Sustainability

Tulsans are working together to increase sustainable efforts that will benefit the community now and for generations to come. Below are just a few of the services, programs and initiatives helping to make Oklahoma’s “Green Country” become even more green.

Tulsa’s Metropolitan Environmental Trust (M.e.t.)
Hosts semi-annual Household Pollutant Collection Events through which thousand of pounds of household waste are safely removed from the environment. The M.e.t. also provides recycling centers at convenient locations through the Tulsa metropolitan area. This effort is complemented by Tulsa’s curbside recycling program.

Tulsa’s Ozone Alert!
The Tulsa Branch of the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), in collaboration with the National Weather Service and the EPA, brings citizens, business, industry and government together to voluntarily reduce ozone-forming emissions on days vulnerable to high ozone alerts.

Clean Cities
Promotes a positive public perception of AFVs by highlighting the successes and positive attributes of alternative fuels, educating fleets on alternative fuels, vehicle availability, and refueling options and focusing our grant writing efforts at projects that will have the greatest fuel displacement and air quality benefits.

Tulsa Area Commuter Choice (Green Traveler) 
Gives individuals and businesses resources to try alternative sources of transportation or to telecommute in order to reduce the use of automobiles in Tulsa.

Sustainable Development
Tulsa has incorporated this concept in all of its infrastructure planning and economic development strategies. Grassroots initiatives have formed between government, nonprofit, private enterprises, and area citizens. These initiatives promote utilization of local and regional resources, alternative energy, pollution reduction and environmental stewardship.

Tulsa’s Parks Department
Hosts Waterworks New Art Studio and Wet In the City water quality education programs at the newly renovated Mohawk Water Plant and at other parks facilities. These programs target local secondary school children and focus on water quality protection strategies that can be undertaken by citizens.

Operation Clean Sweep
Residents and volunteers from businesses gather to remove litter and trash from public areas.

Paint the Town
A city-wide beautification project where residents volunteer to paint over graffiti on walls, buildings, overpasses, and other public places. (Some of the paint used for this project is collected during the Household Pollutant Collection Events.)

Let’s Do Business
A program that encourages local businesses to purchase from other local companies whenever possible.

Sustainable Green Country - Buy Fresh, Buy Local
A program that encourages residents and businesses to purchase locally-produced foods to supports the region’s farmers, strengthens the local economy and improves Tulsa’s food security.