Pennsylvania's goal is to create a partnership between economic growth and environmental conservation--activities once thought to be polar opposites. To find a synergy between those goals today, the concept of sustainability provides direction for all state agencies. The job is to make smart use of existing assets in order to recapitalize Pennsylvania's economy and boost state revitalization.
This approach to government has promoted new partnerships all over the state, as the Keystone Principles of sustainability must be tailored to Pennsylvania's public lands, rural areas, small towns, and big cities. Over a vast and varied landscape, sustainable use emphasizes one key idea: reuse. And, for this priority, Pennsylvania offers countless opportunities because of its large inventory of abandoned industrial sites. The ethos of sustainability also aims to hem sprawl, by reclaiming abandoned urban areas while protecting undeveloped lands as open space for agriculture, tourism, and recreation. Better housing for those who don’t have adequate dwellings is part of the plan, too.
The wisdom of sustainability becomes more widely accepted as energy prices rise. Emphasis goes to efficient infrastructure and development that concentrates rather than scatters traffic. Likewise, in growing jobs for Pennsylvanians, the policy encourages businesses that have a better chance of lasting a while and controlling the footprint they leave on the environment. That goal goes hand in hand with planning for environmental restoration and conservation, protecting the states' heritage, and encouraging people to get out and enjoy Pennsylvania's many attractions.
Still, while leading the effort across the state, the Commonwealth knows it can't run the whole show. Plan regionally and implement locally is the idea, and many cities and communities are already taking the initiative.
By: Rebecca VanderMeulen, 9/9/2010
Visionary entrepreneurs are hoping to ride e-bikes to profits, and it's getting easier to buy bicycles with batteries and electric motors statewide. A proposed state law would also make them street legal.
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By: Joe Petrucci, 9/9/2010
She has been an engineer in most every capacity in a half-dozen industries for 30 years, and she's helping multiple companies improve coal's future as a viable clean energy source. She also plays a mean hammered dulcimer.
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By: Joe Petrucci, 9/2/2010
He was always close to the old river, but never like this. This Wyoming Valley native is re-shaping people's notions about the Susquehanna and contributing to downtown Wilkes-Barre's ongoing revival.
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By: Sara Hodon, 9/2/2010
Farming and metalworking go hand in hand for married entrepreneurs Ben and Kate Gatski on their Columbia County farm, and business is booming for their innovative metal arts operation.
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By: Joe Petrucci, 8/26/2010
In re-discovering the power of local food and community, this registered nurse is connecting farmers and food producers with nearby customers in and around Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton in new ways.
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By: Joel Berg, 8/26/2010
The Hershey native is among those in Central PA modifying the genetic structure of plants that alternative energy proponents hope will be cultivated here and be converted to fuel.
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By: Joel Berg, 8/19/2010
Two Ricks, Frescatore and Scott, got their start in recycling 20 years ago and have taken their next sustainable step with Fresco Green Building Supplies, connecting sustainable products with customers and installers in Lancaster and beyond.
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By: Joe Petrucci, 8/12/2010
Woodstream Corp. of Lititz teamed with Philadelphia product designers Bresslergroup to retool a product often tinkered with but rarely profited from. The next-generation Victor Quickset Mousetrap is now a model for sustainable product design.
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