LIVING AND WORKING SUSTAINABLY IN SQUIRREL HILL

Living and Working SUSTAINABLY

in Squirrel Hill

By Melissa Eppihimer

SUSTAINABILITY IS A MAJOR FOCUS FOR MANY COMMUNITIES these days, including Pittsburgh. Chatham University runs the Falk School of Sustainability & Environment. Mayor Gainey put environmental justice at the center of his vision for a sustainable city. Pittsburgh Public Schools is reviewing its lunch program to promote environmental sustainability, among other goals.

But what exactly is sustainability? And how does it work? Quite literally, sustainability is the capacity of something to endure. In current usage, it refers to behaviors that create a healthy environment, a thriving economy, and a vital society. When these three pillars are supported simultaneously, the benefits are widespread.

In Squirrel Hill, sustainability functions in obvious ways, like pedestrian- and bike-friendly pathways, access to public transportation, and a public library. Behind the scenes, local businesses are elevating people and planet as part of their commercial practices, and for some, sustainable goods and services are the core of their identity. Here, we highlight neighborhood businesses that are integrating sustainability into their operations and suggest ways that you, too, can live more sustainably.

SUSTAINABILITY, CERTIFIED

Diners who want to patronize restaurants that value sustainability can look for the logo of the Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant program, which certifies restaurants that adopt “environmentally and socially responsible methods.” In Squirrel Hill, nine restaurants have achieved one of the program’s four levels of recognition (Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze) by demonstrating sustainable choices in these operating areas: waste reduction, water conservation, energy efficiency, people, nutrition, and product sourcing. Guests at Rita’s, for example, can enjoy frozen custard while knowing that the shop takes recyclable materials to Construction Junction.

Beyond their social and environmental benefits, many of the actions recognized by the Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant program are good business practices. According to Cathy Willis, manager of Aiello’s Pizza, the restaurant had long been implementing certain sustainable practices, but a remodel in 2017 provided the opportunity to meet even more goals. Aiello’s continues to emphasize sustainability in the kitchen, where thoughtful food prep minimizes waste. In the dining area, signs encourage customers to ask for takeout containers only when necessary. The restaurant has also provided meals for distribution by 412 Food Rescue, an organization that fights hunger by fighting food waste. No matter where you spend your dining dollars, you can take steps to lower your meal’s toll on the environment. When dining in, bring your own reusable containers for leftovers. When ordering takeout, say “no thanks” to unnecessary single-use plastic utensils and condiment packets. Recycle takeout containers when possible. The City of Pittsburgh’s curbside recycling program accepts bottles, jugs, and jars made from plastic or glass, 3 gallons or less in size. This means that drink bottles go in the recycling bin, but many takeout containers do not. You should also throw away the greasy bottom of a pizza box, but go the extra mile and cut off the (hopefully) grease-free lid for recycling. Sustainable Pittsburgh, the non-profit that runs the Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant program, also recognizes shops that are environmentally and socially conscious. Biketek (5843 Forbes Ave) and The Chocolate Moose (5830 Forbes Ave) were both awarded Silver-level recognition for their sustainability efforts. To learn more about the certification program, visit sustainablepittsburgh.org.

SUSTAINABLE PITTSBURGH RESTAURANT PROGRAM

The Squirrel Hill restaurants certified by the Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant program include:

CAFE PHIPPS

(1 SCHENLEY DRIVE)

AIELLO’S PIZZA

(2112 MURRAY AVE)

ALLEGRO HEARTH BAKERY

(2034 MURRAY AVE)

ALADDIN’S EATERY

(5878 FORBES AVE)

KIIN THAI AND LAO EATERY

(5846 FORBES AVE)

MINEO’S PIZZA HOUSE

(2128 MURRAY AVE)

SILK ELEPHANT

(1712 MURRAY AVE

T-SWIRL CREPE

(1714 MURRAY AVE)

RITA’S ITALIAN ICE

(5880 FORBES AVE)

