Author: Julie Hauser

Commerce Bank is a regional super-community bank, committed to understanding customers’ needs, listening closely and providing tailored solutions. Its tagline — “Ask. Listen. Solve.” — reflects not only its approach to customer service, but also its leadership as a Leader Level participant in the 2025 St. Louis Green Business Challenge.

Sustainability is a key part of Commerce Bank’s approach to environmental stewardship, and the company achieved several meaningful accomplishments in 2025. In May, Commerce Bank hosted an e-recycling event at its Olive Boulevard location, collecting 1,780 pounds of electronics. Earlier in the year, the Green Team partnered with St. Louis Green Business Challenge resource advisor Jean Ponzi to host a webinar on ecological landscaping and Homegrown National Park, followed by a Green Team-led Eco-Expert Trivia event in July to engage employees in sustainability topics.

During the 2025 Challenge, Commerce Bank was also recognized for several innovative facility improvements. At its Clayton building, the bank reduced surface area in its parking garage, decreasing water runoff by 40% while increasing green space by 371%. The Facilities Team also identified and replaced 142 failed microinverters in its solar array, restoring full energy production capacity. Across its St. Louis and Kansas City footprint, Commerce Bank maintains solar panels on 19 buildings, generating more than 741,000 kilowatt-hours of clean, renewable energy in 2024.

In addition, renovations to the fifth and sixth floors of the bank’s 8000 Forsyth building are nearing completion and will feature a biophilic design. Incorporating elements such as wood panels, plants and expansive interior glass, the space is designed to bring natural elements indoors and enhance the workplace environment.

“The Green Business Challenge has provided us with valuable opportunities to learn each year from the programs offered to members, where companies and organizations working across the St. Louis area share their sustainability initiatives and perspectives,” said Ron Daugherty, AVP Senior Manager, Regional Facilities for Commerce Bank. “These insights and resources inspire ideas that help Commerce Bank develop events to educate our employees about environmental stewardship. Additionally, the information gained through the Challenge supports our decision-making process, ensuring that we carefully consider environmental impacts as we operate our facilities.”

Commerce Bank’s efforts extend beyond recognition in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge. Through facility upgrades, renewable energy investments and employee engagement, the company is helping reduce environmental impact and support improved air quality across the region—demonstrating how sustainable business practices can benefit both communities and the environment.

For more information about Commerce Bank or to get involved in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, subscribe to the bi-monthly E-Newsletter or visit stlouisgreenchallenge.com.  For more on how sustainability supports better air quality, visit the Clean Air Partnership website, like us on Facebook or follow us on X @gatewaycleanair.

Representatives of the St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) recently joined local officials, stakeholders and nearly 100 cyclists to celebrate the grand opening of a new $6 million, 4.5-mile extension of the MetroBikeLink Trail. This milestone marks the completion of the first of three parts of the MetroLink Expansion Project to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, with associated roadway improvements opening soon and the MetroLink extension anticipated to begin service in late summer.

For the St. Louis region, projects like this do more than expand transportation options—they also support cleaner air and healthier communities. By making it easier for residents to bike instead of drive, trails like MetroBikeLink help reduce vehicle emissions, a leading contributor to poor air quality, especially during the hot summer months.

The new trail segment runs parallel to the MetroLink alignment from the existing bike path at Shiloh-Scott Transit Center to near MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. It features scenic views, rolling inclines, three bridges, no stops and passes through Silver Creek Wetlands, home to native wildlife. The trail is ideal for cyclists looking to build speed and endurance.

Biking on trails like this is also an easy way to reduce emissions. Choosing to bike—even for part of a commute or recreational trip—helps cut down on ozone-forming pollution, which contributes to unhealthy air quality days in the region.

During the grand opening ceremony, attendees heard remarks from project partners and local leaders about the continued growth of the MetroBikeLink System and its role in enhancing connectivity and quality of life. Following the ribbon cutting, guests were invited to take part in an inaugural bike ride and explore the new trail segment.

Access to safe biking infrastructure not only improves mobility—it encourages more people to choose active transportation. Biking and walking produce zero emissions, making them effective ways to help improve air quality while supporting personal health.

