By 1808Delaware
This Earth Day, the City of Westerville isn’t just celebrating — it’s setting a bold course for a more sustainable future. City Manager Monica Dupee, speaking at the April 15 City Council meeting, announced Westerville’s commitment to solar energy, reinforcing the city’s dedication to environmental stewardship.
“The City of Westerville is committed to sustainability efforts that will improve our community and our environment,” said Dupee. “This is about future-proofing our neighborhoods and ensuring a healthy environment for the next generation.”
Residents can dive into Westerville’s full slate of environmentally focused programs by visiting Westerville.org/Sustainability, and catch the full announcement on Westerville.TV.
A Framework for a Sustainable City
Environmental sustainability is one of three guiding principles in Westerville’s approach to creating a safe, vibrant, and connected community. From thriving neighborhoods and authentic Uptown experiences to robust business growth, sustainability threads through the city’s vision.
Powering Change with the Sun
The City’s new solar energy initiative is set to transform municipal operations and reduce long-term energy costs. While full details are still unfolding, the commitment marks a turning point in how Westerville powers its buildings and services, aligning with state and national goals to expand the use of renewable energy.
Food Waste and the Power of Composting
Another key piece of Westerville’s green strategy is the fight against food waste. The City has joined the #SaveMoreThanFood campaign, a regional effort spearheaded by the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) and the Central Ohio Food Waste Initiative. The goal? Cut food waste in half by 2030.
Through this campaign, residents are learning simple, effective ways to reduce waste—like better food storage techniques and supporting local food rescue efforts. The City also encourages participation in its Food Waste Composting program, which turns leftovers into healthy soil instead of landfill waste. Composting, the EPA notes, is one of the top actions individuals can take to reduce trash and support the planet.
Impressive Results and Community Participation
Westerville’s sustainability efforts are already yielding impressive results. Over just two quarters (Q4 2023 and Q1 2024), the community collected:
- 5,726 pounds of holiday lights
- 2,952 pounds of batteries
- 814 pounds of e-waste (enough to fill a semi-trailer)
- 499 pounds of light bulbs
During the May 2024 Household Hazardous Waste Drive, the city collected:
- 31,770 pounds of flammable, toxic, and corrosive chemicals
- 15,000 pounds of electronics
- 2,600 pounds of used tires
These numbers reflect not only the city’s organizational effort but the dedication of its residents to doing their part.
Looking Ahead
As Westerville powers ahead with solar energy and innovative waste reduction programs, it stands as a model for what cities can achieve through practical, community-driven sustainability. Whether it’s through solar panels or compost bins, Westerville is proving that small steps—taken together—can lead to big changes.
