Environment
Curious about solar panels for your home, energy efficiency incentive programs, or incorporating native plants into your garden? To help you make your home, yard and community more environmentally friendly and resilient, this page contains simple guides on these topics and more, as well as information about sustainability programs and initiatives happening in University City and beyond.
Use the drop-down tabs below to navigate the different topics and resources!
Energy and Atmosphere
University City understands the importance of a community that embraces energy efficiency and manages emissions. By actively making our habits more sustainable, we guarantee a present and future where the air is clean, our environment rich, and residents healthy.
Below are informational links that provide education on energy-related topics and implementation strategies.
Article: Electrification, Solar, and Heat Pumps, Oh My!
This article was written by the University City Green Practices Commission as part of a series on sustainability practices for your home and community.
There is a lot of conversation about electrification, and for good reason. By moving away from burning fossil fuels and towards renewable energy, we can slow and maybe even reverse the effects of climate change. So is now the time to start electrifying our homes? If not now, when? This article will break down electrification as it applies to those who live in the greater St. Louis region. The purpose of this article isn’t to tell you what you should do, but rather to give you information and tools to make an educated decision that is right for you. Continue reading.
Solar Power
Solar power is the conversion of energy from sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaics or directly using concentrated solar power. University City, in our effort to be as environmentally sustainable as possible, highly encourage residents to consider the benefits that come with powering your home with solar power. There are affordable, cost-effective strategies that many residents have already benefitted from. See below for more information on how you can take advantages of all that comes with solar power and reduce energy costs along the road! We also include information on energy efficiency programs by Ameren to help reduce energy costs in the home.
Energy Efficient Lighting Strategies
Now, more than ever, is the perfect time to switch over to efficient light sources! By purchasing energy-efficient LED lightbulbs, you are not only helping the planet by consuming less energy than the traditional bulb, but you are also helping your wallet! If you're curious about using LED bulbs in your home but don't like the "white light" effect, there are other options available! Click here to learn more about the range of LED bulb color temperatures available that can provide your home with the atmosphere you love.
Did you know that Ameren and Spire have energy efficiency programs that can reduce your energy costs while taking advantage of rebates and incentives? Click here to find out more about Ameren's incentives, and here to find out more about Spire's incentives.
Energy Efficient HVAC
HVAC units are one of the most energy-intensive systems in a building. Retrofitting existing HVAC systems to more efficient units could drastically improve energy efficiency in a home. Provided below are energy and cost saving calculators to help you make the switch, as well as a link to more information about energy-efficient home credits.
Cool Roofs
A cool roof is one that's designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than a standard roof. It is a simple solution to reducing the heat island effect in urban communities and something that can be easily adopted with your own home! Click on the links below to see how you can save on retrofitting your own home with a cool roof.
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory Roof Savings Calculator #1
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory Roof Savings Calculator #2
Air Quality
Click here to check the current air quality in University City.
Recycling and Materials
Proper recycling and waste management are essential to environmental sustainability. Although recycling may be in our vocabulary, it is more important that is it done correctly in order to achieve its purpose of diverging more waste from our landfills. Recycling is important, but it is only effective if done correctly!
Below are helpful resources to help you better understand what belongs in your recycling bin, what belongs in the trash, and what can be done with (almost) everything in between.
What's going in your blue recycling bin?
Don't be guilty of wish-cycling!
Wish-cycling is the practice of tossing questionable items in the recycling bin hoping they can somehow be recycled. This contamination can cause low material prices. What is considered contamination? Items like garden hoses, extension cords, plastic bags, Styrofoam, paper cups, and plastic utensils – these are all items that reduce the value of recyclables.
Stick to the list above so University City can gain the most from its recycling program!
What to keep OUT of the recycling bin (and throw into the trash bin):
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS ON WHAT IS AND IS NOT RECYCLABLE IN YOUR BLUE RECYCLING CART OR DUMPSTER.
