Goals
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Indicator Measures
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How are we doing?
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5.1 Environmental Stewardship |
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5.1.1 The ecological footprint: per capita consumption of the Earth’s resources |
Americans use 24 acres per person to sustain their lifestyles, versus 5.3 acres available per person globally. |
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5.1.2 Household recycling rates and solid waste generated — Boston versus other Massachusetts cities |
In 2001, recycling rate in Boston fell to 11%, by comparison, Belmont and Arlington recycled over 40% of household waste. |
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5.1.3 Friends groups for parks and greenspaces |
Park stewardship is increasing |
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5.2 Clean Energy and Climate Stability |
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5.2.1 Trends in climate change – local, national and global |
From 1890-2000, the average temperature in Amherst increased 2°F, and precipitation increased by up to 20%. |
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5.2.2 Per capita greenhouse gas or CO2 emissions from residential and commercial energy use, transportation, and solid waste disposal |
In 1998, Boston’s local energy use, transportation, and waste disposal produced over 9 million tons of emissions. |
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5.2.3 Energy from renewable sources |
In 2000, Massachusetts produced 22.0 trillion BTUs of renewable energy. Total energy consumed was 1,722.8 trillion BTUs. |
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5.3 Productive and Efficient Use of Land |
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5.3.1 Smart Growth measured by trends in development and effects on Boston and the region |
Between 1990 and 2000, development increased in the outer ring of Metro Boston much faster than in the inner ring and the city. |
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5.3.2 Housing density and services within ¼ mile of transit nodes in Metro Boston |
See Transportation section. |
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5.4 Clean Air |
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5.4.1 Changes in air quality – level of PM 10 and PM 2.5 micron particles in the air at selected Boston sites |
Monitoring PM-10 data in 2000 show that the air pollution did not exceed EPA’s standard of 50 micrograms per cubic meter. |
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5.4.2 Alternative fuel vehicles |
In 2000, Massachusetts had 5,784 alternative-fueled vehicles. |
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5.5 Clean and Plentiful Water |
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5.5.1 Aquifer/water table depletion caused by water runoff from impervious surfaces and combined sewer overflows (CSOs) |
During the summer of 2002, 40 Metro Boston communities instituted voluntary or mandatory water bans. |
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5.5.2 Swimmable days and violations of safe swimming standards in Boston’s rivers and harbor |
In 2000 and 2001 Boston’s rivers, beaches and harbor were cleaner. Charles River met standards for swimming 59% of the time, and for boating 92%. |
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5.5.3 Efficient and sustainable use of fresh water supplies within available means |
Since 1990, the region’s water demand (250 million gallons/day) stayed below safe yield. |
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5.6 Sustainable and Healthy Ecosystems |
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5.6.1 Acres of protected and restored urban wilds and natural areas in Boston |
Since 1990, Urban Wilds sites totaling 189.6 acres have been protected in Boston. |
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5.6.2 Biodiversity: number and volume of bird species on Boston |
In 2002, on a single day at a single place, BPS students observed 127 birds from 15 species. Canadian geese and mallards lead the count. |
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5.6.3 Harvestable shellfish beds in the Boston Harbor area |
Between 1993 and 2000, pollution levels improved at shellfish monitoring stations. |
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5.7 Environmental Justice and Equity |
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5.7.1 Public health stresses on children by neighborhood |
In 2001, asthma levels increased in children but lead levels continued to decline. |
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5.7.2 Toxic emissions from smoke stacks and tailpipes |
Power plants in Metro Boston are among the worst polluters in Massachusetts. In 2002, 17 diesel school buses were retrofitted for emission control and 124 clean fuel buses were purchased by the MBTA. |
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5.8 Accessible Green and Recreational Spaces |
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5.8.1 Green space distribution, acres/1,000 children by Boston neighborhood |
Neighborhoods with 20 acres of open space per 1,000 children, have the most children. |
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5.8.2 Access to and use of Harborwalk and Harbor Islands National Park |
In 2002, more than 240,000 visits were made to the Harbor Islands National Park. |
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5.9 Beautiful Walkable Communities |
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5.9.1 Tree cover and number of trees and bulbs/flowers planted in Boston |
From 1995 to 2000, the Boston Parks Dept. planted 2000 trees, pruned 730, and removed 590. |
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5.9.2 Community gardens in Boston |
Boston has more than 176 community gardens spread throughout its neighborhoods. |
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5.10 Sustained Public Support for Environment and Open Space |
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5.10.1 Funding for the environment and open space in Boston and Massachusetts |
Public funding for open space in Boston and environmental issues in Massachusetts has continued to decline. |
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