Construction on the trail began in 2023 and was completed in June 2026. The project was designed through a combined effort between engineering firms WSP, TWM and EFK Moen, with elements constructed under four different contracts. SCCTD funded $5.5 million of the project, with an additional $500,000 in grants from the Metro East Park and Recreation District and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The MetroBikeLink Trail is the spine of a 40-mile system of interconnecting trails throughout St. Clair County. It runs adjacent to the MetroLink alignment for more than 18 miles and connects to seven Metro Transit Centers in five communities, offering seamless integration with MetroLink, MetroBus and microtransit options like the SCCTD Flyer.

“The MetroBikeLink System seamlessly links residents to our world-class transit system and expands opportunities for multimodal travel across St. Clair County,” said Ken Sharkey, managing director of SCCTD. “This momentum will only continue as we look ahead to the 5-mile MetroLink extension to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport opening in the coming months.”

To learn more about SCCTD’s MetroBikeLink System, visit SCCTD.org/MetroBikeLink.

In recognition of National Dump the Pump Day, Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) offered free monthly transit passes in partnership with Metro Transit and the St. Clair County Transit District – valued at $78 – during a 24-hour registration period. The response was overwhelming. Nearly 1,000 St. Louisans signed up to give transit a try with 250 monthly passes quickly claimed on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Recognizing the incredible demand and opportunity to introduce more people to transit, CMT expanded the effort to ensure no eligible registrant was left out by distributing one-day passes to all others.  

This initiative is giving hundreds upon hundreds of new transit riders the opportunity to experience firsthand how convenient, reliable and cost-effective public transportation can be. Whether commuting to work, running errands or exploring the region, MetroLink and MetroBus helps riders save money on gas and parking, avoid traffic and reduce vehicle wear and tear. By encouraging more people to shift away from single-occupancy vehicles, the effort also plays an important role in improving air quality across the bi-state region by reducing emissions and taking cars off area roads.  

“The overwhelming response reinforces a simple truth: when people are given the chance to try transit, they embrace it,” stated Kimberly Cella, CEO of CMT. “We are creating new riders, building momentum and showcasing how accessible transit can be for everyday trips across the St. Louis region—all while helping reduce the number of vehicles on the road and contributing to cleaner, healthier air for our communities.”  

To learn more, visit www.cmt-stl.org. 

Anders CPA is a St. Louis-based firm offering advisory, audit and assurance, and tax services to businesses of all sizes, helping clients stay focused on what they do best while navigating complex financial and operational challenges. 

Rooted in its mission to help others achieve their highest potential and its commitment to giving back, Anders brings that same mindset to sustainability. The firm’s participation in the 2025 St. Louis Green Business Challenge reflects its focus on making a meaningful impact, both within its organization and across the region. Their guiding philosophy, “Delivering the Power to Dream Big,” extends beyond business goals to include building a stronger, healthier community. 

As a first-time Challenge participant, Anders quickly made an impact through efforts that combined education, collaboration and action. The firm’s sustainability initiatives have helped raise awareness, encourage responsible practices and strengthen partnerships with organizations committed to environmental progress across the St. Louis area. 

In 2025, Anders reached several key milestones in advancing its sustainability efforts. The firm launched its inaugural Green Team to lead initiatives and serve as ambassadors across various departments, helping embed environmentally conscious practices throughout the organization. Team members were invited to get involved through the Green Business Challenge, fostering a culture of shared responsibility and engagement. 

Anders also implemented practical changes to reduce its environmental footprint, including upgrading water filling stations and providing every employee with a reusable tumbler to reduce single-use bottles and cups. Furthermore, the firm reviewed office supply purchasing to identify and transition to more sustainable alternatives, reinforcing its commitment to thoughtful resource management. 

Additional efforts during the Challenge included partnering with building management to conduct a sustainability audit, identifying opportunities for continued improvement and minimizing waste by donating or recycling outdated materials. Notably, Anders recycled old books in bulk through a local full-service single stream recycling service, Always Green Recycling, ensuring items were diverted from landfills while supporting responsible disposal practices across the region. 

“In our first year in the Green Business Challenge, we’re taking our first steps: learning, experimenting and discovering where we can make the most impact,” said Ellen Moro, marketing specialist for Anders CPA. “It’s been an inspiring start, and we’re committed to continuing this momentum as we grow our sustainability efforts.” 

