Vegetable Gardens

Seed St. Louis supports over 80 school and youth gardens in the St. Louis region. Educational curriculums, as well as resource to start, join, or expand a garden and more are available from Seed St. Louis. Flance Early Learning Center has been recognized by Missouri Green Schools for their community garden, which provided over 25 tons of free fresh produce, valued at over $180,000, to Flance families and their 63106 community (one of the poorest zip codes in Missouri and a food desert) in 2020. Imagine the impact that over 80 school gardens in the St. Louis region have together!

OneSTL Water

THE LOCAL WATER THAT DOES GOOD FOR ST. LOUIS

OUR STORY

OneSTL Water was created to support a simple goal – show St. Louis area residents that recycling works.

To stand out and make a difference, we needed to do something different. So we decided to create a new way to engage, activate, and connect people to recycling. OneSTL Water helps St. Louis area residents see that recycling matters and it directly connects them to the role they play in the recycling process.

 
 

RECYCLING WORKS IN ST. LOUIS – YOU MATTER!

Want to see proof positive that Recycling Works in St. Louis? Watch the video below to see the entire lifecycle of an aluminum can. Here’s a chance for you to see how you are critical to the recycling process. From making the initial choice of selecting a product packaged in an infinitely recyclable aluminum can, through your recycling efforts, to the return of new products with recycled content to store shelves, your actions matter to a more sustainable future!

MAKING A COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

Not only is recycling the right thing to do, it's also smart business. From the choices individuals make to the way a big business thinks and acts, we all make a significant impact on our region. Committing to sustainability and recycling matters. Watch this video to learn more. 

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

The choices you make MATTER. With your help, we can all have a truly positive and lasting impact on the St. Louis region.

RECYCLE!

You can make a lasting impact and drive recycling and waste reduction efforts forward in St. Louis.

By recycling, you help in the following ways:

  1. Conservation of Resources – By recycling materials like aluminum, paper, and glass, you help reduce the need to extract and process raw materials from the environment.
  2. Reduction of Waste – When you recycle, you help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.
  3. Energy Savings – Recycling helps manufacturers save energy that is wasted when they have to produce goods from virgin materials. Did you know that recycling aluminum saves up to 95% of the energy that is required to produce new aluminum?
  4. Economic Benefits – By recycling, you help municipalities reduce the costs associated with waste disposal AND you create recycling industry jobs.
  5. Conservation of Habitat – Extracting new raw materials often involves habitat destruction and ecosystem disruption. By recycling, you help reduce the demand manufacturers have for virgin materials.

STICK WITH THE 6!

When you “Stick with the Six” you are reducing recycling contamination by recycling six specific items:

  1. Paper
  2. Flattened cardboard
  3. Plastic bottles and containers
  4. Blass bottles and jars
  5. Metal food and beverage cans
  6. Food and beverage cartons

Stick with the Six is a way for you to avoid “wishcycling,” where you may mistakenly place nonrecyclable items in your recycling bins, leading to contamination. Learn more at RecycleResponsibly.org.

NEVER PLACE PLASTIC BAGS IN A RECYCLING BIN

Plastic bags are the single most significant source of contamination at recycling centers. Recycling facilities shut down for hours when plastic bags jam machinery. Clearing tangled plastic bags from jammed machinery puts workers at risk for injuries.

Plastic bags require different processing equipment than your regular recycling. To recycle plastic bags, bring them back to your local grocery or retail store. Visit NexTrex.com to learn more about plastic bag and plastic film recycling and to find a drop-off location near you!

THE ONESTL WATER BRAND

OneSTL Water is produced and canned locally in St. Louis' Grove District. OneSTL Water is only available in infinitely recyclable aluminum cans - the most recyclable beverage packaging option available! By choosing OneSTL Water, you are saying no to water pacakged in harmful plastic bottles. THANK YOU!

INFINITELY RECYCLABLE ALUMINUM CANS 

OneSTL Water is packaged in infinitely recyclable aluminum cans. You are doing something good by choosing the only truly sustainable alternative to water packaged in plastic bottles.

TURN TO THE TAP

OneSTL Water was created as a way to help you learn about recycling, we think nothing beats St. Louis’ world-class tap water. When you can, always Turn To The Tap First. Really! If tap water is not an option, we’re here to help you make the most sustainable choice you can – water packaged in an infinitely recyclable aluminum can.

LOCAL CLEANUP. LOCAL IMPACT.

OneSTL Water is the local water that does good for St. Louis! A portion of the proceeds from the sale of every can of OneSTL Water goes towards reducing pollution and cleaning up plastic and other contaminants from our region’s precious waterways.

