Sustainable Raleigh News: Volume 3, Issue 5

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CITY OF RALEIGH OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY

Economic Strength...Environmental Stewardship...Social Equity.

Streetlights

LED Streetlights to Shine

Approximately 30,000 Raleigh street lights will be sporting new LED fixtures in the next 15 months. The retrofit, building on a successful 2012 pilot project in five Raleigh neighborhoods and 1,500 additional fixtures installed since then, will save the City of Raleigh approximately $400,000 annually in energy savings and reduced maintenance costs.

 

LED light is much clearer and more uniform, improving roadway safety, and fixtures have a proven lifespan of 10-15 years. Work will begin in the Raleigh’s southwestern quadrant.

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The Sodfather

Great Lawns are not Born Great, They Grow Great

Take it from The Sodfather: “These people need to be taught a lesson!”

 

He’s got the scoop on how to properly care for your lawn in this entertaining video, keeping it green without turning our local waterways the same color. An estimated two-thirds of North Carolina’s water pollution is caused by polluted runoff, also called stormwater pollution, coming from our streets, lawns, and rooftops every time it rains.

 

Our waterways provide drinking water, recreation, and fish and wildlife habitat; help protect these uses from the harmful effects of stormwater pollution and keep The Sodfather happy!

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US Ignite

US Ignite Launches Living Labs

The Obama administration has made several commitments to support “Smart Cities” and one of those is a nationwide network of ultra-high speed broadband “living labs.”

 

Raleigh is included in the 15 communities selected for the three-year project. These testbeds for smart gigabit applications will knit together researchers; citizens; community organizations;  technology companies; entrepreneurs; academics and federal, state and local governments to begin to build the next generation of the Internet in the United States.

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Reuse Water

Recycling Water

California’s drought may be making headlines, but closer to home the City of Raleigh is doing what it can to recycle water to avoid drought impacts and sustain our water system.

 

In addition to potable water – the kind that flows from your tap that you drink and shower in – Raleigh distributes reuse, or reclaimed, water. Reuse water is treated thoroughly at wastewater treatment facilities and then distributed for non-drinkable uses such as irrigation or toilet flushing. Residents and commercial customers can pick up bulk reuse water for FREE after completing a certification training class.

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Raleigh Arts

Web Accessibility Training

Non-profit arts organizations are encouraged to sign up for Web Accessibility 101, a City of Raleigh Arts Commission program running from late September through November.

 

Participants will gain an overview of what makes websites accessible for people with disabilities and how those features create better user experiences for all. Training includes a website evaluation, a custom report on the results, individualized coaching to address any accessibility issues found, and a four-hour workshop on web accessibility and web development tools.

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Traffic Calming

Traffic Calming Program Survey

Got a few minutes? Public Works staff wants your input regarding Raleigh’s traffic calming program; fill out this short survey through September 24.

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Mulch

BOGO Mulch

The City of Raleigh creates mulch from leaves, grass clippings, trees limbs, and other yard waste collected at the curb each week, and the Yard Waste Center staff follows strict guidelines in producing high-quality mulch for sale.

 

The all-natural facility uses a month-long process to eliminate weed seeds, pesticides, and chemicals. Now you can take advantage of this local landscaping solution at a discount during the Buy One, Get One Free promotion through Oct. 31. Your yard will thank you!

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Safe Schools

Safe Routes to Schools

Five Wake County public schools will participate in a multi-year Safe Routes to School project to improve safety and to encourage Wake County families to make time to walk and bike to school.

 

Research has shown that Safe Routes to School programs can improve child pedestrian safety and decrease traffic congestion during arrival and dismissal times. These model programs will examine policies and practices that can improve safety for child pedestrians, and provide lessons learned for other schools.

WELCOME...

to the City of Raleigh Office of Sustainability bimonthly newsletter. We hope you enjoy our news, click the links to learn more, and forward it to others who may be interested. To receive future issues, sign up for Sustainable Raleigh through MyRaleigh Subscriptions.

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Child Care Network 61

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Urban Agriculture Winner

One of the 14 M/I Homes Urban Agriculture winners at the 2015 Environmental Awards, Childcare Network #61 involves its kids through the growing process. They tend the garden; harvest the fruits, vegetables and herbs; and assist in making the food, including pesto and a favorite, dried apple chips. Families benefit from the onsite harvest as well and parents receive recipes on how to prepare kid-friendly fresh foods at home.

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Shelley Lake

Caught Greenhanded

If you see someone making a difference for the environment we want to hear about it! Tag @RaleighGoGreen on Twitter and include a photo if you can, using #caughtgreenhanded so we can share these positive moments.

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Cleantech Dashboard

Dashboard Tracks Cleantech Impact

The Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster dashboard contains the latest data available on cleantech employment, workforce share, capital investments, patents and venture funding. The Triangle region grew at double the rate of the closest peer region between 2004-2013, and now has the largest concentration of cleantech employees compared to those locations. Regional cleantech companies have announced $1.29 billion in recurring investment from July 2009 to June 2014, creating 10,500 jobs.

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Joulebug

Joulebug Green Office Challenge

Businesses compete every day but from October 13-22 Joulebug is creating a new playing field. Join the fun and strive for the most sustainable practices in the Green Office Challenge. Download the free Joulebug app, sign up for the challenge and join an existing team or create your own. Then buzz away on individual activities that make a difference – the company team with the most points gets all the glory!

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Change Your State Sustainability Calendar

For sustainability events at NC State or around Raleigh, check out the NC State University Sustainability Office’s comprehensive list.

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SUSTAINABILITY FACT

Summer’s over. That means it’s time to change your home’s air filter, whether you rent or own. Monthly is the best option but you should make the switch at least as often as the seasons change to:

- extend HVAC life

- save money on energy bills

- improve indoor air quality, especially if you have pets

- keep your heating and cooling system clean

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CALENDAR

OCTOBER

2 - Recycling Center Tour

Wilders Grove Solid Waste Services Facility

630 Beacon Lake Drive, Raleigh

1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Registration required


14 - UDC Talks

Downtown Plan: The Next 10 Years
City of Raleigh Museum

220 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh

Noon - 1:30 p.m.

 

24 - Foster-a-Stream Cleanup Day
Morning
Registration

 

NOVEMBER

11 - City Holiday

 

19 - UDC Talks

Multigenerational Living
City of Raleigh Museum

220 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh

Noon - 1:30 p.m.

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City of Raleigh
Office of Sustainability

222 West Hargett Street #307
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 996-3070
Twitter @RaleighGoGreen
SustainableRaleigh@raleighnc.gov