General

Greener Together names new recipients

A project that will improve bike trails and walkability in a heavily traveled area and another that will put solar panels on an area food hub are the new recipients of funding from OPPD’s Greener Together Program.

The program is designed to help customers in OPPD’s 13-county service territory collaborate with others to support environmental projects. The projects focus on making a positive, long-term impact on a community’s sustainability.

Members of Greener Together recently voted to provide funding to Florence Futures and No More Empty Pots. Florence Futures received $59,430, and No More Empty Pots received $85,103.

Those looking to make a positive impact in their communities can do so through the Greener Together Program, said Britney Gibilisco, product manager at OPPD.

No More Empty Pots

No More Empty Pots plans to install solar panels on the group’s food hub at 30^th  and Willit Streets. It will also work to “demonstrate sustainability and stewardship through education and practice, reducing energy costs and reinvesting those funds in people.”

Reinvesting energy savings to support community programs aligns with OPPD’s values, said Nancy Williams, the group’s president and CEO.

“No More Empty Pots is thrilled to receive this investment from the Greener Together members and OPPD,” Williams said. “Installing solar panels on the rooftop of the Food Hub will complete the original renovation plans of the 100-plus-year-old buildings for improved stewardship and sustainability through renewable energy.”

Florence Futures

Florence Futures’ plans call for improvements to long-neglected bus shelters, installation of specific bike infrastructure and additional targeted beautification to increase walkability in the area. The project area includes a portion of 30th Street beginning at Miller Park and ending at Florence.

Nick Battter, project organizor for Florence Futures, said he’s excited voters validated their project.

“Sometimes our neighborhoods can feel overlooked,” he said. “So we are honored the Greener Together members chose us and No More Empty Pots. There were so many great and worthy causes to choose from.”

The funds will help make possible improvements to bring more people to the Florence, Miller Park and Minne Lusa area and keep them there longer to enjoy and explore all the community offers, Batter said.

Want to join?

Whispering Roots and Habitat for Humanity were the first two recipients of funding from Greener Together, which started in 2022.

The program has raised $313,512 so far. It awarded $130,000 in the first round of funding and $144,532 in the latest round.

Visit the Greener Together Community Dashboard to sign up or to learn more about the program.