Sustainable living is the buzzword in Central Ohio. The Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) would like people to make it more than a buzzword. MORPC wants us to make it a way of life.
Practical Sustainability
Sustainability can mean many things. To MORPC it means “meeting the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
In MORPC's latest report, it looked at how its 12 member counties are doing in 40 areas, including:
- Population growth;
- Farmland lost;
- “Green” jobs;
- Recycling;
- Air and water quality;
- Property taxes;
- Commuter transportation;
- Business growth;
- High school graduation rates;
- Buying local farm products.
The report includes ways that governments, individuals and businesses can add sustainable practices to daily life.
But no one has to do what MORPC suggests – all participation is voluntary. So, to increase buy-in, the report emphasizes how practical sustainability is – it can decrease today’s costs, and increase regional prosperity. MORPC gives some concrete examples. For one, when an acre of farmland becomes housing, someone has to pay for the new schools, roads and sewers that people moving in will need.
Current Community Commitment
There’s definitely a grassroots movement toward sustainability. Some Columbus restaurants try to buy local produce and meat whenever they can, and over 20 community groups offer sustainable practice workshops.
Government commitment is a bit more hit-or-miss. Some Central Ohio communities, like Bexley and Gahanna, are adopting the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System standards. Columbus launched the "Share the Road" initiative to encourage cars to share the road with bikes. Other Central Ohio governments are still considering what’s possible.
What Individuals, Businesses and Local Governments Can Do
We know part of the answer: Recycle, Reuse, Reduce. But the report makes other
suggestions:
- Support farmers’ markets. This saves fuel, cuts down traffic, and keeps money in the region;
- Reduce automobile travel. Commute, car pool, ride bikes or walk;
- Develop building codes that promote energy efficiency;
- Create land use plans and zoning codes that preserve land;
- Participate in programs like the Electric Partnership Program (EPP), Columbia Gas’ WarmChoice®, the Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP), and the Columbus Green Spot Program.
MORPC has us talking about what changes could increase Central Ohio's sustainability. But MORPC’s success or failure ultimately depends on how many of us are willing to make those changes. MORPC has us talking about it. That’s a start.