City of Independence EcoFest

The City of Independence hosts an annual EcoFest. The June festival provides an opportunity for children and adults to see displays with an environmental theme.

Exhibitors will provide information about the importance of water quality, local watersheds, stormwater management, and conservation. There will be games, contests, interactive information booths, and entertainment.

Make plans to come support what will be a very important and fun event for our community!

Schedule: TBD    Time: TBD

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant

The City was recently awarded an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The award will be used to fund several activities throughout the City that focus on energy efficiency and conservation.

For a list of activities, visit: www.indepmo.org/Recovery/eecbg.aspx

ENERGY STAR® Partnership

The City of Independence Power and Light (IPL) is an official ENERGY STAR Partner. ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. ENERGY STAR provides a powerful platform for utilities, state agencies, and other organizations implementing energy efficiency programs.

IPL has several programs that promote ENERGY STAR standards, including the New Homes Program with ENERGY STAR, the residential and commercial rebate programs, and the residential loan program.

Independence Farmer’s Market

Buying local produce is one way to be green while helping the local economy. The Independence Farmers Market is open 5 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturdays from May through October and Wednesdays from June through October, in the parking lot at Truman Road & Main Street.

Only locally grown quality produce and handmade crafts by sellers who resides within a 75 mile radius of Independence are allowed.

For information, contact Joe at (816) 252-8860 or joe@antoineseed.com.

Green Remodeling

Green your new or existing home projects! The City of Independence Community Development Department and the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) Community Development Department offers great tips for your green home.

MARC also offers a Home Remodeling Loan Program that offers low-interest, fixed-rate home equity loans to homeowners.

Additional home improvements and home toolkits are also located at your finger tips through our “For Residents” web page.

Online Paperless Services

Paper production, processing, and distribution not only increases business cost but the environmental impact and efficiency losses of using paper has been a driving factor for the City to reduce paper consumption and encourage energy efficiency. Through our green commitment, the City offers many online paperless services that is quickly accessible and simple to use.

List of Online Paperless Services

Parks and Recreation

The Parks and Recreation Department has many environmentally friendly projects, including conversion of mowed grass area to native prairie and wildflowers, and the creation of rain and butterfly gardens.

These projects and more, reduces the amount of staff time mowing and trimming, reduces gas consumption, lowers pollution and creates a more natural area for park users.

The George Owens Nature Park gives families the opportunities to reconnect with their natural environment through a variety of activities and programs.

Public Transportation

The region's largest public transportation provider, the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) works with the City of Independence Public Transportation Advisory Committee to provide public transportation for Independence citizens.

The KCATA website provides up-to-date maps and schedules, fares, and even an online trip planner.

Public Works “Green Focus”

This website summarizes the many “green” projects that public works is involved in, including recycling, erosion control, fuel conservation, solar powered school flashing lights, and snow route realignment.

Public Works Green Focus

Power and Light Energy Efficiency and “Green Energy”

The City of Independence Power and Light Department (IPL) continues to seek energy efficient and renewable energy options for residents. The IPL offers numerous programs to encourage energy efficiency, including rebates for high-efficient equipment. IPL also purchases green energy from the Smoky Hills Wind Farm located in Salina, Kansas. Additionally, the Power and Light Department participates in a Net Metering program, which allows customers to install a renewable energy generator to offset their electric rates..

Purchasing Activities

The Purchasing Division formed a “Green Team” to create a Sustainability Policy to guide purchases made by and on behalf of the City of Independence.

The goal of the new policy is to reduce the adverse environmental impact of our purchasing decisions by buying goods and services from manufacturers and vendors who share our commitment to the environment.

The Division also reissues used computer equipment that no longer meets the needs of the original user, but functions well for another department.

Recycling in the City

Today recycling has become an integral part of society. The City of Independence is leading the way by developing, providing and supporting programs for our citizens.

In 2009 alone, the City was able to recycle more than 1,460 tons of materials from city provided programs like our drop off centers, multiple drop off depot events, and the City’s new commingled recycling program in conjunction with Abitibi-Bowater. In total through private entities, individuals, and the City’s efforts we were able to divert more than 6,550 tons of materials from landfills in 2009. As impressive as that is, it still only amounts to about 14% of the total waste amount collected so we can still do more.

If you are interested in joining our efforts but need more information about what can be recycled and where you can take your recyclable items you can visit our Recycling Center page.

Tree City and Tree Line USA

The City of Independence has earned the designation of Tree City USA and Tree Line USA for over 9 years.

Tree City USA provides direction, technical assistance, public attention, and national recognition for urban and community forestry programs. Independence has achieved this designation annually for nine years.

The Tree Line USA program promotes best practices in utility arboriculture and public education through three core standards: quality tree care, annual worker training, and tree planning and public education.

