|
|
What is "Green Cities"?
Green Cities is a plan to establish the City of St. Petersburg
as a leader in Florida in setting policies, guidelines, and goals,
and strategic actions that will result in:
- a more sustainable community
- the use of renewable resources
- energy, water and cost savings through the construction, operation
and maintenance of high performance buildings and landscapes
- the procurement of environmentally preferred products, materials
and services
- increased recycling and materials reuse
- historical preservation
- waste reduction at its source
- healthier and more productive work environments
- less local and global adverse environmental impacts
- reduced City liability
- minimized future disposal infrastructure needs
The ultimate goal of Green Cities is to facilitate awareness and
behavior changes to move towards sustainability in lifestyles, business
practices, and government policies to enhance the quality of our
community.
Through the resolution, residents can expect to see: a more sustainable
community, use of renewable resources, increased recycling, less
waste, healthier and more productive work environments, and less
local and global adverse environmental impacts.
How does it relate to Vision 2020?
St. Pete Vision 2020, is a community-driven, long-range plan for
the entire City of St. Petersburg. The project was developed by
the citizens, guided by the City Planning Commission, The Council
of Neighborhood Associations (CONA), the Chamber of Commerce, the
University of South Florida, and City of St. Petersburg Staff.
St. Petersburg has been a long time leader in land use planning;
beginning with the John Nolan General Plan in 1929 and continuing
through the Vision 2020 plan that encourages efficient land use
and preservation and enhancement of the cities natural and man-made
environments. Green Cities strives to bring us closer to meeting
and exceeding the Vision 2020 goals that we have set forth.
Why should the city do this?
Historically, St. Petersburg has been a tourist destination which
is dependent upon the climate and the beauty of its natural resources
to attract visitors, new residents, and clean industry. This tourism
plays a significant role in the social and economic vitality of
the city, its waterfront parks, beaches, and the overall beauty
of our semi-tropical environment. Therefore, the city needs to act
to ensure that St. Petersburg is continually recognized as a green
city that efficiently uses land and other resources and acts to
achieve a cleaner and healthier environment for local residents
and tourists alike.
Are other cities doing this?
Yes they are! Cities across the state of Florida and the country
are enacting sustainability policies. Most notably in the state
of Florida are Miami-Dade, Alachua, and Sarasota Counties. In Miami-Dade
County, the study of climate change is being taken quite seriously.
In response to their concerns, the county has formed a thirty-two
member group, "The Climate Change Adaptation Task Force".
The task force, along with 150 other global communities is focusing
on ways to reduce the levels of local greenhouse gas emissions.
In Alachua County a group called "Sustainable Alachua County
Inc." has been formed. This group's goals are quite similar
to those of Green Cities. Alachua County acknowledges that a cleaner
and healthier environment must be maintained and that this must
be done through principles of conservation of nature, civic engagement,
and land use just to name a few.
Sarasota County has two programs in place to improve its sustainability.
The first, "Rebuild Sarasota County", works to increase
community awareness of resource and energy conservation while promoting
the benefits of utilizing energy efficient and environmentally friendly
products. The second program in Sarasota County, "Sustainable
Sarasota", supports sustainable principles including: energy
management, environmentally preferable procurement, green fleets,
and green building.
Can this really work? Would it cost the city
money?
This can work. Efficiency pays. Sustainable practices have already
been put in place in Sarasota County and they are already reaping
the benefits. The County Facilities Maintenance has already completed
projects in government facilities that cover more than 1,800,000
square feet. These projects include: installation of low-flow toilets,
electric eye faucets, vandal resistant beach showers, micro irrigation
systems and xeriscaping.
The city will be able reduce waste production, have less environmental
impacts, and generally be a more sustainable community.
Why do groups like the Council of Neighborhood
Associations (CONA) and the Sierra Club support Green Cities?
The Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA) and the Sierra Club
are united behind Green Cities for a variety of reasons. The main
reason is the most obvious, we all live and work in St. Petersburg
and we all love St. Petersburg. As residents, we all stand to benefit
from what Green Cities can do for St. Petersburg. We can expect
a more sustainable community, usage of renewable resources, procurement
of environmentally preferred products, increased recycling, and
waste reduction among other benefits. To these ends CONA and the
Sierra Club support the beautification and environmentally sensitive
development of the city of St. Petersburg. Both groups, with strong
citizen support, want to see St. Petersburg evolve into a Florida
Green Local Government and maintain its status as a green city and
a cutting edge leader in the state of Florida.
How does this affect me?
Quality of life and thriving communities affect families and businesses
everywhere. St. Petersburg has a well-deserved reputation as a great
place to live and work. However, higher population density threatens
communities that do not have plans for how to anticipate unchecked
growth and development. Traffic, high energy use, crowded beaches,
bland sprawl, and high water bills results from little or no urban
growth planning. Time and time again, we have seen that it is easier
to something right the first time. Green Cities is a way to involve
citizens in the vision of a progressive community that is known
for clean energy solutions, smart growth, and doing everything we
can to build and sustain a livable community that is healthy for
families and the environment.
For More Information: Contact Darden Rice at darden.rice@sierraclub.org or
727-824-8813 ext. 303
 |
|
 |
| Sign
me up to help make a better way of life for St.
Pete! I want to get involved. |
 |
|
 |
Up to Top
HOME |
Email Signup |
About Us |
Contact Us |
Terms of Use
|
