Baltimore Making Progress In Sustainability Initiative 
By Patti Truant
| | Caroline Fichtenberg, left, and Sarah Zaleski answer questions from the audience |
The City of Baltimore is collaborating with community organizations, environmental groups, labor unions, industry and the public health community to pool resources, engage the community and develop goals for a sustainable future. The newly-created Baltimore City Office of Sustainability is charged with creating a plan to meet the city’s social and economic needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet those same needs.
In the third installment of the Connecting Health and Sustainability Seminar Series, Caroline Fichtenberg, Baltimore City Health Department, and Sarah Zaleski, Baltimore City Office of Sustainability, discussed their progress since the establishment of the office in May 2008. Currently a 21-person commission is developing recommendations based on six themes: the built environment, energy and air, green infrastructure, transportation, waste and water. Zaleski said the interconnectedness of the environment and our health are important to consider when developing recommendations such as promoting bike lanes and walking paths, which would simultaneously help counter obesity and pollution. One proposed goal is to ensure that all Baltimoreans live within walking distance of green space. Expansion of renewable energies, improving soil and water health, and increasing access to fruits and vegetables are just a few more examples of measures that would improve human health and sustainability in Baltimore. On October 28, 2008, the Office will hold a community forum on its initial findings, and the public is encouraged to attend. Additionally, a presentation of the draft plan will take place on December 3, 2008. For more information and to sign up for email announcements or share ideas, visit the Baltimore Office of Sustainability. For more information about the Connecting Health and Sustainability Seminar Series, visit the CLF website. |
