Rain Barrels
In 2010, the City of Cleveland gave away its 1000th rain barrel through its partnership with Cleveland of Cleveland, Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU), Cleveland Division of Water (CWD) and the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD). Rain Barrel Flyer

Stormwater
Stormwater (rain and snow) flushes material into storm drains including trash, dirt, oil and other pollutants. Since some drains lead directly into waterways, this causes water quality problems.
 
Some stormwater goes to water treatment facilities, and is treated and released into Lake Erie- clean and clear. However, when rains are heavy, sewers can overflow sending untreated water- including raw sewage and other pollutants- directly into the lake. An increase in the frequency of storms means there is more stormwater. Residents are encouraged to consider the following:

• Rain barrels – capture free water from the roof for plants
• Rain gardens – native plants might not need chemical sprays
• Cars washed on lawns – keeps water out of storm drains
• Pesticides and fertilizers- using little, none, or eco-friendly ones
• Pet waste- affects water quality
• Hosing yard and sidewalk debris- sweeping is better
• Composting or recycling yard waste
• Green cleaning products instead of chemicals which pollute water
• Unused medicine- goes in trash or hazardous waste round-ups, not the toilet
• Planting trees – they provide enormous support in managing stormwater
• Oils- not to be dumped into sinks or storm drains

Stormwater Management and Education—in partnership with Cleveland Division of Water (CWD), NEORSD, Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) and the Mayor’s Youth Summer Employment Program, 1,000 rain barrels have been distributed for free to Cleveland residents. Both the residents and YOU youth employees are educated about the Lake Erie Watershed, stormwater capture and other aspects of water sustainability. Rain gardens have been established in several locations to capture stormwater and to educate residents, businesses and other organizations.

Additionally, the Office of Sustainability continues to participate in water education via the Water Cycle Project. The project is also a part of the Mayor’s Youth Summer Employment Program. This valuable component of the summer work experience for 14 to 18 year olds expands the youth’s employment and educational experience and employment opportunities. As of 2010, over 200 students have experienced the Water Cycle Project. This year, the program is being expanded to become a year-round Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) program and a collaborative pilot for CWD and NEORSD’s Student Technical Enrichment Program (STEP) education.

Watercourse Protective Zone

Per EPA requirements, the City of Cleveland is developing a Watercourse Protective Zone, which will lay out standards and best practices for managing stormwater at development projects in specified riparian areas. The Watercourse Protective Zone will play a critical role in ensuring a clean Lake Erie.

Local Food
The City of Cleveland adopted a Local and Sustainable Purchasing ordinance, which provides a 2-4% bid preference for companies that source products locally and/or are certified as a sustainable business. The City is leveraging its purchasing power to encourage companies to be more sustainable while at the same time boosting our local economy.
Local Food Cleveland - Famers Markets
Local Food Challenge

The City of Cleveland partners with the Ohio State University Extension – Cuyahoga, to offer City of Cleveland residents the opportunity to participate in the Summer Sprout Community Gardening Program.  This program provides gardening resources, fertilizer, seeds, soil preparation, and education to all participates. Interested groups can contact the OSU Extension, Cuyahoga directly by calling Jim Thompson, 216.429.8246.

Cleveland Carbon Fund
Developed by motivated leaders from reputable Cleveland companies and organizations who believe in making a positive impact, globally and locally, the Cleveland Carbon Fund is the first community-based, open-access carbon reduction fund in the United States. The Fund originated to help combat the harmful impact of carbon emissions in the Cleveland region and on the environment worldwide. As importantly, donations to the Fund will support local community projects in Cleveland that foster positive economic, social and environmental development.

Green Space & Vacant Land
Cleveland’s Office of Sustainability is working to expand green space opportunities and improve the quality of the City’s urban core through increased tree planting and preservation of parklands.

Re-imagining Cleveland
In December, 2008, Neighborhood Progress, Inc. released the results of a one year planning process involving 30 groups which focused on strategies for reuse of vacant land. The City Planning Commission adopted the Re-imagining a Most Sustainable Cleveland plan as a template for reutilizing vacant and underutilized properties.

City Fleet and Sustainability
The City of Cleveland first adopted an anti-idling policy in 2006 and an anti-idling ordinance in 2009.  The City has purchased over 80 hybrid vehicles and has over 250 alternative fueled vehicles in its fleet. The City’s purchasing policy is targeting Hybrids and alternative fuel vehicle replacements that maximize the return on investment.