Palm Springs Launches “Your Sustainable City” Website

(updated 12/1/09)

The Palm Springs “Your Sustainable City” website is now active and filled with a number of avenues to help residents and other desert dwellers live a more green and sustainable life. Spearheaded by the Palm Springs Sustainability Council and Michele Mician, Manger of the Palm Springs Office of Sustainability, the website features environmental news, green living tips and a variety of rebate offers. If you live in the city of Palm Springs, their website should be bookmarked on your computer and accessed frequently. They also offer a selection of tips and ideas that we can all use to live more green.

 

Palm Springs is taking a very proactive approach to greening their city. Beginning in May of 2008 the Palm Springs City Council, along with mayor Steve Pougnet, came up a strong intention to make Palm Springs the sustainability capital of the country.   According to their website, Steve Pougnet said, " “With the brand that we have, the location, the wind and the sun, we can make this happen.”   The definition of such a city is one that includes a clean and healthy environment, strong community engagement and a thriving economy.
In November the City of Palm Springs held a Public Workshop called "The Path To Sustainability" and from that gathering encouraged attendees to form in groups and address the issues necessary to achieve their goals. Out of that gathering a collection of ideas was taken.  A few of the items that the majority felt were necessary elements included:

1. Alternative transportation
2. Youth involvement
3 individualize sustainability
4. reduce pesticides
5. encourage walking and biking
6. incorporate best practices

The City of Palm Springs continues to walk their "pathy to a sustainable community" by working on several new projects according to The Desert Sun 5/17/09.

#1 Work is underway to "Green City Hall" by implimenting the use of 100% post-compost recycled paper and other green products including compostable corn drinking cups and hot-drink cups.  This is a great move that should be used in every business and home office in the desert.

#2 The city vehicle fleet is currently at 12% clean air vehicles, with a goal of 50% by 2012.

#3 LED Traffic lights and solar trash compactors are being implimented throughout the city.

#4  Water consumption is down 30% over the last five years.

#5 A soon-to-be unveiled Sustainable Master Plan is being developed.

 

All of this information and more can be found on their website at: Palm Springs

Palm Springs is also developing details for a residential loan program that will help residents implement energy efficiency improvements to their owner-occupied properties.  For more information about this program you may contact Diana Shay at the city.
Coachella Valley Green recognizes the time, effort and commitment that Palm Springs is undertaking and we look forward to seeing Palm Springs becoming the Sustainability Capitol of our country!

 

 

(last update 5/18/09--If any reader knows of new information that should be added--please let us know.  Thanks!)