A 24-hour Recycling Drop-Off Center is located at the north rear parking lot of the Heman Park Community Center (975 Pennsylvania). The drop-off center is available every day and accepts the items listed above, as well as textiles (clothes, shoes, towels, linens, rags, curtains, table cloths, and small rugs). The drop-off center NO LONGER accepts plastic "film" for recycling (i.e. plastic grocery bags, dry cleaning bags, bread bags, plastic overlay (from paper towels, toilet paper, etc.), newspaper bags, bubble wrap, etc.). Please take this material to Schnucks, 6920 Olive Boulevard. For alternate locations, visit: https://www.plasticfilmrecycling.org/.
Recycling at City Hall and Centennial Commons
*This service is currently not being offered due to Covid-19 measures. Please take your materials to Batteries Plus, Best Buy, or any other retailer that takes them at this time. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR MATERIALS IN FRONT OF CITY HALL OR CENTENNIAL COMMONS. WE WILL NOT TAKE THEM AT THIS TIME.*
Light bulbs
| Recycle your old Bulbs at University City Hall on the 3rd Floor or Centennial Commons Lobby!Broken CFL bulbs can be accepted if they are in a Ziploc-style plastic bag. NO FLUORESCENT TUBES ACCEPTED. Bulbs can be dropped off at City Hall during normal business hours Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. into the designated container in the Public Works and Parks Department, (314-505-8560). A container is also located at Centennial Commons, 7210 Olive Blvd during hours of operation; M-F: 5:30 am - 10:00 pm, Sat.: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm, Sun.: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. |
Batteries, Small Electronics and small E-Scrap items
| Recycle your Batteries, Small Electronics and E-Scrap at City Hall – 3rd Floor or Centennial Commons Lobby! A variety of items are accepted: Examples of batteries include AA, AAA, D-cell, C-cell, 9-volt, button cells, small-cylinder and custom sizes, batteries from wheel chairs, scooters, golf carts, ride-on electric toys, boats, RVs, military aircraft, portable tools and instruments, watches, cameras, handheld electronics, tire-pressure sensors, alarms, memory backup, high-temperature applications, pacemakers, remote car locks, cell phones, laptop computers, power tools, video cameras, handheld electronics, toys, R/C hobby vehicles, medical equipment. Examples of small electronics and E-scrap include circuit boards, cell phones, 2-Way Radios, Pagers, Power Tools, Calculators, Portable Electronics, Ink-Jet Cartridges, Toner Cartridges. |
Questions? Call 314-505-8560 for more information.
Recycling Other Items
Additional Bulb, ballast and fluorescent tube Recycling:
Batteries+Bulbs® accepts a variety of light bulbs for recycling. Their bulb recycling program includes compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), fluorescent tubes, circular fluorescent, u bend fluorescent, UV and germicidal lamps, halogen, incandescent, ballasts, mercury vapor, high pressure sodium and metal halide. Fees may apply. Please contact your local store for details. Local store locations in Webster Groves (314-962-2237), Creve Coeur (314-392-9939), Florissant (314-838-2277), St. Louis City (314-416-9555).
Hazardous Chemicals and materials:
Many common products are hazardous because they contain chemicals that are toxic, corrosive, flammable or reactive. Improper disposal (pouring down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or in some cases putting them out with the trash) can harm the environment and a pose a threat to human health. First and foremost, you should try to reduce the amount of unused, unwanted, or leftover household chemicals you create. With a little planning it is easy to avoid creating Household Hazardous Waste!
- Choose safer alternatives.
Product labels have signal words to help you identify the hazard levels of the product. Choose the safest alternative to do the job at hand! Avoid these signal words:
Toxic or poison: Highly poisonous or toxic
Danger: Extremely flammable, corrosive or highly toxic
Warning: Moderately toxic or product has fewer hazards
Caution: Slightly toxic or product has minimal hazards - Buy only as much of a product as needed and use products up entirely.
The large economy size is not a bargain if at the end of the job you have product you can't use. - Store products properly.
Follow label direction for safe storage to maintain products in useable condition.- Store products out of reach of children and pets.
- Store products in cool, dry areas with adequate ventilation.
