Climate Action Efforts
The City’s goals for our environment
The City of Oxford has signed a commitment and joined the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. Oxford dedicates itself to creating local climate resilience and joins more than 10,000 cities in the goal of a net-zero-emission world by 2050 through a reduction in carbon emissions.
Formal climate goals for Oxford will develop as the Climate Steering Committee meets over the next several months. We will use these goals to influence future decision making, to foster an environmentally and socially responsible culture within the Oxford community, and to realign our practices and standing legislation to be more climate-driven.
What is the Climate Steering Committee?
In alignment with the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, the City of Oxford has created the Climate Steering Committee to facilitate climate action and the creation of a pathway towards carbon neutrality in the Oxford community. Within the first two years, the committee aims to take an inventory of Greenhouse gas emissions, complete a risk and vulnerability assessment, and create the City’s targets and goals for mitigation and adaptation. At any given time, the committee will consist of seven voting members appointed by the City Council, consisting of 2 council members and 5 community members. The committee will also include liaisons from other important facets of our community such as members of the Planning Commission, Environmental Commission, Parking and Transportation Advisory Board, the City Manager’s Office, other key community organizations, and a representative from Miami University.
Meet the Climate Steering Committee’s Voting Members!
Mark Boardman — markboardman@mac.com
Member
Ph.D, Miami University Professor in the Department of Geology and Earth Science from 1981-2015
Jason Bracken — jbracken@cityofoxford.org
Planning Commission Representative
City Councilor, Ph.D candidate in Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology at Miami University
David Gorchov - gorchodl@miamioh.edu
Member
Ph.D, Miami University Professor in the Department of Biology
Andor Kiss - andorjkiss@gmail.com
Environmental Commission Representative
Center for Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics Adjunct Assistant Professor
David Prytherch - dprytherch@cityofoxford.org
Oxford Parking & Transportation Advisory Board Representative
City Councilor, Ph.D, Miami University Professor in the Department of Geography
Joan Potter-Sommer - jpottersommer@yahoo.com
Member
Oxford Seniors, Oxford Seniors’ Ecology Club
Sandra Woy-Hazelton — woyhazs@miamioh.edu
Member
Deputy Director Institute of Environment and Sustainability (IES) at Miami University from 1981-2011
Ex Officio Members
Jessica Greene, City of Oxford, Assistant City Manager
Adam Sizemore, Miami University, Director of Sustainability
How the City will work with Miami University.
On September 22, 2020, Miami University’s President, Gregory Crawford, will sign the President’s Climate Leadership Commitments (PCLC) joining 350+ other higher education institutions committing to achieving carbon neutrality and addressing climate change resilience. Through collaboration with Miami’s Climate Action Task Force, Miami University will create a comprehensive Climate Resiliency Assessment Plan by Spring of 2022 and Climate Action Plan by Spring of 2023.
For more information on the university’s action visit: President Crawford to sign Second Nature’s PCLC: Climate Commitment and Sustainability | About Miami .
Actionable steps Oxford has already taken
Prior to the creation of our new Climate Steering Committee, the City of Oxford has been taking strides to become a more sustainable city. Below are programs currently active within our community today.
Food Scrap Composting Program
Oxford provides compost bins available to all Oxford residents. Currently, the bins accept fruits, vegetable scraps (remove stickers, ties, and wrappers), meat, fish, and bones, bread, oils and fats, dairy Products, and BPI Compostable Materials. The City began this program after the realization that ⅓ of the material in landfills is compostable material. The goal is to eventually expand this program and reduce the amount of waste created in Oxford.
City of Oxford’s Compost Program: Food Scrap Recycling Program
Electric Aggregation Program
The City’s electric aggregation program provides residents and small businesses in Oxford an opportunity to purchase renewable energy at a competitive price. The City is currently contracted with AEP Energy, receiving 100% renewable energy. Our current supply from AEP Energy comes from wind energy sourced in Texas.
Expanded recycling to include large green recycle wheelers
Recently, the City of Oxford has delivered Green Recycle Wheelers to all residents within the Mile Square. For any residents outside of the Mile Square still desiring a wheeler, please call (513)524-5221.
Recycling Information: Recycling & Waste
Tree City Program
Since 1996, Oxford Ohio has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. With this recognition comes the dedication to plant new trees annually and manage the health of the forests in our area. In 2018 alone, the City planted 108 new trees.
Bike and Pedestrian Infrastructure
Throughout the Summer of 2020, the City of Oxford has continued our expansion of bike lanes and multi-use paths. Check out our maps of our bike lanes on roads and our trails website has locations of our scenic multi-use paths.
Next steps & how YOU can get involved!
The City of Oxford encourages all citizens to get involved in making Oxford a greener more sustainable city. Timelines and information on the Climate Steering Committees actions and minutes can be found on our page: Climate Action Committee.
Tips to reducing household emissions:
- Reduce your electricity usage
- Switch out incandescent light bulbs for LED bulbs
- Turn off lights when you’re not using them
- Utilize smart sensors to automatically shut off lights if you are one to forget
- Turn up your AC in the summer and turn it town in the winter
- Reduce the temperature of your water heater
- Shopping and food
- Shop local
- Use reusable shopping bags
- Reduce food waste by cooking smaller portions and freezing items you won’t be using right away
- Compost food scraps
- Drive less, walk and bike more
- Commit to becoming a zero waste home
- Invest in reusable items:
- Water Bottles
- Tupperware
- Masks
- Dish towels / rags
Want to read more?
Check out the Green Hawk’s article on Oxford’s commitment to the environment: City of Oxford makes strides to combat climate change