as the 16th most sustainable city in the U.S. Andrew Watterson, Cleveland’s sustainability director, says Cleveland is moving toward more environmental sustainability. Portland, Oregon ranks number one for the most sustainable city in America and Cleveland is climbing the ladder to be Portland’s top competitor.
Environmental sustainability means that human activity only uses nature’s resources at a rate at which they can be replenished naturally. In order to develop and maintain successful environmental sustainability, communities must work together including city government, local businesses, foundations and neighborhoods. What environmental sustainability projects has Cleveland implemented?
Eight Environmental Sustainability Projects Started Throughout Cleveland
- Wind Turbines – windmills which generate electricity
- Rain Barrels & Rain Gardens – barrels to collect rainwater and plots of land to divert rainwater from storm sewers (see previous blog here)
- LEED Neighborhoods – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards so that declining neighborhoods are revived through environmental sustainability
- Green Teams – resident volunteers who suggest environmental sustainability solutions in the community
- Deconstruction – dismantling condemned or vacant homes and buildings and reusing materials instead of demolition and filling landfills with debris
- EcoVillage – a community of businesses and resident living with close proximity to public transportation; revitalizes empty lots or dilapidated neighborhoods using environmental sustainability such as solar panels and green transit
- Green Banks – helping young fish on their way to Lake Erie by hanging aquatic plants along the banks of the Cuyahoga River and shipping channels
- Grow & Buy Local Food – encouraging neighborhoods to plant gardens and local farmers to contribute to Cleveland’s various farmers’ markets to help environmental sustainability by reducing transportation costs. Grants are also available to people who grow and contribute produce to local markets.
To learn more about sustainability and environmental sustainability in the Cleveland area, you can read the full article in The Plain Dealer here. If you are a green eco friendly business and would like to further promote your Web site, contact Fair Green Trade today.