- Keep products in their original containers with readable labels.
- Do not reuse containers for other purposes.
- Close lids tightly so that products will not dry out, evaporate or leak.
- Store away from sources of heat, spark or flame.
- Share or swap leftovers with others who can use them
Neighbors, friends and relatives may be able to use the product up, eliminating the need to handle it as HHW. - Make a reservation with St. Louis Household Hazardous Waste
Not all household hazardous product leftovers can be shared or recycled. If the label indicates the product should be disposed of through a community collection program, St. Louis Household Hazardous waste is the option for residents of St. Louis City, Saint Louis County and Jefferson County. Through this program up to 85% of the material collected will be recycled or recovered as waste to energy. The remainder is managed like regulated hazardous waste and in accordance with applicable regulations.
History of Recycling in University City
In 1974, University City became one of the first municipalities in the country to offer curbside recycling to its residents. Newspapers were collected in recycling bins. Since then, the program has continued to expand into a single stream recycling program. Today, the city provides recycling to all households, public buildings, as well as numerous businesses. University City also has an outdoor Recycling Drop-off Center and a fleet of recycling vehicles to provide curbside and alley pickups of recyclables to all residents and businesses who subscribe to our service.
There are so many benefits to recycling. Just a few...
- Recycling conserves natural resources for the future. If we all start reducing the amount of materials we throw away and recycle more now, we will preserve more natural environments for future generations.
- Recycling prevents the emissions of many greenhouse gases and water pollutants by reducing the amount of energy used at production plants. Recycling recovered materials, such as newspaper, plastic bottles, and aluminum cans save more energy than from virgin materials used to produce new products.
- Recycling creates various jobs for producing new products and creating new technologies. Recycling in the United States is a $236 billion per year industry. More than 56,000 recycling and reuse businesses employ more than 1 million workers nationwide.
- Recycling reduces the need for incinerators and landfills. Recycling diverts millions of tons of material away from landfills and incinerators.
- The more people recycling the cheaper it will get.
- Each ton of recycled paper can save 17 trees, 380 gallons of oil, 3 cubic yards of landfill space, and 7,000 gallons of water.
- The energy we save when we recycle one glass bottle is enough to light a light bulb for 4 hours.
- People and the environment benefit from less pollution being exerted into the atmosphere. Natural habitats are allowed to thrive without much threat due to recycling efforts.
- Recycling conserves natural resources, such as timber, water and minerals.
- A used aluminum can may be recycled and back on the grocery store shelf as a new can in as little as 60 days.
- Every bit of recycling makes a difference...please do your part!
Sources: National Recycling Coalition (NCR), United States Environmental Protection Agency, and Earth911.
Biodiversity
A healthy natural environment is important for our own well-being, as well as for future generations; ensuring that we take steps to preserve a rich variety of plants and animals in our community helps us in endless ways! Each organism has a unique and important part to play in promoting a larger supply of crops, ensuring natural sustainability for all life forms, and increasing our ability to recover from a variety of disasters. There are many ways that you can promote biodiversity efforts in University City and contribute to a healthier and more bountiful environment! Look below for some easy and effective ideas:
Native Gardening
Why should you prioritize putting native plants in your yard? Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions where they originate. These plant species provide important nutrients for insect and animal life home to the local climate, providing for a healthy and sustainable environment. In addition, natives do not require insect pest control to survive. Read below for more facts about planting native gardening. More information can be found on the U.S. Forest Service website.
Native plants are also advantageous, because:
- Native plants do not require fertilizers and require fewer pesticides than lawns.
- Native plants require less water than lawns and help prevent erosion.
The deep root systems of many native Midwestern plants increase the soil's capacity to store water. Native plants can significantly reduce water runoff and, consequently, flooding. - Native plants help reduce air pollution.
Native plantscapes do not require mowing. Excessive carbon from the burning of fossil fuels contributes to global warming. Native plants sequester, or remove, carbon from the air. - Native plants provide shelter and food for wildlife.
- Native plants promote biodiversity and stewardship of our natural heritage.
