Charleston, West Virginia, is actively engaging in environmental initiatives to enhance sustainability and combat climate change. The city’s Green Team, established in 2021, is a volunteer body advising on energy efficiency, land use, and waste management. Their mission is to inform the public and suggest ideas to improve sustainability, aiming to make Charleston a climate resilience leader in West Virginia.
Another significant program is the Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan (REAP), which has been striving since 2005 to clean up West Virginia and eliminate litter. REAP encompasses all state cleanup programs within the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, focusing on both staff-led and volunteer-driven cleanup efforts statewide.
Charleston’s ‘River Proud Program’ recognizes citizens who take action to reduce stormwater runoff and pollution by managing stormwater on their property. This initiative highlights the community’s commitment to protecting the Elk and Kanawha rivers, which are central to the city’s identity.
These collective efforts demonstrate Charleston’s dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainability, fostering a healthier and more resilient community.