Reformer's Roundtable: 'Greening' Government

When City Council came back into session late last month, one of the biggest headlines was about a proposed ban on plastic bags.

The environment is always good for a splash for politicians ” whether hearings into recycling rates or promises to plant thousands of trees. According to environmental activists, though, it's time for city government to really do something about addressing making the city more green.

This week's Reformers' Roundtable ” PennFuture's Christine Knapp, state representative candidate Peggy Banaszek, and Young Philly Politics' Dan Urevick-Ackelsberg ” tackles the issue.

City Council has proposed a host of œgreen initiatives in the past few weeks, what concrete steps can Council take to improve the city's environmental record?

Christine Knapp: Next Great City outlined 10 common-sense policies that can be addressed by Council. Improving transit stops, stopping flooding, enhancing riverfronts, replanting trees, adopting modern zoning, reducing soot from city trucks, greening vacant lots, maintaining healthy parks, improving recycling, and building energy-efficient buildings are all important steps.

Dan Urevick-Ackelsberg: As the first major city in the U.S. to have municipal recycling, it is pitiful how low our level of recycling is. Just getting to the same levels as other cities would be a good start.

Peggy Banaszek: Expanding recycling and adding LEED requirements/incentives for rehabs and building incentives should be first. The proposed bans are a step in the right direction, but their impact is minor compared to these other options.

What should Council and Mayor John Street do to push GreenPlan Philadelphia forward?

CK: Our leaders should secure proper funding for each department involved. They should work with the Zoning Code Commission to make recommendations that will support GreenPlan, such as creating an open space designation.

DUA: Implementing it would be good. I think most people understand the need for open space and parks. But, if this is going to really be a part of every city agency's mission, there is going to need to be a lot of benchmarks set and met regularly.

PB: According to their Web site GreenPlan Philadelphia is moving forward and will share progress reports throughout the city this month. This project risks becoming a casualty of transition unless City Council starts using their offices to help publicize it.

What is the easiest step that the mayor and/or Council can take for immediate action on improving the environment in the city?

CK: The mayor and Council must make recycling a priority by providing a weekly, single stream recycling program in all neighborhoods. A full education program and distribution of bins must be part of a comprehensive recycling plan.

DUA: Use what we have. For example, talk to Weaver's Way and Greensgrow about urban farming. Talk to Friends of the Wissahickon and the Arboretums about connecting people to our parks. The list goes on.

PB: Improve and expand recycling throughout Philadelphia. Curbside pickup participation is low, building enforcement is minimal, and street trash cans don't have compartments for cans and plastic.