- Native plants are beautiful and increase scenic values!
Resources to start your own native garden:
Preservation of Native Species:
Preservation of native plant habitats is an important part of maintaining biodiversity. By selecting native plants when making landscaping decisions helps preserve native species that support functioning ecosystems and wildlife. Native plants are often superior to exotic plants in terms of stormwater management because they usually have deeper and more extensive root systems that prevent erosion and provide extra filtration. Since natives also require little to no fertilizer or chemical applications, both of which can harm stream ecosystems, they are also superior for improving water quality.
Invasive Species List for Missouri
Native Plants Database and Suppliers Directory
University City Municipal Code Section 220.290
Introduction of Native Species:
Native plants are typically easy to take care of because they have evolved in local soils and climates to be resistant to local diseases and pests, require significantly less fertilizer, supplemental watering, and pesticides. Introducing native plants to the surrounding environment helps reduce the costs that go into maintaining the surrounding environment.
Introduction to Planting Native Plants
Pollinator-friendly Plants:
When making landscaping decisions on plants, it is very beneficial to the surrounding environment to use pollinator-friendly plants, Pollinators are vital to maintaining healthy ecosystems and are essential for plant reproduction, keeping commercial and residential gardens healthy and minimizing the cost of replacing plants.
Pollinator-friendly Plants Database and Resources
Missouri Botanical Garden List of Pollinator-friendly Plants
Wildlife-friendly Building Design
When in the designing phase of a project, it is important for the preservation of wildlife to design the building in a way that compliments the surrounding ecosystem and wildlife. Designs such as bird-friendly windows and sites friendly to nests help minimize the impact on the surrounding wildlife.
Below are resources to help you engage with Biodiversity-related organizations and get more involved with promoting a healthy and vibrant environment!
Bring Conservation Home – University City residents have a new opportunity to save money, improve water quality and provide habitat for birds and butterflies all within their own landscapes. The St. Louis Audubon Society’s Bring Conservation Home Program provides at-home consultations by Habitat Advisors trained in native landscaping and other conservation practices for suburban landscapes. The program fee is just $25 for University City residential property owners, courtesy of an endorsement by the City Council.
Native plants are the foundation of any successful bird, butterfly or pollinator garden. They evolved in the region and are adapted to our variable climate and clay-based soils. When chosen properly and established in the garden, they need no fertilizers, pesticides or supplemental watering. With over 400 types commercially available, functional and attractive native gardens can be created in most any suburban landscape.
After application to the program and scheduling, a team of Habitat Advisors will meet with you to discuss your use of and goals for your landscape, survey your grounds, offer immediate feedback and then provide detailed, written recommendations on how to improve the landscape as habitat and meet your goals. An optional second visit is included in the initial fee for your use at any time; there is no expiration on that visit.
iNaturalist- one of the world’s most popular nature apps, iNaturalist helps you identify the plants and animals around you. Get connected with a community of over a million scientists and naturalists who can help you learn more about nature! What’s more, by recording and sharing your observations, you’ll create research quality data for scientists working to better understand and protect nature.
Sustainable Transportation
Sustainable transportation is one that is effective, efficient, and considers its environmental, social, and climate-related impacts. There are many ways to get around and it is becoming increasingly important to examine how these methods affect the environment around us (as well as our own personal health and activity levels). University City is working to promote better alternatives to exclusive reliance on personal vehicle transportation. Altering the way we view transportation in our everyday lives may make a big impact on our environment and those who live in it. Below are resources available to help you engage with a more sustainable, efficient, and pedestrian-oriented U City.
Do you use a bike to get around? Here are some helpful resources!
Recycled Cycles & Service - For almost 30 years, Recycled Cycles & Service has been St. Louis' Used Bicycle Source. RCS has sold thousands of high-quality bikes and has been meeting customers' cycling needs for nearly 30 years. With global conditions changing, RCS now focuses on continuing to deliver the professional repair services it has always provided in support of bike sales. Get knowledgeable service, a 30-day guarantee and fill parts availability (based on supplier inventory). Most repairs in 4 days or less!
