What is Sustainability?
Sustainability means different things to different people, but a common definition is from 1987, when the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined it as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
For Highland Park, we have compiled some helpful information and links to efforts and organizations that feature sustainability efforts to make the area a peaceful, healthy, and safe place for all such as recycling, planting native plants, advocating for clean water and air, voting, and more. Let us know of other things we should include here by emailing us at highlandparkneighborhoodal@gmail.com.
Native Plants, Yard Maintenance, Etc.
Electric Power Tools over Gas — Limiting Power Yard Tools on Sundays
A resident recently made a plea for avoiding gas blowers and requested no lawn power tools on Sundays. Please try to use more electric tools vs gas tools and try to keep Sundays quiet, if possible.
Raking vs Leaf Blowing
One of our meeting speakers, Tom Cosby, from Forest Park, talked about the benefits of using non-gas powered lawn equipment and asking your lawncare service to follow suit. It reduces pollution and help everyone to enjoy the sounds of nature. Plus, raking is good exercise!
Native Plants
Another meeting speaker, Dana Hazen with Recreative Natives, shared some great plants to include in your yard as well as tips on helping pollinators by leaving your leaves and/or raking vs power blowing them. View here.
Homegrown Habitat: Native Plants and Median Work in HP
The first planting in May 2024 was a huge success! Thanks to all of the awesome volunteers and Laney DeJonge for coordinating with the City of Birmingham. Many of the previous median plants are not beneficial to the ecosystem; and some plants are actually harmful, like the nandina, which can be poisonous to some birds. Lea Ann Macknally with Macknally Land Design created the plant design plans. Their company designed the native plant areas at Protective Stadium, Railroad Park, and 20th Street among others.
Here is an article explaining why native plants are so important: https://www.audubon.org/content/why-native-plants-matter
This project is part of Homegrown Habitat Group in Highland Park.
If you would like to volunteer or be a part of the group, please visit this site by clicking here.
City of Birmingham – Sustainability
https://www.bhamsustainabilityplan.com
Recycling – City Pickups
Recycle Birmingham « The Official Website for the City of Birmingham, Alabama (birminghamal.gov)
Recycling Pickups – Every other Monday (same day as household garbage collection for HP (unless holidays change the schedule.)
Recyclables can be also be dropped off at Birmingham Recycling and Recovery
Hours & Location: M – F 7am-4pm* – 9 41st St. S., Avondale 35222
Please do NOT use plastic bags.
What Can Be Recycled:
* Paper, cardboard, newspaper, magazines, and broken down cardboard boxes (if using a box for your “bin” you do not need to break it down)
* Aluminum, steel, or tin cans
* #1 and #2 Plastics only
DO NOT INCLUDE THESE: trash, phone books, styrofoam, glass, plastic packing materials/wrappers or plastic bags or anything with food residue. (Rinse all items and discard greasy parts of pizza boxes (for example.)
When in doubt, throw it out!
*We have unfortunately confirmed that if the truck comes by on other days, they will pick up materials and take them to the dump.
Glass Recycling Option
Glass Half Full is now in Birmingham. Visit their site here for more information and to sign up.
Water – Alabama Rivers Alliance
Alabama Rivers Alliance is a statewide network of groups working to protect and restore all of Alabama’s water resources through building partnerships, empowering citizens, and advocating for sound water policy and its enforcement.
Alabama Rivers Alliance – Water is Life
Black Warrior Riverkeeper‘s mission is to protect and restore the Black Warrior River and its tributaries and they are dedicated to promoting clean water for the sake of public health, recreation, and wildlife habitat throughout our patrol area, the Black Warrior River watershed. Highland Park Neighborhood is located within the Black Warrior River watershed.
Air – GASP
The Greater-Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution (GASP)’s missions is to enhance the health and well-being of Alabamians by reducing air pollution, advancing environmental justice, and promoting climate solutions through education, advocacy, and collaboration. Their office is located in Highland Park.
Voting – League of Women Voters of Greater Birmingham
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy. We never support or oppose any political party or candidate.
Home (lwvgb.org)