How Green Is Wichita?

The city is taking strides to become more environmentally conscious.

As cities across the nation make efforts to protect the environment, Wichita is beginning to take steps toward becoming more environmentally conscious. From a bustling recycling center to energy-efficient housing materials, Wichitans are on the verge of going green.

“There’s more awareness and more discussion about it,” says Kate Johnson, the City of Wichita’s director of environmental services. The W.A.T.E.R. Center, a water treatment facility that opened in 2003, doubles as a venue to educate locals about the environment. The center is creating a way to measure the environmental impact of organizations and identify ways to limit the damage. The City is also developing the Parks Recreation & Open Space plan, which aims to add more green spaces for fitness and fun. And the Dream in Green public education series at Wichita State University’s Metroplex informs Wichitans about environmental topics.

Recycling is also on the rise, says Pro Kansas Miller Recycling Center spokesman Michael Kline. Before the recycling center opened in 2002, people had to visit separate facilities for cans, newspapers and plastic.
“We wanted to be a one-stop shop,” says Kline. Last year, the center took in more than 1 million pounds of material. The Saturday after Christmas, cars lined up three blocks waiting to recycle trimmings and trappings. Today, it operates near capacity and sells the materials to fund its grassroots effort. For all of its success, Kline says he wants nothing more than to close the center’s doors because of city-wide recycling mandates. “Please put us out of business,” he laughs.

Recycling is also impacting the local housing industry. Shelden Architecture uses recycled products in some building projects. For instance, backing on certain types of carpet is made from recycled water bottles.
Homeowners are also using more energy-efficient products to cut down bills. “Maybe you spend a little more for insulated doors, but in the long run you would probably save money,” says Jason Oldfather, an architect who moved to Wichita from Aspen, Colorado. “People are getting a little more innovative,” he says. “I think it’s becoming more common.”

Earthy Events
There's far more than Earth Day in April.

April 5:
Help get the Chaplin Nature Center back in shape by volunteering to help clean the trail and nature center.
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Chaplin Nature Center, 27801 27th Dr., Arkansas City. (620-442-4133, wichitaaudubon.org)

April 15:
Enjoy a program at the Great Plains Nature Center on “Birds of Trinidad” by Bob Gress, the facility’s director. Or, see wildlife and plant species at the Great Plains Nature Center anytime. Free. 7:30 p.m. 6232 E. 29th St. N. (316-683-5499, gpnc.org)

April 18–20:
Take a field trip with the Wichita Audubon Society to Lawton, Oklahoma to observe Black-capped Vireos in the Wichita Mountains, the Hackberry Flat wetlands and areas along Oklahoma’s Red River. Call for times and prices. (316-832-0182, wichitaaudubon.org)

April 19–20:
Treescapes hosts workshops on how to be more eco-friendly. Free. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sat., 1 and 4 p.m. Sun. Treescapes, 1202 N. Andover Road, Andover. (316-733-6388)

April 22:
The Sedgwick County Zoo hosts hands-on Earth Day activities and exhibits for kids. Free. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 W. Zoo Blvd.
(316-660-9453, scz.org)