REDUCE/REUSE/RECYCLE BUSINESSES

Even if you were unfamiliar with sustainability before reading this article, you may recognize the phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle.” This advice is still valid, especially at Squirrel Hill’s many shops selling preowned items. Purchasing used goods reduces the environmental costs of manufacturing and—since inventory often draws from local sources—transporting new items. These shops also connect us with each other, even if we never meet the person who once owned the treasured item now in our possession. For clothing, Avalon Exchange (5834 Forbes Ave) offers a diverse selection of vintage and contemporary pieces that are guaranteed to turn heads, like its playfully posed window mannequins. The store encourages customers to rework and reconstruct items that may not yet be a perfect fit, and it donates many unsold items to charities that will pass them along to new users. While adults change their style with the times, kids outgrow clothing too quickly. For that problem, families can turn to A Child’s Wardrobe & Adults Too! (2200 Murray Avenue). With a focus on upscale brands, the store promises a wardrobe suitable for fashion icons of all ages. For entertainment, gently used books, records, and games are found throughout the neighborhood. Jerry’s Records (2136 Murray Ave, 2nd floor), a Squirrel Hill institution, has been selling pre-owned records here since 1993. Amazing Books & Records (5858 Forbes Ave) combines vinyl and paper in its array of musical and literary treasures. Games Unlimited (5876 Forbes Ave) sells some pre-owned tabletop games. The selection is constantly changing, but Candra, a manager at the store, remembers vividly the vintage Dungeons & Dragons materials that once passed through. Gamers who prefer the digital realm should visit The Exchange (5862 Forbes Ave), which sells used video games and gaming accessories, as well as CDs and DVDs. The store also has a vinyl collection on hand. That makes three venues for record enthusiasts within walking distance! All of these shops add to their inventory by buying from customers. This means you can extend the life of items in your closet by bringing in material for their consideration. If your goods are not accepted for resale, donate or recycle them instead. You can also extend the life of your possessions by repairing and reimagining them. Tailors and cobblers can do wonders

with worn, damaged, or out of style clothing and shoes. Try Andy’s Tailoring (1833 Murray Ave), Ianni’s Tailoring (5817 Forward Ave), or Squirrel Hill Shoe Repair (2205 Murray Ave). Finally, when out and about, bring your own bag to carry purchases home. If you bring a bag when buying from Ten Thousand Villages (5820 Forbes Ave), they’ll reward you with a miniature chocolate! SUSTAINABILITY AT THE CORE At Tula Organic Salon and Spa (2629 Murray Ave), Credit: Wilson Chan sustainability is the core of its approach to beauty and wellness. It uses environmentally friendly products for hair and body treatments in a space decorated with recycled and upcycled materials. Even small details, like reusable glasses and electronic gift cards, reduce the salon’s environmental impact. Becky Goodwin, Tula Organic’s owner, said that there are benefits for customers as well. “We often get new clients at the salon because of personal health concerns—autoimmune conditions, cancer survivors. They are very aware of what they allow near their bodies,” she said. The Refillery extends the idea of sustainable practices into the home. Shoppers fill reusable containers with personal care and cleaning materials from bulk containers for at-home use. This minimizes packaging materials. The store also sells reusable “unpaper” towels, napkins, gift bags, and other items meant to replace single-use products. The Refillery sources local goods whenever possible and seeks out products made by individuals paid a fair wage. (For more on this new business, see page 18.) There’s nothing more local than honey derived from your own hive, but not everyone has the courage or patience to run an apiary. Fortunately, Alyssa Fine and Adam Revson of Pittsburgh Honey (2327 Murray Ave)

produce and sell honey from apiaries in southwestern PA. They also lead the Pittsburgh Honey Cooperative, a resource for local honey producers. When eating local honey you are, as Revson describes it, “living in an ecosystem.” The honey derives its flavor and nutritional benefits from the flowering plants nearest to the hives, allowing Pittsburgh Honey to place its hives for the optimal benefit to consumers and the community at large.

While these businesses strive to ensure that their goods and services promote sustainability, you can follow their lead. Shop locally to support community merchants and cut shipping waste. Visit the Squirrel Hill Farmer’s Market when it opens in May; the food is fresh, local, and delicious. Finally, recognize that our collective actions can make a difference.

The people of Squirrel Hill have a track record of working together to uphold the three pillars of sustainability. Through our efforts, Squirrel Hill has remained a place that supports its residents and welcomes those who visit or work in its business districts. Here, sustainability is more than a buzzword. It’s a commitment that we will do what we can to make the neighborhood and the people and places connected to it greener, healthier, and more vibrant. Sustainability is the LED lights that brighten our restaurants; the worker that volunteers in the community; the racks of clothes saved from a landfill; the sounds of bees buzzing to make local honey. That’s a buzz we can all appreciate.

While these businesses strive to ensure that their goods and services promote sustainability, you can follow their lead.