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Recognizing and Remedying Environmental Injustice
Recognizing and Remedying Environmental Injustice
Our service area is over-burdened and under-represented when it comes to negative environmental impacts. We have smokestacks, wastewater discharge outlets, factories, dry cleaners, gas stations, and two mega-landfills all impacting our air, water, and soil quality - not to mention two Brownfield/SuperFund cleanup sites at the former Market Basket and Geneva Foundry sites.
BluePrint Geneva, Inc. seeks to harness the interests and voices of the residents to address environmental injustice in our community. Learn more about impact areas and the programs seeking to address these issues below.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation created this map of environmental justice impact areas within the City of Geneva.
Environmental (In)justice Impact Areas
Environmental (In)justice Impact Areas
The DEC says, "Environmental justice is fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people with respect to development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Fair treatment means that no population bears a disproportionate share of negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, municipal, and commercial operations or from the execution of federal, state, and local laws; regulations; and policies. Meaningful involvement requires effective access to decision makers for all, and the ability in all communities to make informed decisions and take positive actions to produce environmental justice for themselves."
Air Quality Monitoring Program
Air Quality Monitoring Program
In 2024, BluePrint parnered up with students from Geneva high school, Professor Nan Crystal Arens and her students at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, and experts at Cornell University to launch its air quality monitoring program. The goal of this project is to collect and analyze data to guage levels of particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOC's) in different Finger Lakes neighborhoods.
Crystal Street Garden
Crystal Street Garden
Crystal Street is the home to our newest public garden. Started in the summer of 2020, it was a continuation of our commitment to provide green space access to neighbors in ward 6, and was driven by the heightened need for commuinty spaces created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thsi garden focuses on regenerative agriculture, sustainability, and promoting garden education. Anyone is welcome to use the garden at any time. Many thanks to the city of Geneva for leasing this property to us and encouraging our efforts.
Growing Cycle
Growing Cycle
This curbside composting program provides you with a bucket for collecting food waste in your home with a weekly pickup service (just like your trash)! The amount of biodegradable waste you can divert from the trash can might surprise you, and our goal is for homes and businesses send as little to the landfill as possible. Want more info? Email us at info@growingcycle.org or visit our Growing Cycle website and/or facebook page!
ItStinks!
ItStinks!
In response to rising complaints about landfill odors, BluePrint partnered with local software engineer Jeff Henderson to create ItStinks!, an easy-to-use, online landfill odor complaint service. Â ItStinks! works on both computers and mobile devices and allows anyone who detects that distinctive aroma of trash to log the date and time of the incident and have their complaint transmitted to elected officials and the DEC directly.
Weeding Wednesday
Weeding Wednesday
Each summer, we partner with the Geneva Green Committee to weed invasive plants at the Welcome Center. This summer, the program is running Wednesdays from 8am-10am. This effort is consistent with the City's commitment to avoid the application of synthetic pesticides, improve the health of our water supply, and beautify the landscape while maintaining habitat for pollinators. To get involved, email bohrer@genevanybid.com.
Summer Youth Environmental Justice Corps
Summer Youth Environmental Justice Corps
Each summer, BluePrint applies as one of many local worksites through the Ontario County Workforce Development summer youth employment program. The program is open to youth ages 15-20, and if they are placed at BluePrint, they will hone their skills in community outreach, urban agriculture, water, air, and soil health, and graphic design. Apply here by May 30.
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