Sustainability

SUSTAINABILITY-  Sustainability is defined as the quality of not being harmful to the environment or depleting natural resources, thereby supporting long-term ecological balance.

Click the titles below to learn how the City of Salem has approached sustainable living. 

1. Transportation: Transportation plays a great role in sustainability. Greenhouse gas emissions from transportation are at an all-time high and continuing to increase. As a city, we provide many transportation options to help reduce resident transportation emissions and continue towards a more sustainable future. 
   1. Shuttle Study
   2. Blue Bikes
   3. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations 
2. Materials: The city officially passed the Plastic Bag Reduction Ordinance, it became effective January 1st, 2018. This plastic bag ban encourages sustainability by protecting our marine environment, advancing solid waste reduction, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and protecting waterways.
3. Recycling: Mayor Kim Driscoll appointed a committee known as SalemRecycles. Their mission is to reduce trash tonnage by increasing recycling, diverting reusable items, and motivating city stakeholders through education and information.
4. Food: Mass in Motion Salem works locally to increase opportunities for Salem residents to eat better and move more in the places they live, learn, work, and play. They are working to implement safe routes to schools and parks, expanded farmers markets access, and school garden initiatives that will make the healthy choice, the easy choice for residents of Salem.
5. Conservation:  It is through the City of Salem's Open Space Recreation Plan that thoughtful planning and active stewardship is used to protect open spaces, critical plant and animal habitats, neighborhood parks, and quality outdoor recreation facilities, so that they remain a part of our communities’ landscapes. Salem's Conservation Commision is also dedicated to protecting our coastal and wetland resources.
6. Historic Preservation: Sustainability is not only about our future, it is also important, to preserve our past. It has long been understood that Salem’s heritage – as seen through its historic buildings, landscapes, and objects – defines its unique character and sense of place. Passionate City staff, boards, local organizations, and numerous individuals work diligently to preserve this heritage for residents and tourists alike.