Colegrove 1 Sarah Colegrove POS 104 2/29/2012 Local Government Paper There are several issues that local

governments across the United States face. These problems include such issues as lack of sidewalks, affordable housing, and an aging population. One issue, the most important issue in my opinion, is that of being environmentally friendly. This includes such things as wasting resources and not using renewable resources. Many different local governments across the nation have or are currently trying to face this issue in a way that makes their jurisdiction resemble a much more environmentally friendly area. The issue of being environmentally friendly is a relatively recent issue that has become a much more pressing concern to not just citizens of the United States but to people all over the world. People have become much more aware of the fact that there are a limited amount of resources available in the world and after these resources run out, they are gone forever. Currently the way things are in the United States, we are using and wasting an extreme amount of natural resources. Millions of Americans are commuting to work with drives over twenty millions. Plastic water bottles are being used and thrown away every day and water is being unnecessarily wasted (Tools for Local Government). There are several different solutions that local governments can take. Local governments can enact recycling policies in their jurisdiction. For instance, when the trash is collected, recycling can be collected right alongside it. Recycling bins can be placed next to any public

Colegrove 2 trash cans the local government has. They can also have programs, like some states such as Michigan do, to offer incentives to recycle (Tools for Local Government). The local government could give citizens something like 5 cents for every aluminum can or water bottle that they turn in. The program would be limited to people who live in the local government jurisdiction and citizens would have to show some sort of proof that they are residents of the jurisdiction before they could get the refund. This would help to enable it so that the government does not lose too much money by people who live outside of the community also cashing in on this. This program could be supplemented by increasing the price on trash collection by enough to encourage the citizens to recycle their cans and bottles so that they can get some of their money back. When one looks at the top of a can of soda, one can see the 5 or 10 cent marks and the locations where one can turn in the can for 5 or 10 cents in return (however it is required by law that any can being turned in must have been bought in that state). Any can of soda or bottle in those states have a 5 or 10 cent deposit that is added onto the purchase. The 5 or 10 cents received at the recycling of the bottle is just the return of the deposit. This program helps the residents of that state to recycle because they are getting money in return (Container Deposit Legislation). Another option that local governments can use to make their community more sustainable and environmentally friendly is to reduce the number of roads being built in their community and increasing the amount of public transportation. If public transportation is made not only affordable but also has easily accessible and have convenient locations, people are more likely to use it. This would reduce the amount of cars that are being used on a daily basis. Commuters are able to use trains, subways, or buses instead of their own personal vehicles. Because of this, there will be less gas used as well as fewer parts to upkeep vehicles as the vehicles will not be used as

Colegrove 3 much. The lack of cars being used on a commute to work and other places allows local governments to have less of need for parking spaces. They are able to use the space that would have been parking spaces for more businesses to be brought in, more housing, or for more parks to exist. This would require cooperation between local governments in order for the public transportation system to reach a large enough community for it to function effectively, be cost effective, and make a difference on the environment. Portland, Oregon is a good example of a city that has incorporated better public transportation into its community. The local governments in the city and the surrounding neighborhoods have worked to create a better environment within the city. They increased the amount of public transportation available and were able to transform locations that had been parking lots into more of a green community environment. Parks were updated, bikes and bike racks were brought into strategic locations around the city, and placed much more emphasis on using public transportation or carpooling (City of Portland, Oregon). A third option for local governments to be more environmentally concerned and sustainable is for the local government to offer tax incentives for local businesses. If local businesses use renewable resources in the construction and operation of their property, recycle whenever possible, and reduce the amount of nonrenewable resources being wasted, then the local government should give them tax cuts. Or the local governments could go the opposite direction by increasing taxes on businesses that do not have environmentally friendly and sustainable practices in place (Sustainable Finance Module). Townships similar to that of Radnor Township have fined universities, businesses, and individuals for building on land that is environmentally protected, such as swamps or areas

Colegrove 4 where the habitats of endangered species are. These fines are to encourage universities, businesses, and individuals to choose locations for their buildings that might not be as damaging to the environment. These fines also help to promote good behavior and choices while they fine those who do not make good choices about the environmental protection (Sustainable Finance Module). There are several different ways in which local governments are able to address the multifaceted issue of environmental conservation and community sustainability. These options to help the environment can not only help improve just the environment but it can also help the community by improving the lifestyle of those in the community. It would put an emphasis more on community with less concrete or asphalt parking lots and more parks. It will be difficult for local governments to implement some of these programs that I have suggested above. Some of the programs come with the risk of the government losing a significant amount of money. This will require them to become much more innovative on ways to not go into debt and become environmentally friendly and sustainable communities at the same time. Governments will also have to stand up to businesses in their jurisdiction to make some of this possible. Hopefully, someday, local governments all over the United States will be able to enact these environmental policies.

Colegrove 5 Works Cited "City of Portland, Oregon." City of Portland, Oregon. Web. 29 Feb. 2012. <http://www.portlandonline.com>. "Container Deposit Legislation." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 28 Feb. 2012. Web. 29 Feb. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Container_deposit_legislation>. "Sustainable Finance Module." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency. Web. 29 Feb. 2012. <http://www.epa.gov/owow/watershed/wacademy/acad2000/sustainablefinance/cfs18.ht m>. "Tools for Local Government Recycling Programs." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency. Web. 29 Feb. 2012. <http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/tools/localgov/index.htm>.