Sustainability is becoming a part of the City of Moscow’s identity and it is exciting to share this progress with the community. Various departments and commissions throughout the city are sharing ideas and following them through to implementation.

An idea for a sustainable purchasing policy encouraging employees to consider the economic, social, and environmental costs of a product was initiated last spring in the Health and Environment Commission. Moscow City Council passed the resolution April 22, 2008. Employees are encouraged to buy local when possible, and take into consideration where the product comes from, what material the product is made of, the amount of packaging, and waste disposal of a product. Kara Whitman and KC Wagner, the previous sustainability interns for the city, developed a Sustainable Purchasing booklet, which was handed out to the purchasers in City departments. The policy is comprehensive, covering everything from landscaping practices and office supplies to industrial cleaning products and the fleet of vehicles.

Citizen volunteers on the Health and Environment Commission suggested implementing a non-mandatory employee bike-share program. Last spring, 11 bikes were approved for use in our new program encouraging employees to use alternative forms of transportation. Paradise Creek Bicycles is working with us to provide tune-ups, helmets, locks, and baskets or racks for each bike. The bikes will be available at city buildings for employees to ride to meetings around town, during lunch breaks, and other errands. We are excited about this program because bicycling improves health, decreases fuel costs, decreases carbon emissions, and provides an enjoyable form of transportation. Employees interested in riding the bikes home may do so as long as they bring them back the next day.

We welcome your ideas! Please contact me at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or (208) 883-7122.