OUR CURRENT PARTNER - MISSISSIPPI RIVER CITIES AND TOWNS INITIATIVE (MRCTI)

MRCTI is a non-profit organization that promotes economic and environmental security and stability along the Mississippi River Corridor. Its members are mayors of more than 100 communities along the Mississippi River, including St. Louis, MO. Learn more about MRCTI

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where did the idea for OneSTL Water come from?

Some people don’t believe that recycling is actually happening in St. Louis, and they feel as if their efforts to recycle might not be worth it. OneSTL is tasked with changing this.

Is OneSTL Water another recycling campaign?

Nope. It’s different. To drive change, we decided it was time for something that could connect with the very people we want to reach in a real way. Something that goes beyond another billboard or another mailing. With OneSTL Water, we’re creating a platform to deliver important messages and connect people to the recycling process.

Shouldn’t people just drink tap water in a reusable cup?

YES! Always turn to the tap first. Sometimes, that is not a realistic option, and that is where OneSTL Water can make a difference. Most of the time, people turn to plastic bottles. Plastic is the absolute worst choice you can make. Choosing a container that is significantly less harmful to the environment provides an opportunity to minimize your ecological impact. We are providing you with an alternative in an infinitely recyclable aluminum can, and we are delivering an important message about recycling.

Why not make a single-use refillable bottle instead of water in aluminum cans?

Numerous refillable bottles are already available. We needed to reach new people in a new way and tell the story of recycling. Our goal is simple, help people be better at recycling. We are putting recyclable items directly in people’s hands, and we’re delivering the message of recycling in a refreshing way.

I see you are supporting local clean-up efforts, what is that about?

Tap water in St. Louis is a prized asset. It is tasty and known for its quality. Part of our mission is to help the people committed to doing good in our region. That’s why a portion of the proceeds from the sale of every can of OneSTL Water goes towards reducing pollution and cleaning up plastic and other contaminants from our region’s precious waterways.

What is one big change I could make?

Break free from the plastic habit. Beyond environmental concerns, plastic bottles also pose risks to your health. When exposed to light, plastic particles can leach into the water, transforming it from clean to potentially toxic. Clear plastic bottles, while allowing you to see the water, also expose it to mold and fungus that the plastic fails to protect against. Choose a safer and more sustainable alternative to ensure environmental and personal well-being.

How do you make OneSTL Water?

We filter the water to less than 1 part per million (ppm), a remarkable standard that far exceeds requirements. Following the filtration process, we package our cans to the highest standards, ensuring both freshness and durability during storage and transportation.

Is water from an aluminum can tasty?

Absolutely. We take pride in crafting a high-quality product, utilizing the most sustainable materials available to ensure your enjoyment of OneSTL Water. Each of our cans features a liner that safeguards the water, guaranteeing it is safe to consume and that it offers a refreshing drinking experience!

What makes aluminum cans better than plastic bottles?

Tons! Cans provide effective protection for water against light, mold, and fungus, unlike plastic. Water stored in cans maintains its quality for decades, whereas water in plastic bottles tends to spoil within 12-24 months. Notably, aluminum cans ensure that no plastic or metal leaches into the water. Additionally, cans cool down more rapidly compared to plastic bottles. Aluminum cans are clearly better - and INFINITELY RECYCLABLE! 

What is the recycling rate for aluminum cans?

Aluminum cans consist of as much as 95% recycled aluminum, showcasing a commitment to sustainability. On the other hand, plastic bottles are crafted from 0% recycled plastic due to restrictions on their reuse for food or beverages. The recycling rate for aluminum cans approaches 80%, while plastic bottles lag significantly behind with less than 9% being recycled. And get this, when you Recycle an aluminum can, it could be back on the shelf in as little as 6 weeks!

What is Recycle Responsibly all about? 

Recycle Responsibly is a collaboration of individuals and organizations from across the St. Louis region working together to create a more sustainable future. The intent is to build the capacity of local and regional leaders to implement sustainable practices by sharing knowledge, best practices, and resources; connecting local, regional, state and federal planning efforts; and making federal and local investments more effective and efficient.

What is Single-stream recycling?

Single-stream recycling refers to a recycling system in which all materials are mixed within the same bin. These materials are collected, and then sorted by like material and sold to manufacturers to make new products, including new aluminum cans!

How can I help?

Recycle! You are part of the recycling process and your part matters. When you recycle #RecycleResponsibly, you make a difference. Recycling is easy to do and we’re here to help you know how.

