sustainable: of, or relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged.
At least according to Webster’s Dictionary, that’s the definition of sustainable. However, like many, you might still be left asking yourself the question, “But what does it really mean?” If you’re fortunate enough to live, work, or play in Apex, you’ll find that it means a great deal. So much so that the town invested in a Sustainability Program designed to ensure that current and future residents can enjoy and experience the “Peak of Good Living” for many generations to come.
“People, Profit, Planet” is the motto of the Sustainability Program. These three principles focus on the social, economic, and environmental areas targeted to bring about change. People, of course, are critical to the success of the program. Establishing neighborhood community gardens, water conservation, recycling, and spreading awareness are just a few examples of things the average citizen can do to make a difference. Economic growth factors into the profit aspect of the program’s motto. Affordable housing and business fall under this realm as well. By partnering with local businesses that implement practices designed to foster profit and improve the environment, a mutual goal is achievable.
North Carolina State University graduate Megan Pendell is the town’s Sustainability Coordinator. She graduated with a degree in environmental science with a focus on climate change and water resources. To say she’s passionate about the works she performs would be an understatement. “I grew up in Apex, it’s my hometown, so I have an extra special stake in the program’s success as well as the town’s,” said Ms. Pendell. She’s responsible for inspiring the Apex Community Alliance, a grassroots group consisting of all local volunteers committed to spreading awareness throughout the community. Ms. Pendell is an active member of the Southeast Sustainability Directors Network—a group of sustainability professionals that have proven to be an excellent resource for networking and sharing information.
Ms. Pendell’s coworker, Valeria Mera, serves as the program’s Sustainability Analyst. Also an NC State graduate, Ms. Mera initially came to the Town of Apex through Lead for North Carolina. This fellowship program connects recent college graduates and young professionals with fellowships in local government. During her senior year at NC State, she served as the student government Sustainability Director. One afternoon in spring of 2020, while attending a career fair, she had a chance meeting with a friend who told her she’d be a great candidate for the program. Ms. Mera applied, and the program’s director decided she’d be a great fit for Apex as the town was seeking a fellow to work within the Sustainability Program. That one-year fellowship, she happily stated, led to a full-time position with the town.
Mayor Jacques Gilbert and Town of Apex employees have been very supportive of the program’s initiatives. Since its inception in July 2020, Ms. Pendell and Ms. Mera have continually met with each of the town’s departments, sharing information, consulting, collaborating and identifying issues unique to each one. Their hard work is evident. Recently, they applied for and were awarded a North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Level 2 Charge grant, enabling the procurement of six new electric vehicle chargers for the town’s fleet.
Ms. Pendell and Ms. Mera both agree that education is their most powerful tool. On April 23, in honor of Earth Day, the program sponsored its largest-ever event—the first annual Apex EarthFest, and it was a huge success! An opportunity to meet and interact with other Apex residents, EarthFest was held on the Town Hall campus and served as a chance for local residents of all ages to get together as a community, learn about sustainability, and have some fun. There were food trucks, face painting and over forty vendors participated. The celebration included student art exhibits, “Town Talks” (a clever take on TED Talks), an electric vehicle showcase, a wishing wall and a logo contest won by Apex Friendship High School student Quinlan Campbell, whose original design was utilized for this year’s festival. The event was a huge success, and the sustainability team is already looking forward to EarthFest 2023!
As individuals, we can do our part to implement even small changes in our daily lives but working together as a community we can make Apex and the world a better place.