Anders’s growing list of sustainability initiatives reflects a deeper commitment to community impact. From launching its Green Team to implementing everyday changes that reduce waste, the firm is demonstrating how businesses can play an active role in protecting both people and the environment. 

For more information about Anders CPA or to get involved in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, subscribe to the bi-monthly E-Newsletter or visit stlouisgreenchallenge.com.  For more on how sustainability connects to air quality, visit the Clean Air Partnership website, like us on Facebook or follow us on X @gatewaycleanair. 

The Fourth of July is a time to gather, celebrate and enjoy the summer, but it’s also one of the most challenging days of the year for air quality. Between fireworks, grilling and increased travel, pollution levels often spike, making it harder for everyone—especially children, older adults and those with lung conditions—to breathe easy. 

The good news? With a few simple choices, you can still enjoy the holiday while helping protect the air we all share. 

Why air quality matters on the Fourth 

Fireworks may be a beloved tradition, but they release a mix of harmful pollutants, including fine particles and gases like sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide. These tiny particles can travel deep into the lungs, irritating airways and triggering asthma symptoms or other breathing issues.  

In fact, air pollution levels can rise significantly during Independence Day celebrations, by as much as 42% on average, according to a study from the American Lung Association. That spike can linger into the next day, particularly on hot, still nights when pollutants get trapped near the ground.  

Fourth of July also falls during peak ozone season in the St. Louis region, when high temperatures and vehicle emissions and fuel sources combine to form ground-level ozone. This is another pollutant that can cause coughing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing.  

Simple ways to celebrate more cleanly 

Small choices can make a big difference in reducing pollution and protecting lung health. Consider these air-friendly tips as you plan your holiday: 

• Skip personal fireworks
  Instead of setting off your own, attend a local, professional display. Community shows reduce the number of individual fireworks lighting up neighborhoods, helping lower overall emissions.  

• Explore cleaner alternatives
  Swap fireworks for glow sticks, LED lights or even drone and laser shows. These still create a festive atmosphere, without the smoke. 

• Be smart about grilling
  Grilling is another contributor to summer air pollution. Use propane or electric grills instead of charcoal, or delay grilling if an ozone action alert is in effect.  

• Drive less, breathe better
  Combine trips, carpool, bike or walk to gatherings when possible. Fewer vehicles on the road means fewer emissions contributing to ozone levels.  

• Cut back on idling
  Whether you’re waiting in line or picking up guests, turn your engine off. Reducing idling is one of the simplest ways to cut unnecessary pollution.  

• Reduce waste at your gathering
  Choose reusable or compostable party supplies and plan meals carefully to avoid food waste, keeping your celebration as sustainable as possible. 

Protect your health while celebrating 

If you notice smoky conditions or an elevated air quality forecast, take extra precautions. Staying indoors, limiting strenuous outdoor activity and checking daily air quality updates can help you make safer choices, especially for those with asthma or existing respiratory conditions.  

Make it a cleaner celebration 

Every action—big or small—adds up. This Fourth of July, celebrate not just independence, but a commitment to cleaner air for everyone.  

To learn more about the link between sustainability and air quality, explore our website, like us on Facebook or follow us on X at @gatewaycleanair. 

Hundreds of miles of trails on both sides of the river connect to transit stops, making it easy—and seamless—to explore the region using a combination of bus, train and trails. Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) is therefore partnering with St. Clair County Transit District, Great Rivers Greenway and Madison County Transit to encourage residents to “Mix Up How You Move” this summer. Through Aug. 31, area residents are encouraged to visit MixUpHowYouMove.com to register for a FREE Metro Transit Day Pass (valued at $5 and good for unlimited rides on MetroLink and MetroBus on the day of their choosing), and to get information about the interconnecting trail systems in St. Louis, St. Clair and Madison counties with direct access to transit. 

Beyond offering a fun and flexible way to get around, this initiative also supports cleaner air across the St. Louis region. By choosing transit, biking or walking instead of driving for even a portion of daily trips, residents can help reduce vehicle emissions that contribute to ground-level ozone and poor air quality, especially during the warmer summer months. 