For more information, visit the Arbor Day Foundation’s web site. To meet the qualifications of these designations, the City has a Tree Commission. For information about serving on the Tree Commission visit the City Clerk’s web site

Unified Development Ordinance

The Community Development Department recently created a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) which was adopted by the Planning Commission and City Council.

The UDO applies to all development in the City and incorporates several green aspects, including articles addressing solar and wind energy systems; natural resource preservation; and open space conservation.

Wastewater Pollution Control

The City's Wastewater Pollution Control (WPC) Department educates citizens about how to prevent pollution. Pollution can occur from pet waste, our cars, our yards, and other sources that you may not know about.

Visit WPC's website for more information about pollution control programs including the Industrial Pretreatment Program, Pollution Prevention tips, Public Education, and Household Hazardous Waste.

Water Conservation

Water conservation is a cost-effective and environmentally sound way to reduce our demand for water. Conservation of water will allow us to extend our supplies further, and protects various bodies of water such as lakes and rivers. Saving water also saves energy! There are many effective ways to conserve water around your home and at work.

Need some starter tips? The City of Independence Water Department is dedicated to the cause and provides excellent and insightful resources such as suggestion and guides.

Bridging the Gap works to make the Kansas City region sustainable by connecting environment, economy and community. Bridging The Gap seeks to educate citizens, businesses and government on the impact of decisions and behavior on our present and future community and world.

Independence Farmer’s Market

Buying local produce is one way to be green while helping the local economy. The Independence Farmers Market is open 5 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturdays from May through October and Wednesdays from June through October, in the parking lot at Truman Road & Main Street.

Only locally grown quality produce and handmade crafts by sellers who resides within a 75 mile radius of Independence are allowed.

For information, contact Joe at (816) 252-8860 or joe@antoineseed.com.

The Independence School District is a leader in its progressive and innovative approaches to education, staff support, and the health and welfare of those who work and live in the district.

The Independence School District is adding a huge new initiative which could prompt those in Independence to recycle more than 700 tons of paper, plastic, and aluminum. The district has contracted with Deffenbaugh Recycling Company to add recycling bins at every school and building in the district, which will also be available for community use.

This is just the latest step in the school district’s drive to GO GREEN. The district has invested in making all schools more energy efficient, including cutting back on heating and air conditioning after school is released, controlling HVAC equipment to use more outside air, and installing motion sensors in classrooms that turn lights on and off. Schools now use recycled toilet tissue, hand towels, and fluorescent tubes. Brush and limbs on school grounds are now turned into mulch, and most cleaning chemicals are “green seal certified.”

Thinking Green, Being Green! Jackson County remains fully committed to that principle even during an unprecedented and ongoing budget crisis. In fact, Jackson County is expanding! Check out their numerous recycling locations and their long list of environmental programs and activities!

The Sustainable Technology Center at MCC-Blue River is leading the way for green technology in the Kansas City metro area! With a Sky Stream 3.7 Wind Turbine and grid-tied photovoltaic array, MCC-Blue River is ready to meet your work force training needs!

MCC participates in Independence Power and Light Department’s Net Metering Program, which allows them to offset their energy needs with energy created by the solar panels and wind turbine.

City employees work to promote partnerships with the Mid-America Regional Council on environmental related affairs. Staff serves on committees and attends regular meetings on Solid Waste, Air Quality, Water Quality, Operation Green Light, and Household Hazardous Waste.

Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) oversees the State’s environmental divisions including Energy, Environmental Quality, Geology and Land Survey, State Parks, Environmental Improvement and Energy Resources Authority (EIERA).

With their ongoing efforts to provide abundant information and resources, DNR also comprises an extensive list of Online Services and incorporates a comprehensive Calendar of Events that is easily searchable. Stay up-to-date and receive the latest news by subscribing to their magazine.

Although putting used or unwanted items out for the trash may seem to be the easiest solution, it isn't always the best solution. Many items can be reused even if they are old or in need of repair.

Search to find places to recycle, donate, sell or buy used items throughout the Kansas City region.

The RideShare Connection (formerly the Carpool Connection) is a free, easy and convenient service that connects commuters throughout Greater Kansas City, Lawrence and St. Joseph who are interested in carpooling.

RideShare Connection also provides a way for commuters to track their trips using all forms of transportation - carpool, bus, bicycle, walking and telecommuting. You'll be able to track your cost savings and emissions reductions over time.

The Surplus Exchange is Kansas City's link between industry, charity, and the environment. The Surplus Exchange collects surplus business goods like furniture and electronics and donates or sells them to community organizations and individuals.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) leads the nation's environmental science, research, education and assessment efforts. The mission of EPA is to protect human health and the environment. Since 1970, EPA has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people.

Looking for up-to-date data on Independence? Check out MyEnvironment!