Call or Email
Recycled Cycles & Service
7375 Shaftesbury Ave.
St. Louis, Missouri 63130
(314) 862-4041
paul@recycledcycles.net
*Due to the varied impacts of COVID-19, RCS is now focusing on repairs, rather than bicycle sales.
http://www.recycledcycles.net/index.html
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan -
University City possesses remarkable physical connectivity, access to transit, and regionally-significant location and amenities. The Plan aims to make U City in the St. Louis region's premier walk-able and bike-able city by creating a community with universal accessibility and transportation alternatives that enable residents, no matter their age or ability, to walk and bike to their destinations- school, work, shopping, recreation, and play. The Plan intends to achieve this vision by fulfilling the following goals:
- Create an " equity of mobility" within University City by providing universally-accessible transportation alternatives
- Support and increase ongoing investment in and revitalization of University City
- Encourage walking and cycling as legitimate modes of transportation and promote public health and healthy and active lifestyles.
* Link to the entire PDF version of the Plan: https://www.ucitymo.org/DocumentCenter/View/7025/UNIVERSITY_CITY_Bicycle_Pedestrian_Plan_Final_Plan-WEB?bidId=
On page 17 of the Master Plan, a Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities map is depicted. The map has since been updated after the Plan's release and is provided below:
Metro-Transit Information -
Metro Transit is a world-class transportation system, always at your service to help you live, work and play where you want, when you want. It’s a modern, efficient public amenity — a resource and investment engineered for your comfort and convenience.
Many people think of Metro Transit as only buses, vans and trains, but it’s much more. Metro Transit also includes MetroLink stations, Transit Centers, parking lots, bus stops and shelters, even public art. You can think of Metro as a complete system — all designed so you can park, take a train or bus, change from one to the other and even change back again, using any combination of travel that helps get you where you’re going – safely, comfortably and conveniently. Enjoy the ride. Learn more about Metro-Transit and all of their services here.
Here are a few of the useful services that Metro provides:
MetroBus
Metro operates over 70 MetroBus routes in Missouri and Illinois designed to help you reach the places you want to go.
Learn how to ride MetroBus
MetroLink
Metro's light-rail network offers multiple lines and stops through St. Louis County and City and the Metro East.
Learn how to ride MetroLink
Metro Call-A-Ride
Metro Call-A-Ride service is available, with advance reservations, to both the general public and to persons whose disabilities prevent them from using the accessible, fixed-route transit services (MetroLink and MetroBus). You’ll share your ride with other passengers in modern, wheelchair-accessible vehicles. The map shown below shows this Call-A-Ride's service areas and fares. Learn more about Metro Call-A-Ride here.
Ride Finders - Operated by the Madison County Transit since 1994, RideFinders is the St. Louis regional rideshare program whose mission is to improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion by promoting and facilitating the formation of carpools and vanpools. RideFinders also provides a free online ride-matching service and Guaranteed Ride Home for registered commuters. Go to their website for more information on how you can be involved!
Citizens For Modern Transit - CMT is the region's transit advocacy organization. It was established in 1985 to help bring light rail to St. Louis and works to develop, support, and enhance programming and initiatives to ensure safe, convenient and affordable access to the region's integrated public transportation system. For more information about the organization and how to become a member, we encourage you to visit their website here.
Trailnet - Trailnet has a mission to foster healthy, active, and vibrant communities where walking, bicycling and the use of public transit are the way of life. This organization provides bicycling and livability programs and events to diverse groups of people. Hallmark programs include Safe Routes to School, Earn 2 Bikes, TravelGreen, Bicycle Fun Club, and Cultural Tours. Trailnet's outreach and engagement activities reach individuals from all demographics, backgrounds, and socioeconomic categories, confirming that active transportation is for anyone and everyone. They help make non-motorized commuting a feasible choice for everyone and all of their programs focus on educating and encouraging people of all ages to travel throughout their community on bike and foot.
