Haverford Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC)
The Environmental Committee is a regular advisory board to the Township Manager and Board of Commissioners. The duties of the Environmental Committee are to:
- Work with the Township Manager and the Board of Commissioners and act as their advisory body on environmental affairs.
- Where possible, initiate programs to improve the ecological balance and pollution standards of Haverford Township.
- Make itself available to provide guidance and information on ecology and pollution problems for all residents of the Township.
- Perform such functions as they relate to environmental concerns as may be requested by the Township Manager and/or the Board of Commissioners. (Article XVIII Environmental Committee § 4-515 Powers and duties)
EAC Community Initiatives
Hav-a-rain Garden
Rain Gardens help reduce flooding and stormwater pollution, i mitigates the effects of increased rainfall due to climate change. 10 Residents per year are getting a rain garden built by the Hav-a-Rain Garden program if their home or small business ranks highly enough, they contribute sweat equity and commit to maintaining their garden. Hav-a-Rain Garden has built 50 residential gardens (through 2019) and helped Public Works build rain gardens in Bailey Park, Merwood Park and the Oakmont Parking Lot.
If you want a Rain Garden, request an assessment to see if you qualify. Businesses can get advice on installing their own and can gain visibility by becoming a Hav-a-Rain Garden sponsor. Volunteer to help install them - it's a great way to learn what they are all about.
Email havaraingarden@gmail.com to volunteer, request an assessment, keep up with workshops and new developments or to be a sponsor of the program.
Solarize DelCo
Solarize DelCo is a volunteer run organization that promotes going solar through education and by offering a group buying option with a vetted solar installer to lower installation costs. SolarizeDelco@gmail.com
Recycling Beyond the Blue Bin
By recycling these hard to recycle items that are not accepted in our single stream township recycling: we save tax payer dollars that would pay for waste removal and disposal, decrease emissions from raw material usage, decrease potential plastic pollution on land and in water, and reduce pollution in air, land and water by decreasing our waste in incinerators and landfills.
EAC volunteers have teamed up to offer drop off locations throughout the township for select hard-to-recycle items for all Haverford township residents. Each program has a different volunteer collecting packaging to be shipped and recycled through Terracycle. Make sure packaging is as clean and dry as possible! To participate please follow directions on what is accepted in each program. NOTE: EACH program is BRAND specific, unless specified by “any brand accepted”. Product packaging will be shipped and properly recycled through Terracycle. Programs include: brita filters, foil lined chip bags, toothpaste tubes, make containers, office supplies, tupperware containers, toys, scrap metal and more!
Subsidized Backyard Compost Bins
What it is, why it helps and how you can try it at home. Learn about about wasting less, fighting climate change and making free organic fertilizer! Discount $30 Compost Bins for Township residents attending the compost workshop (one per residence) while supplies last. Questions or can’t make the workshop?
Lawn Signs
If you have a Solar Home, Electric Vehicle or Buy Renewable Power in Delaware County (PA), you can get a motivational lawn sign to help move the needle in your community. We are hoping to get folks throughout the region to display a sign, especially those on a high visibility street.
Contact the Haverford EAC with name, address, phone number and the subject: I want a {Solar, EV and/or Buying Renewable Power} lawn sign – and tell us which sign.
Haverford Leading the Way for Other Townships
Every Town Can Fight Climate Change! EASY things to save the planet (and save money too!)
No progress on climate got you down? Influence your community and the marketplace to stop global warming! Pays back in reduced operating cost, reducing future tax burdens!
Plan: Develop a Greenhouse Gas/Energy Baseline Inventory & Climate Action Plan. If you are short on funding and time, ask for help bootstrapping at least a baseline (e.g., from Ready for 100 volunteers) or start doing!
Commit: Pass Climate Action Resolutions committing to reduce greenhouse gas and calling for state / federal action - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mljm3Yk4NVVjNQjm2IuxeBIRKVw7r6tM2D6qs9aMm7M/edit.
Show Your Commitment: Get PA League of Municipalities “Sustainable PA” Certification (www.sustainablepacommunitycertification.org).
Pave the Way for Home Solar PV: Get SolSmart Certification with DVRPC assistance which provides a clear standard approach for Solar installers (ecompitello@dvrpc.org).
Buy Renewable/Carbon Free Power: Make your next contract renewable or look for a low-cost solar regional Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) initiative that may be led by DVRPC.
LED Streetlight/Building Light Conversion: Tap into the DVRPC Regional Streetlight Program for an easy and reliable way to save money and avoid the pitfalls (www.dvrpc.org/RSLPP/).
Electric Vehicles: Most town vehicles go <100 miles/day, ideal for EVs with a lower life cycle cost. Try it with a 3 year used Leaf for < $15,000. Plug-In Hybrids are a “no fear” option, but generally cost more. For fleet-wide help, a to to EP-ACT (https://ep-act.org/).
EV Charging Stations: 110V charging is viable for low mileage EVs. The next step is non-networked Level 2 stations for as little as $500 if there is ready access to a 230 V, 40 Amp outlet. If networked stations or electrical installation to parking lots are required, PA EV charger/Alt. Fuel Veh. grants pay 80% of the cost (https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Energy/OfficeofPollutionPrevention/ElectricVehicles/Pages/default.aspx).
Hybrid Police Vehicles: “Pursuit Rated” hybrid police vehicle – an SUV based on Explorer or a sedan (www.ford.com/police-vehicles/hybrid-utility/). Studies show >$4000/year annual savings based on lifetime ownership - Police cars typically use up to 80% of their fuel idling.
Propane/CNG Heavy Trucks/Buses: Propane school buses and heavy trucks are a low capital / high payback transitional measure - lower fuel costs and 10-15% GHG emission reduction vs. diesel. Dual fuel vehicles and kits are more costly and some are less reliable. (https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/propane_benefits.html)
Building Energy Efficiency: New buildings are energy hogs if improperly run. Energy efficiency studies identify pay back items with excellent return on investment.
Disclaimer: This information provided as a public service of the Haverford Township Environmental Advisory Committee to demonstrate that a few simple things can reduce greenhouse gases and save you money – things are moving fast, so you may need to search where links are obsolete.