Piedmont Environmetal Alliance is dedicated to promoting environmental policies and practices at the local level to help drive big, systematic change in our region. Read below to learn about some of these efforts.
2024 Environmental Agenda
As primary election season is upon us, several candidates running for local office have reached out to inquire about how the climate is changing in our region, what impact that has on voters, and how to take action.
In response, PEA created these talking points which are informed by the members of our organization and the work PEA does every day to create a more just, resilient, and environmentally sustainable Piedmont Triad.
This information has been made available to all candidates for local office, and we encourage voters to use it to talk with candidates about local environmental issues. Click here to view a downloadable PDF.
Resolution for Environmental Sustainability in WS/FC Schools
On Nov. 15, 2022 the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board passed a resolution pledging to integrate environmental sustainability into school operations and curriculum. The resolution takes a systems-level approach to integrating sustainability across the school system. Features include making school facilities more energy-efficient, reducing landfill waste with recycling and compost programs, greening school grounds with more sustainable learning landscapes, and engaging students through curricula every step of the way. Piedmont Environmental Alliance (PEA) worked with WS/FCS Superintendent Tricia McManus, WS/FCS Operations and Facilities leadership, administrators, school board members, parents, and teachers to develop this resolution and to advocate for more coordination on local sustainability efforts. Click here to read the full resolution.
After the passing of Resolution for Environmental Sustainability by the school board in November 2022, the district has launched a Sustainability Committee. This committee is currently assessing needs and drafting a strategic plan for incorporating sustainability into operation and curriculum across the district.
Are you a resident of the Piedmont Triad who wants to pass a resolution like this in your school district? Contact us to learn more about how PEA can support your efforts.
100% Renewable Energy Resolutions
In 2020, PEA joined forces with advocates from Sierra Club Foothills Group, Citizens Climate Lobby, NC Climate Solutions Coalition, the Poor People's Campaign, and The Climate Reality Project WS to pass resolutions in both Forsyth County and the City of Winston-Salem to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050. The county-wide resolution was passed in March 2020, followed by a city resolution in November 2020. The resolutions call for a transition to 100% renewable energy and the creation of green jobs. The resolutions also aim to address environmental justice and promote economic growth with previsions to assist vulnerable communities, add jobs to the local economy, and set goals for renewable energy sector growth. Click here to read the full City of Winston-Salem resolution.
Are you a resident of the Piedmont Triad who wants to pass a resolution like this in your city or county? Contact us to learn more about how PEA can support your efforts.
Eliminating Styrofoam Lunch Trays in WS/FC Schools
In 2019, a group of concerned parents approached PEA about a big problem they saw at their childrens' schools: styrofoam lunch trays. Not only do styrofoam lunch trays contribute to the huge global problem of single-use plastic, they also release harmful chemicals when exposed to heat. PEA took action by convening members of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school board and urging them to eliminate styrofoam lunch trays accross the district. After a successful pilot at Speas Elementary School and more than 175 messages of support collected by PEA from community members, the school board moved to eliminate styrofoam from lunch rooms district wide, transitioning to all reusable and compostable lunch trays instead.
After the passing of Resolution for Environmental Sustainability by the school board in November 2022, the district has launched a Sustainability Committee. This committee is currently assessing and determining a strategic plan for incorporating sustainability into operation and curriculum across the district.
Are you a resident of the Piedmont Triad who wants to eliminate styrofoam trays in your district? Contact us to learn more about how PEA can support your efforts.