When moving to Pittsburgh a few years ago, I associated it with smokestacks and a defunct steel industry. I’ve come to know the city better, and it looks like Pittsburgh’s public image is changing, too. White House officials choose Pittsburgh as the site of last fall’s G-20 summit to recognize the city’s green economic success. The United Nations also gave a nod to Pittsburgh, making it the North American host city for this year’s World Environment Day, which took place on June 5. While it isn’t considered one of the greenest American cities (yet!), Pittsburgh is certainly getting more eco-friendly.
One of the greenest institutions in Pittsburgh is one of its loveliest: the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Not only does Phipps use sustainable practices to grow and maintain its many plant species, but its café also uses locally grown and organic foods and compostable food serviceware. In addition, it offers programs to help people practice sustainable gardening at home. The Victorian greenhouse wowed G-20 dignitaries with its flora and its architecture—and will no doubt impress you as well.
The David L. Lawrence Convention Center, also a major site for G-20 events, is the first green convention center in the world. Many of the things you’ll encounter in the building are eco-friendly, from recycled toilet paper and hand towels in the bathrooms, to biodegradable and compostable plates and flatware. DLCC visitors can even receive a special g1 (Green First) button if they perform an environmentally friendly practice in the building, like using the proper trash container.
Both Phipps and the DLCC are LEED-certified, a rating system developed by the United States Green Building Council. Pittsburgh has a total of 39 LEED-certified buildings, which makes it eighth in the country for the number of LEED-certified buildings. The Pittsburgh Glass Center is another one of the 39 buildings, and another site worth a visit. See a contemporary glass exhibit, and go on a tour of the facilities, and watch a glassblowing demonstration up close. You can even sign up for a class or workshop to try glassmaking yourself.
Being green goes hand in hand with an appreciation for the outdoors, an attitude that Pittsburgh is also embracing. Venture Outdoors sponsors events that gets people having fun outside, whether it’s on kayak trips, hikes or bike rides. Rent a bike from Golden Triangle Bike Rental and explore Pittsburgh’s many trails, which run along the city’s rivers and through the city’s woodsy parks.
Exploring Pittsburgh’s green aspects might make you work up an appetite. In addition to the café at Phipps, other eco-friendly eateries include Dinette, which uses local, seasonal and organic ingredients and energy efficient equipment and Bella Sera Urban Trattoria, an Italian eatery certified by the Green Restaurant Association. Thirsty? Visit the East End Brewing Company for a jug of fresh and sustainably produced beer.
Pittsburgh has come a long way from its environmentally unfriendly steel industry days. Years ago, many people thought it wouldn’t be possible for Pittsburgh to prosper again, and definitely didn’t think it could be a green city. With no signs of slowing down, Pittsburgh’s eco-friendly movement just proves that it’s always possible to go green.
Source: BecauseAction.com