GET ONESTL WATER!

Do you want to be a OneSTL Water retail partner? Would you like to offer OneSTL Water at your venue? Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and let's talk about doing some good together!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Funding & Incentives for Climate Action

Buildings are the largest contributor of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the St. Louis bi-state region, making up 64% of all emissions in 2015. You can help address the largest source of emissions by making a plan to take advantage of incentives to reduce energy use in your building and upgrade appliances with more efficient versions when they are in need of replacement. 

Individuals:

Take advantage of a tax credit to get a discounted home energy audit (or get one for free, for income-qualified residents in Missouri and Illinois). Make a plan to use available incentives to make your home more efficient and save money with renewable energy. Check out incentives from utilities in Missouri and Illinois, available tax credits and rebates, and income-qualified home weatherization assistance in Missouri and Illinois.

Local Governments and Schools:

For the first time, governments, schools, and nonprofits can take advantage of clean energy tax credits to reduce the cost of clean energy projects. Credits are available for electric vehicles, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, solar, wind, and geothermal projects. Lawyers for Good Government offers a Clean Energy Tax Nagivator tool, which assits entities in using energy tax credits for their potential, planned, or completed projects. For schools, a 2-pager about the benefits of the credits is available here. Energy grants and loans are also available for local government entities and public schools from MO Department of Natural Resources

Nonprofit Organizations and Houses of Worship:

Nonprofits and other tax-exempt entities can take advantage of clean energy tax credits to reduce the cost of clean energy projects. Credits are available for electric vehicles, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, solar, wind, and geothermal projects. Lawyers for Good Government offers a Clean Energy Tax Nagivator tool, which assits entities in using energy tax credits for their potential, planned, or completed projects. Interfaith Power & Light offers a fact sheet on direct pay for houses of workship available here.

Businesses:

Ameren Missouri offers incentives for business customers for energy efficiency upgrades and electric vehicles. Ameren Illinois also offers incentives for energy efficient upgrades and electric vehicles. Utilities can often offer guidance on the energy savings strategies and incentives that are the best fit for your business. Federal tax incentives are also available for energy efficiency, clean energy, and EV charging infrastructure and to electrify your fleet.

Midwest Climate Impacts

Increases in atmospheric greenhouse gas levels are associated with changes in both temperature and precipitation. In the Midwest, rising temperatures are harmful to human health, increasing the risk of both heat-related illness and respiratory illness. Rising temperatures place additional stress on bridges and pavements. Rising temperatures are also harmful to agriculture and biodiversity.

In the St. Louis region in recent decades, there has been an increase in the number of days with an inch or more of rain. These events cause flash floods, basement backups, and temporary road closures. There has also been an increase in winter and spring precipitation in the upper Midwest, which is associated with riverine flooding. As with changes in temperature, changes in precipitation are also detrimental to agriculture and biodiversity. To find out more about how climate change is affecting the Midwest, see the Midwest Chapter of the Fourth National Climate Assessment.

The good news is that U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have declined since 2005. In addition, the cost of producing alternative energy such as solar and wind have fallen dramatically since 2010. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concludes that maintaining emission-intensive systems may be more expensive than transitioning to low emission options. Find out how you can take action on climate change using available funding and incentives here.

Background

The overall goal of the St. Louis Regional Climate Action Plan is to document a path for the region to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by the year 2050. This will be accomplished by:

  • Creating an inventory of activities planned and already under way in the St. Louis MSA
  • Analyzing the possibility of scaling the existing projects up
  • Estimating the carbon reduction potential of the existing and scaled-up projects
  • Laying the groundwork for new projects needed to fill the gap in emissions reduction to achieve Net Zero by 2050.

To stay up to date about the regional climate action planning process, subscribe to the OneSTL monthly newsletter here

Don't wait for the climate action plan to start decarbonizing your home or business! Click here to find out more about current incentives available for solar, energy efficient appliances, and more.

Timeline

A Comprehensive Climate Action Plan will be due in December of 2025.

Updates

East-West Gateway staff conducted a stakeholder engagement process and compiled a list of carbon emissions reduction projects that were included in an interim deliverable called a "Priority Climate Action Plan". Gateway staff also coordinated with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR) and the Illinois Environmental Projection Agency (ILEPA) to ensure projects from across the region would be eligible for implementation funding. The documents submitted by EWG, MoDNR and ILEPA are available below: 

St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area

State of Missouri
State of Illinois

ILEPA received implementation funding for state-wide distribution. EWG staff will monitor how the ILEPA will distribute that funding.