Sustainability Department
The Sustainability Department was created in 2022 to implement the City's sustainability goals, which fall under the City's mission to "Protect, preserve, and enhance Bexley's natural and developed environment." The Sustainability Programs Coordinator connects sustainability projects between various City departments, the Sustainability Advisory Committee, and residents. Currently, the department is tasked with calculating greenhouse gas emissions within the city, carrying out the Cities Race to Zero Program, supporting the Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee in their implementation of the Zero Waste Goal, and preparing future programs including a Climate Action Plan, Universal Recycling, restaurant composting, and energy aggregation.
In addition to government and City-wide programs, the department also works with businesses and institutions to create and strengthen environmental sustainability programming for establishments within the city.
Contact Information:
Elizabeth Ellman, Programs Coordinator
eellman@bexley.org
Bexley City Hall
2242 E. Main Street
Bexley, Ohio 43209
Phone: (614) 559-4250
Interested in Learning about Actions and
Bexley's Citizen-led Sustainability Efforts?
Learn more by visiting the Green Bexley website!
AGGREGATION
The City has been researching and planning for several years to leverage electrical aggregation to procure community-wide clean energy for Bexley. Earlier this year, we awarded a contract to Aspen Energy to help us explore an electrical aggregation program for our municipality. Stay tuned for more information!
AIR QUALITY
We are excited to be part of FCPH and MORPC's Air Quality Monitoring Network! This program measures air pollution neighborhood by neighborhood in Franklin County. By gathering more data at the local level, this project will help guide the strategies that go into making the region’s air healthier and easier to breathe.
BEXLEY ARBORETUM
The Bexley Arboretum consists of 131 different species of trees with over 14,000 street trees. The Arboretum is maintained by the Forestry Department.
BIKE FRIENDLY BEXLEY PLAN
This plan was created in 2021 and considers Bexley’s bike infrastructure and policies while working towards creating an even bike friendlier community.
COGO BIKESHARE PROGRAM
In partnership with the Columbus Dept. of Public Service, residents 18 and older can receive a FREE CoGo Annual Membership! Membership includes unlimited 45-minute classic bike rides for one year and big ebike discounts. To register, visit cogobikeshare.com, click JOIN, create an account, Annual Membership, and enter the promo code COGOBEXLEY.
CITIES RACE TO ZERO
Bexley has joined cities around the world in a pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Learn more by clicking here.
LITTER PICKUP PROGRAM
Our litter pickup program focuses on volunteer service and education relating to quality of life, litter, recycling, and beautification. Coordinated group litter pick up events can be a fantastic service opportunity for any age–elementary, middle, high school, college, and beyond! Learn more by clicking here.
PLASTIC LEGISLATION
Single-use plastic bags are banned at the point of purchase at non-restaurant retail establishments. More information about or legislation can be found here.
RECYCLING OPPORTUNITIES IN BEXLEY
Throughout the year, Bexley hosts a variety of opportunities to recycle or otherwise discard of unique items, such as string lights and expanded polystyrene, as well as the City's Green Bexley Cleanup Day. Learn more about these events at greenbexley.org.
SOLAR PANELS IN BEXLEY
Bexley is seeking ways to encourage solar energy development in our community. For more information about the basics of solar energy, your solar options, and questions to ask solar professionals, visit bexley.org/solar.
ZERO WASTE PLAN
Bexley's Zero Waste Plan was adopted in 2017 and includes ways Green Bexley will assist the city in achieving its goal of reducing 90% of materials disposed at the landfill by 2040. Reduction will occur through engagement, education, and infrastructure enhancements. Read the plan here.
How Can I Take Action?
There are many ways individuals can take action at home, school, and work. Small habit changes add up over time and help mirror sustainable actions behaviors among friends and peers. In Bexley, residents can take action by implementing one or more of the following:
CURBSIDE FOOD WASTE RECYCLING
The City offers curbside composting as a service to every household in Bexley. Food waste is collected in a separate receptacle than trash or recycling, and is collected on a weekly basis and diverted from the landfill.
Learn More or Enroll: bexley.org/food-waste
RECYCLE RIGHT
Becoming familiar with the items that can and cannot be recycled in Franklin County helps ensure materials are processed correctly after they've been disposed of.
Learn More: bexley.org/recycling
GET INVOLVED!
Green Bexley is a community organization whose goal is to assist the City in achieving its Zero Waste Goal by 2040 and advising the City on other sustainability matters. Get involved with Green Bexley in a variety of ways – whether volunteering, organizing events, or supporting a sustainable cause within the community!
Learn More: greenbexley.org