Great Rivers Greenway - With the mission of making the St. Louis region a more vibrant place to live, work, and play, Centennial Rivers Greenway has developed a network of greenways in the region. There are 45 greenways identified in the overall "River Ring" concept plan for a total of 600 miles. They are actively working on 16 of those 45. The map below provides a depiction of these projects:
A Guide For Wise Water Use
As a responsible society, we should be looking for ways to ensure water is available for future generations. By using the tips below, you can make water conservation a part of your daily routine and also save water and money. With some small changes, you can be a part of this commitment while at the same time, help lower the cost of your water bill. More information can be found at Missouri American Water's website.
Outside your home
- Lawn watering uses a lot of water. Water your lawn only when it needs it. An easy way to tell if your lawn needs water is to simply walk across the grass. If you leave footprints, your lawn may be thirsty! Generally, lawns only need an inch or so of water per week during the summer months. Water your lawn wisely by:
- Making the most of your watering by watering in the early morning. As much as 30 percent of water can be lost to evaporation by watering during midday.
- Planning for fewer, deep-soaking waterings to encourage deep root growth and stronger turf.
- Set your lawn mower one notch higher to make your lawn more drought-tolerant.
- Use drip irrigation hoses to water plants, and water in the early morning or evening.
- Consider using porous pavement (gravel is a good example) instead of asphalt for driveways and walkways, the rain will soak into the soil instead of running off and contributing to erosion.
- Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your sidewalk, driveway, or patio.
- Plant appropriately for your local climate. Check with local nurseries for non-invasive, drought-tolerant plants.
Inside your home
- Run dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are full. If you have a water-saver cycle, use it.
- Adjust the water level of your clothes washer so it matches your load size.
-Regularly check your toilet, faucets, and pipes for leaks with our free leak detection kits (in English and Spanish). If you find a leak, have it fixed as soon as possible.
-Check your water meter before and after a one-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak.
-Consider water and energy-efficient appliances. Products and services that have earned the WaterSense label have been certified to be at least 20 percent more efficient without sacrificing performance. The USEPA reports that EPA-certified Energy Star washing machines may use 35% less water per load. Water-saving shower heads, toilets and faucet aerators can also help cut your water usage.
-Insulate exposed water pipes with pre-slit foam insulation. You’ll enjoy hot water faster and avoid wasting water while it heats up.
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing dishes in the sink.
What is an Illicit Discharge?
An illicit discharge is any discharge into the storm sewer system that is not composed entirely of stormwater (rainwater or snow melt), except for discharges allowed under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.
Examples of illicit discharge include:
- Sand and dirt from construction sites washing into drains
- Dumping toxic chemicals into drains (motor oil, paint, pesticides, etc.)
- Chemical and fuel spills
- Overuse of fertilizers and pesticides
- Pet waste
- Trash
- Yard Waste
* If you notice an illicit discharge, immediately call MSD's 24 hour hot-line: 314-768-6260. See the full MSD brochure on the Illicit Stormwater Discharges page.
12 Things That Should Never Go Down Your Drain:
Click below for a video detailing what you never should put down your drain. Follow these rules for good home and water management.
What is Rainscaping?
Rainscaping is any combination of plantings, water features, catch basins, permeable pavement and other activities that manage stormwater as close as possible to where it falls, rather than moving it someplace else. In addition to rain gardens and bioswales, a diverse landscape that includes trees, shrubs, perennials, mulch, and amended soils intercepts and disperses rain as it falls, and allows more water absorption into the soil and plants.
Why Rainscape? Impervious surfaces such as rooftops and driveways have replaced healthy soils and natural plant communities that once readily absorbed rainwater. The resulting runoff contributes to water pollution, health challenges and property damage. You can landscape your yard for both beauty and function. Address specific water issues on your own property such as erosion, wet areas of the yard, and difficult to mow places, while positively impacting your neighbors and area streams as well. More information about rainscaping can be found at the Missouri Botanical Garden's website here.
