Cleveland has come a long way since the Cayahoga River fire of 1969 caught international attention and spawned the Clean Water Act. The City is now ranked #16 on SustainLane's list of the greenest cities in the US. Here are some highlights of green efforts in Cleveland.
• Urban gardens - Cleveland has 225 community gardens and 25 for-profit farms within the city limits thanks in part to a new Urban Garden District.
• Solar panels - There are 42 solar panels on the upper deck of the Cleveland Indians stadium and on the Great Lakes Science Center. In Northeast Ohio solar panels produce about 600 kilowatts including 120 kilowatts owned by Amish families.
• Wind power potential - The Great Lakes Energy Development Task Force is studying the environmental effect of putting 10 megawatts of windmills on Lake Erie which could provide Cleveland with 25% of its power by 2020. According to the National Renewable Energy Lab, the Great Lakes have superb wind potential to be developed.
• Building deconstruction - Companies like Green Deconstruction Services are leading the way on reverse construction by reclaiming millwork, doors, fireplace mantles, windows, cabinets, sinks, lights, hardware and hardwood flooring for reuse.
• Green beer - The Great Lakes Brewing Company uses organic, locally-produced ingredients for its brews and food. GLBC operates a beer delivery truck and shuttle bus ("The Fatty Wagon") that runs on used vegetable oil.
To learn more about Cleveland's green efforts check out this site. What is your city or town doing that's green?
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