State Rep. Emily Kinkead writes on the importance of sustainability.

Photo: Office of Rep. Kinkead

When you think about the word sustainability, what comes to mind? Do you think about natural and environmental resources, like food, water, and air? Or do you think about supporting economic development in your community? What about social resources and supports that help connect our communities?

If you agree with part or all of the above, you’re correct.

Sustainability is defined as meeting our own needs without adversely affecting the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, including natural, environmental, social, and economic resources.

It’s something I support here in our community, most recently in partnering with State Rep. Sara Innamorato and State Sen. Wayne Fontana for a community conservation sustainability event. Our teams worked together with residents and several community-based nonprofits to safely shred documents for more than 50 households and recycle more than four dozen televisions and other electronic devices, as well as hard-to-recycle plastic.

That spirit of sustainability was also evident in a special tour I took of two local urban farms in Pittsburgh—Freeman Family Farm and Greenhouse and Sankofa Village Community Garden and Farms—to highlight Urban Agriculture Week. You may be surprised to know urban agriculture is a fast growing segment of the agriculture sector, and there are many great urban farming locations to be found locally. It’s also where we’re seeing the highest numbers of farmers of color, something that I am happy to support and encourage!

Sustainability to me is about how each one of us can play an important role in making our community—and our world—a better place now and for future generations. Whether it’s cleaning up your neighborhood of trash and debris, supporting a local business, or giving back to your community through planting trees or a food garden, it truly makes an impact.

I encourage you to consider some ways you can work with your community and support sustainability, and I welcome your ideas and input. Feel free to reach out to my team and me on this or if you have any questions about state programs or services by calling 412-321-5523 or by emailing RepKinkead@pahouse.net. I look forward to hearing from you!