Vegetated Roofs
Vegetated roofs are roofs that include a layer of plant species that are used to absorb stormwater and reduce the heat island effect in urban communities. Vegetated roofs require caution to alleviate any damage to the existing roof, and involve high-quality water proofing, a root repellent system, a drainage system, filter cloth, a lightweight growing medium, and plants.
Green Values Green Roof Savings Calculator
Environmental Reports and Initiatives
University City engages in a variety of actions to promote sustainability and preservation of a healthy environment for all of our residents. Wanting to promote environmentalism is good, but making actionable plans and creating tangible results based off those ideas is best! We encourage you to read below to learn about how U-City is currently acting to promote sustainable living in the community!
An Overview of the Ongoing Legacy of Environmentalism in University City
In 1974 we became the first city in the country to establish a curbside recycling program -- at that time we were only recycling newspapers. This decision put University City on the environmental map and set the stage for more positive environmental actions to come.
Recycling Program
- University City has been recycling since the 1970s when the City implemented the first curbside collection program in the U.S.
- In 2008, the City implemented one of the first curbside single-stream recycling programs in the state.
- Additional recycling activities include government building recycling and the development of a Copying and Printing Policy to reduce, reuse, and recycle when printing and copying.
- in 2011, the City became a collection center in partnership with Ameren U.E. for compact florescent lamps. Now batteries, bulbs, and small electronics at City Hall and Centennial Commons.
- The City has partnered with local municipalities Wellston and Pagedale to host tire and electronic recycling events.
- Biannual Electronics Recycling Events.
- Annual holiday light recycling.
2008
- Green Practices Committee came to be in 2008 -- it is now a Commission.
2009
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory
- Rain Barrels
- Energy Audit
2012
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan
- Parkview Gardens Neighborhood Sustainable Development Planning Project
- Energy Efficiency Ordinance
- Linear Park Development - Wilson Ave. Property Buyout - permeable / rain gardens
- City Hall Building - Renovation of the current historic City Hall building was completed in 2008 and received LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
- City Gardens U-City in Bloom - Their gardening practices are focused on sustainability and the use of native perennials, annuals, shrubs, and trees.
- Community Vegetable Garden - There are four community vegetable gardens in our community, three of which are located in the Parkview Gardens neighborhood mentioned earlier.
- Recycling drop-off (textiles too!)
- PACE Programs
- LED lighting retrofits in several buildings
- Park and outdoor lighting - LED retrofits
- Permeable pavement in 2 parking lots in the Loop
- OneSTL sustainability plan
- Ackert Walkway
- Sustainable Development Guidelines
- Firehouse #1 recommissioning
- Mayors for Solar Cities
- Proposed solar panels on firehouse #2
- Firehouse #1 and #2 LEDs
- Regional recycling database
- Sustainability Intern
- Green Cities Challenge (annually since 2015)
- 2019 Mayors for Solar Energy Energy
- 2019 Mayors for Clean Energy
- 2018 Adoption of OneSTL Sustainability Plan
- 2015 Compact of Mayors
- Ordinance 6956 - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
- Ordinance 6937 - Energy Conservation Code 2012
- Ordinance 6983 - Native Plants (clarifying that native plants are not weeds)
- Ordinance 6998 - PACE (joined Show Me PACE and Missouri Clean Energy District MCED)
- Ordinance 7060 - Post Construction Stormwater Management (MCM5)
- Ordinance 7065 - Stormwater Management during construction projects (MCM4)
- Resolution 062705 - U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement
- Resolution 2009-18 - Resolution of the City of University City for Community Sustainability
- Resolution 2009-21 - Green Housing Development (LEED Test Block: 6600 block of Bartmer - North Side, Crest - South Side)
- Resolution 2010-13 - Support of Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program
- Resolution 2013-19 - Support of the St. Louis Audubon Society's Bring Conservation Home Program
- Resolution 2014-1 - Adoption of the updated revised draft Parkview Gardens Neighborhood Sustainable Development Plan
- Resolution 2014-35 - Adoption of the Parkview Gardens Neighborhood Sustainable Development Plan
- Resolution 2014-41 - The City calls of Ameren to reduce its reliance on coal-fire generation