Sustainability + Environment
Bob PerkoskiOhio City Farm
The City of Cleveland launched a 10-year initiative in 2009 to transform itself into a "Green City on a Blue Lake." With the goal of making the region attractive to young professionals, this administration seeks at every turn to reduce carbon emissions, expand green spaces, increase bike access, and improve the health and wellbeing of its residents -- all while fostering sustainable economic growth. Sustainability is about more than installing CFLs; it is a way of looking at everything from food and art to architecture and transportation with an eye towards the future. Paying heed now to the triple bottom line ensures that tomorrow's generation will have the opportunity to do the same.
The Cleveland Monsters launched Project Lake Blue to protect and celebrate local freshwater resources through education, action, and stewardship. The ALH team will work with Cuyahoga County Fresh Water Institute, Ocean Conservancy, and fans to protect Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River. The initiative debuts with a special theme night at the game this Thursday, March 26.
Canalway's annual Towpath Trail Lantern Parade brought the city together last Saturday for a celebration along the Cuyahoga River in Tremont. Five commissioned artists created illuminated works of art from upcycled materials to celebrate the Ohio & Erie Canalway's history, while others crafted their own lanterns at a free workshop led by Upcycle Parts Shop.
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Sustainable Economies Consulting helps Northeast Ohio conservation organizations develop communications plans and strategies to share positive environmental impact stories. Founders Elizabeth Schuster and Marissa Ferrari work with park districts, museums, and land trusts to tell their stories of how they are quietly fighting climate change on thousands of acres of protected wetlands, forests, and prairies.
Cuyahoga County's Fresh Water Institute, launched in 2024 by County Executive Chris Ronayne, is training a new generation of environmental stewards to protect the Great Lakes. The institute has reached more than 10,000 residents in its first year, teaching students about water safety, environmental justice, and career opportunities in the region's blue economy.
The Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa) Cleveland opens its new season this week with four exhibitions that explore humanity's relationship with the natural world through diverse artistic lenses. The exhibits resist simple narratives about environmental crises to offer various perspectives on trauma, responsibility, and repair of ecosystems.
On Tuesday, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry will unveil its solar-powered affordable housing project in Cleveland's St. Clair-Superior neighborhood, featuring four energy-positive studio units designed for low-income renters. Developed in partnership with PadSmart, the homes combine solar technology, efficient construction methods, and universal design to dramatically reduce both rent and utility costs.
An Eastern black rhino calf was recently born at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, just before World Rhino Day. Black rhinos are critically endangered species and the zoo is raising awareness about rhino conservation.
Rid-All Green Partnership's sixth annual Fresh Fest brought Kinsman residents and people from all over Greater Cleveland to the urban farm. The event featured local vendors, activities, and tours of the farm's facilities. Photographer Bob Perkoski captured the events of the day.
Rid-All Green Partnership's Fresh Fest Cleveland, now in its sixth year, will transform the Kinsman neighborhood into a vibrant celebration of food, art, wellness, and music this Saturday, Sept. 13. The free festival, headlined by hip-hop legend MC Lyte, will feature more than 80 local vendors, 12 food trucks, and a variety of activities at the revitalized Rid-All Farm and Otter Park.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo announced the birth of a male giraffe calf, born to 14-year-old mother Tuli on August 15. This birth marks a milestone in the zoo's ongoing efforts to conserve the vulnerable giraffe species. The calf will remain out of public view temporarily to allow for critical bonding time with its mother and gradual acclimation to the rest of the giraffe herd.
Canalway will host its annual Cuyahoga River Rally on Saturday, August 9, at Hart Crane Memorial Park in The Flats. The free event features a variety of activities to connect people to the Cuyahoga River, including boat tours, kayaking, live music, and educational programs.
The eighth annual The Big Clean event in April 26 will pit Euclid against Collinwood in a friendly competition to collect the most bags of trash. About 200 volunteers are expected to participate in the cleanup and an eco-fair to foster community spirit, promote environmental awareness, contribute to cleaner neighborhoods, and a healthier Lake Erie.
Holden Forests & Gardens is celebrating the achievement of its five-year goal of planting and caring for 15,000 new trees to increase Cleveland's urban tree canopy with a People for Trees Celebration Week during Arbor Day Week, April 21 to April 26. The week features activities at Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden.
The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority is transitioning its diesel bus fleet to compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, thanks to a Diesel Emission Reduction grant. The goal is to reduce emissions, lower fuel costs, and improve rider comfort while aligning with Cleveland's climate action goals.
Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District offers an eco-friendly way to dispose of Halloween pumpkins with its Pumpkin Composting program. The program aims to reduce landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions by turning pumpkins into compost.
The third annual Cuyahoga Tree Summit, hosted by Dr. Roy Larick and tree experts, will bring together tree advocacy groups, municipal tree commissions, and environmental experts at the Independence Civic Center to address the needs of the county’s declining tree canopy and the critical role of trees in community health and climate resilience.
Holden Forests & Gardens will host its only annual fundraiser, Harvest Moon, on Sept. 13 at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. The Friday the 13th event will be an evening where mysticism meets philanthropy among Cleveland's top chefs.
Holden Forests & Gardens will celebrate the first anniversary of Holden Seed Bank this Thursday, with cocktails and a panel discussion at Holden Arboretum. The new seed exchange program—much like a Little Free Library, except for seeds—and the upcoming tree seedling program will also be celebrated.
Advocates of pollinator gardens—plots with native plants that nurture bees, butterflies, and birds to preserve the ecosystem—have groups around the region, like Heights Native Pollinator Pathway and Wild Ones Greater Cleveland, sowing seeds and spreading a message.
Cleveland Heights residents are finally getting a new grocery store with Grocery Outlet moving into the vacant space in the Cedar-Fairmount business district, ending a two-year stretch without a walkable supermarket in the district.