Beachwood Embraces Sustainability

Waste Not 

Americans annually spend $218 billion on the growing, transportation, processing and disposing of food that is not eaten, according to Cleveland-based recycling company Rust Belt Riders. 

But, there are ways to lessen the environmental impact of scrap food. The City of Beachwood, for example, has partnered with Rust Belt Riders to offer a composting program that results in an organic soil blend for plants. The process also keeps mountains of uneaten food out of landfills.

(Tilth soil, the finished recycled material created by Rust Belt Riders, has been added to the Beachwood Community Gardens.)  

Chris Arrietta, public works director for Beachwood, collaborated with Beachwood City Council and others in the community to offer the free program to residents, beginning in April 2024. Registered participants use 5-gallon buckets to collect food scraps that are then deposited in locked bins that open only with a code. The bins are located behind the Beachwood Community Center.         

“Currently we have 297 members in the community who are part of the program, and we have recycled about 71,000 pounds of food in one year,” says Arrietta. “We are looking for even more residents to participate.”

The food scrap recycling program is one of many sustainability efforts that Beachwood has embraced to limit its environmental footprint. But effective sustainability in a community is a balance and can be challenging, according to Arrietta, who has been researching the possibility of a city-owned rubbish truck. But Arrietta knows that while it is important to be “in the front of sustainability practices,” that “a city does not want to become behind in its services,” either. For now, the truck is on hold.

It’s Electric 

In addition, the city has purchased a Ford Mustang Mach-E, an all-electric vehicle for the police department. The choice was based on “rigorous testing related to police use,” and serves as a pilot to determine if additional electric vehicles would be beneficial for the department. Thirteen additional hybrid vehicles for five other city departments were also purchased. And don’t be surprised to see two police e-bikes around town, ridden to promote community presence and enhance mobility where larger vehicles can’t go. 

Small, electric landscaping tools for city ground work have also been added.

“We are also looking at a long-term sustainability plan with Cuyahoga County,” says Mayor Justin Berns. “It’s still in the planning process, but we know the county is looking to expand its efforts and is looking at communities to move forward. We are going great with our programs that we have now. But we are always looking for new programs and welcome community engagement.”

Seeing the Light 

Beachwood’s Solar Street Light Pilot Project has been in operation since April. Twenty-nine solar-powered SmartLights were installed along Beachwood Boulevard and Ranch Road. The $114,576 price tag was 68.7% funded by a NOPEC Energized Community Grant with the city covering the remainder.   

The lights are said to be environmentally friendly, made with recyclable materials, emit zero emissions and reduce light pollution. Energy efficiency is achieved through adaptive brightness based on sunrise and sunset. The design and structure of the lights may also result in maintenance savings for the city.

“We are looking to see if the lights are effective over the next few years. If yes, we will probably look to expand the program,” says Arrietta.