A recent viewpoint in the Lansing State Journal regarding recycling practices at the City’s Aquatic Center has prompted city staff to further review how we dispose of recyclable materials in city facilities. Before going any further, however, I would like to acknowledge William Lawrence who penned the viewpoint to which I refer called “EL must follow through on environment.” Mr. Lawrence sets a great example in terms of environmental activism and certainly sends a message about the difference one voice can make. I encourage him to stay involved in this critical endeavor.

While the City still has much to do in terms of becoming “greener” it is nonetheless worth noting that we were one of the first communities in the state to initiate a comprehensive curbside and drop-off recycling program. It began operation in 1991 and since that time the City has recycled an estimated 65 million pounds of recyclables. The City has also opened a new drop-off site on Timberlane Street in order to provide more convenient recycling opportunities to residents. We annually host and participate in numerous special recycling events in the community and region. Additionally, all diesel vehicles and equipment in the city fleet are fueled by B20 which is domestically produced and reduces greenhouse emissions.

When it comes to City buildings and facilities, for several years our workforce has been provided numerous opportunities to recycle various items produced internally. The Aquatic Center staff, in particular, recycles corrugated cardboard, plastic containers and cleaning supply containers at the East Lansing Department of Public Works site. With that said, there is much more that will be done in the future to make the Aquatic Center more eco-friendly. One such thing will be the installation of a plastic bottle recycling receptacle at the site. The City applied and received grant funding this year for the installation of plastic bottle recycling containers at several parks and facilities throughout East Lansing and that will include the Aquatic Center.

Since becoming a signatory of the Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement, the City has strived to become more progressive in its environmental initiatives. Staff and MSU students have collaborated to work on an emissions inventory which identifies City operations such as vehicle fuel and building electricity use that result in climate change emissions (Results of this inventory are currently being utilized by the East Lansing Commission on the Environment to draft a Climate Change Action Plan by the City.) and City Council plans to move forward with the City’s green agenda by exploring numerous initiatives, including the development of local ordinances that promote green development and adoption of policies that require renovations and new buildings to obtain at a minimum the Silver level of LEED Certification.

“City Hall” does recognize the threat of climate change and the importance of becoming a model community when it comes to the environmental movement. We will continue to expand our eco-friendly practices at the East Lansing Family Aquatic Center, as well as other City buildings, parks and facilities, in the immediate future.