When people think of sustainability and cities, they are most likely to think about environmental issues and things like urban gardens, water conservation, and LEED certified buildings. “Sustainability” touches every part of a city from buildings to streets, public transportation and education, medical access, food access, and beyond. Sustainability in Pittsburgh can only be…
Author: callie.oliver
Wilkinsburg Weekly Part 3 – Vacant Home Art
In week three of Wilkinsburg Weekly, I wanted to share these photos of some of the Wilkinsburg vacant homes. Boarded up windows are colorfully painted and make the best of what would be drab, vacant, blight. Artists added paintings to the homes that are part of the Wilkinsburg Vacant Homes Tour, which aims to inspire…
Wilkinsburg Weekly Part Two – St. Stephen’s Church And Fall Foilage
In week two of Wilkinsburg Weeekly, when I went to my polling place this week, I had to stop for an early morning photo. Bright, golden leaves are so beautiful against the darker colored architecture of St. Stephen’s Episcopal church, located on Pitt Street in the borough. It’s one of many historical places of worship…
Sand Crisis – The Hidden Environmental Impact Of Fracking
We have a global sand crisis that is impacting the United States, and close to home here in Pennsylvania, more than the public knows. Silica is a precious and finite resource that is increasingly more valuable to those invested in natural gas and fracking projects. Silica is preferred for fracking because the small particle size…
Wilkinsburg Weekly: Abandoned Lots And Thoughts For Blooming
This is part one of my four-week Wilkinsburg Weekly project, where I will be posting a photo or two of nature and environment in the borough of Wilkinsburg, which is just outside the City of Pittsburgh. Abandoned lots and vacant homes are common in the borough, and many sites throughout are utilized for creative purposes…
Pittsburgh Water Safety – Get Informed! Take Action!
Dozens of Allegheny County municipalities are facing a water crisis. Water and sewage systems across the county violate the Department of Health requirements for lead levels as well as other regulations for ensuring that citizens have safe water to drink. Aging water and sewage systems in the area, especially those in underserved communities, are the…