“With trails and transit so well connected throughout the region, there’s never been a better time to get out and explore,” said Kimberly Cella, CEO of CMT. “This summerlong initiative makes it simple, affordable and fun for residents to leave the car behind and mix up how they move. Our hope is if St. Louisans try it for fun and see the benefits, they may be willing to try for more trips, including work.” 

Great Rivers Greenway has 140 miles of greenways across the St. Louis region, including the St. Vincent, Brickline and River des Peres greenways, which connect to the UMSL North, Rock Road, Wellston, Grand Cortex and Shrewsbury-Lansdowne I-44 Transit Centers. St. Clair County Transit District’s MetroBikeLink System consists of more than 39 miles of interconnecting trails and bike paths in St. Clair County, Ill. The main artery of the MetroBikeLink System is a trail running adjacent to the MetroLink alignment. It begins at the Shiloh-Scott Transit Center and extends 14 miles, connecting the College, Belleville, Swansea, Memorial Hospital and Fairview Heights Transit Centers. A seventh station will soon be added, as a 4.3-mile trail nears completion as part of the MetroLink expansion to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. Madison County Transit has 138 miles of scenic interconnected trails in Madison County, Ill., connected to the Madison County Transit fixed-route bus service. 

“There are so many great ways to get around the St. Louis region, from greenways and trails to public transit, and we’re excited to encourage community members to get outside and try a new way of getting to their favorite destinations,” said Claire Mueller, communications manager for Great Rivers Greenway. 

Visit MixUpHowYouMove.com through August 31 to register for a FREE Metro Transit Day Pass and gain access to trail maps.

In celebration of National Historic Preservation Month, the Clean Air Partnership is delighted to shine a spotlight on the Missouri Historical Society this May. Serving the St. Louis region, the Missouri Historical Society provides spaces across its three locations—the Missouri History Museum, Soldiers Memorial Military Museum and Library and Research Center—where visitors can explore and learn more about Missouri and St. Louis history. As a St. Louis Green Business Challenge Leader, the organization has made significant sustainability efforts that positively impact the community and region.

“The Green Business Challenge provides an essential, annual prompt for Missouri Historical Society to conduct a holistic assessment of our organization’s sustainability efforts and identify ways to continue to move forward,” said Molly Corley, Sustainability Coordinator at the Missouri Historical Society. “Through learning, sharing and celebrating our achievements across this experience, we feel energized to continue our work.”

As part of its 2025 Green Business Challenge sustainability initiatives, the Missouri Historical Society planted more than 350 native plants in its courtyards and South Entrance. The organization also pruned courtyard trees to increase sunlight to garden beds, reduce deadwood and improve building clearance, supported by grants from Spire and the Missouri Department of Conservation. Additionally, they installed plant identification and interpretive signage and developed an activity to encourage greater use of the museum’s green spaces.

Another exciting milestone included recertifying the Missouri History Museum and the Library and Research Center to LEED v4.1 O+M Gold Level. The organization also achieved notable energy efficiency improvements by installing upgraded chillers at the Library and Research Center. These upgrades help reduce overall energy consumption and associated emissions, contributing to improved regional air quality and a healthier environment.

Internally, the Missouri Historical Society created engaging opportunities for staff and volunteers to participate in sustainability efforts. They hosted a two-day clothing swap to support textile recycling, swapping and local donations, allowing participants to reduce waste while also gaining new items. During the Challenge year, the organization also facilitated electronics recycling for upper galleries and staff departments.

Additional innovations included developing an internal protocol for reporting and tracking bird strike incidents on site, helping identify high-risk windows and inform prevention measures. The organization also encouraged recycling, reusing and donating items such as batteries, binders, filing cabinets, museum-grade frames, steel support poles and office furniture.

For more information about the Missouri Historical Society and how your organization can get involved in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, subscribe to the Challenge’s bi-monthly E-newsletter or visit stlouisgreenchallenge.com. To learn more about the link between sustainability and air quality, explore the Clean Air Partnership’s website, like us on Facebook or follow us on X @gatewaycleanair.

