Sustainability Manager Updates

The 2025 Climate Action Plan Annual Meeting was Nov. 20 at 9 AM. Hear progress updates and 2026 priorities below:

2025 Progress:

1. Ongoing conversations with Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC) for Green Ribbon Commission Development.
2. ​​​Continued Partnership with the LVPC, BASD, LANTA, the Bethlehem Parking Authority (BPA) and Bethlehem Authority (BA).
3. Increased engagement and connection with Lehigh and Moravian University.

1. Increase Bethlehem’s Large Organization's participation in LV Sustainable Business Program (via NNC).
2. Partner with LVPC in developing and launching the Lehigh Valley Green Ribbon Commission along with the Mayors of Bethlehem, Allentown, and Easton.
3. Support Lehigh and Moravian University Climate projects and identify new avenues for collaboration.
4. Bethlehem Carbon Challenge development.

2025 Progress:

1. Created City Website Sustainability Page.
2. Translated CAP folders on WeBuild.Bethlehem-pa.gov for Spanish-friendly access.
3. Updated the Climate Challenge participation survey and achieved a 50% increase in participation.
4. Maintained Presence at key community committees.
5. Partnered with Allentown & Easton for regional social media outreach.
6. Supported the LV Sustainable Business Program (NNC).

1. Develop/Launch Climate Challenge Recognition Program.
2. Establish internal tracking to actively support Climate Challenge participants.
3. Increase engagement with local businesses via the LV Sustainable Business Program.
4. Create a separate Bethlehem Sustainability social media account.
5. Expand CAP communication strategies through public education campaigns with EAC partnership.
6. Formalize and expand partnership with BASD for student involvement.

2025 Progress:

1. Continued Community Gardens & Weekly Farm Stand.
2. Supported the Blue Zones Food Hub (Phase 1) & Food Policy Council.
3. Deployed Big Belly smart trash cans.
4. Supported community clean-ups & the Lehigh Trash Mapping project.
5. Conducted survey on restaurant plastic use.
6. Investigated developing a public recycling pilot.

1. Increase participation in Community Gardens and CSA Farm Stands.
2. Support Blue Zones Food Hub and Food Policy Council initiatives.
3. Pilot a targeted public recycling program.
4. Implement cost-effective waste reduction improvements at large festivals.
5. Conduct research and encourage household composting practices.
6. Develop targeted waste education based on Lehigh Trash Mapping results.
7. Develop a support plan based on results of the restaurant plastic use survey.

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