Enviroburgh

Pittsburgh’s political leadership might be less progressive than we would like but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t progress in Pittsburgh. The contemporary environmental movement (also known as “being green”) has seen a lot of activity in Pittsburgh. When recently asked what I could recommend for a field trip for second graders learning about “green,” I had trouble focusing my answer:“The number one place that I would suggest for a green field trip is the Children’s Museum. Not only are the renovations it recently completed green, but it is committed to reaching beyond its own facility to green the Northside community as well.

There are many more ways to approach learning about green. There are organizations dedicated to green buildings, green jobs, green energy and green spaces. One idea might be a field trip to, or a visit from the staff of, Artemis. It is a store that sells green building interiors materials. Perhaps the kids could touch the samples, which would be fun. Another idea is a field trip idea might be to visit one of GTECH‘s sites. This organization is revitalizing former industrial sites by planting sunflowers, the oil from the seeds of which is used to produce biodiesel fuel for vehicles. A partner of GTECH, Steel City Biofuels, does a neat demonstration of how biodiesel is made.”

As demonstrated here, the private and non-profit sectors are where are local environmental leaders are working to change this city, and they are having great success in innovative ways. Hopefully these sectors will continue to made headway in the field, and rub off on our elected officials. Pittsburgh is a good, green place to live and it can only get better.