As the world’s largest independent nonprofit dedicated to plant science, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is a recognized leader in sustainability. The Danforth Center is committed to improving the quality of human life, preserving the environment and creating a more sustainable future for both our region and the planet. Through its plant research, the Center is driving large-scale impact that extends far beyond the St. Louis region.

The Danforth Center continues to make meaningful progress in sustainability through its Future Forward campaign—a $165 million initiative designed to expand the Center’s global impact through plant science and innovation. The campaign supports the development of sustainable crop solutions, strengthens food security for smallholder farmers and promotes overall planetary health. Efforts like these earned the Danforth Center recognition as a Leader Level participant in the 2025 St. Louis Green Business Challenge.

“The Green Business Challenge opened our eyes to sustainability opportunities we hadn’t considered before,” said Todd Hornburg, Danforth Center’s Vice President of Facilities. “The ideas identified through the Challenge scorecard process will continue to guide us as we live out our commitment to sustainability.”

To further advance its sustainability goals, the Danforth Center has been steadily upgrading lighting fixtures across its campus to energy-efficient LED systems, helping reduce overall energy consumption. During its participation in the Green Business Challenge, the Center also transitioned all cleaning products to Green Seal-certified options and installed several water bottle filling stations throughout its facilities. These stations encourage the use of reusable bottles and help reduce plastic waste. In addition, many of the Center’s laboratory spaces have been converted to LED lighting, bringing overall coverage to just under 50%, with a goal of reaching as close to 100% as possible in the coming years.

Furthermore, the Danforth Center hosted BioSTL’s ReACH AgriFood Innovation Summit in February of the Challenge year, which brought together global leaders, farmers and innovators to share ideas on regenerative agriculture and sustainable food systems. The event reflected the Center’s ongoing commitment to advancing sustainability and fostering collaboration across the agrifood sector.

As an environmental leader, the Danforth Center also hosted the 2025 Green Business Challenge Awards Luncheon. The event included a tour of the Center’s facilities and operations, offering attendees a firsthand look at its sustainability efforts in action.

Community education is another important component of the Danforth Center’s mission. Through initiatives like the Cox Lab—a partnership between Washington University and the Danforth Center—the organization actively engaged with local students to promote environmental awareness. During a visit to the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Camp, the Cox Lab team taught students how duckweed can help clean water through a process known as phytoremediation. This hands-on activity encouraged environmental stewardship while highlighting the important role plants play in supporting clean, sustainable ecosystems.

For more information about the Danforth Center or to get involved in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, subscribe to the bi-monthly E-Newsletter or visit stlouisgreenchallenge.com.  For more on how sustainability connects to air quality, visit the Clean Air Partnership website, like us on Facebook or follow us on X @gatewaycleanair.

As gas prices climb and household budgets tighten, public transportation remains a convenient and cost-effective way to get you where you need to go. It also plays a critical role in reducing vehicle emissions, helping to improve regional air quality and creating a healthier community for all. In recognition of National Dump the Pump Day, Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT), the region’s transit advocacy organization, will be offering a free monthly transit pass (while supplies last) to anyone who registers at DumpthePumpSTL.com during a 24-hour period starting from 5 p.m. on June 17 through 5 p.m. on June 18. Each pass, valued at $78, allows for unlimited rides throughout the month of July.

“Public transit delivers a great value—especially now as gas prices continue to hover around $4.50 a gallon,” said Kim Cella, CEO of CMT. “Transit saves people money on fuel, vehicle wear and tear, and in some instances, commute times. It also helps combat traffic congestion. By offering monthly passes, individuals can use transit several times a week and witness the very real impact on their wallets.” In addition, every trip taken on transit instead of in a personal vehicle helps cut down on harmful emissions, contributing to cleaner air across the region.

According to the American Public Transit Association, which observes National Dump the Pump on the third Thursday of June each year, using public transit instead of driving can save individuals over $13,000 annually—or over $1,100 per month—by reducing expenses such as gas, parking, maintenance and insurance. Households that eliminate a second car can save an additional $6,600 per year in ownership costs. A cost savings calculator is available at DumpthePumpSTL.com.

The Dump the Pump registration link for a free monthly transit pass will be available for a 24-hour period. Individuals must complete a brief contact information form. Upon completion, a July monthly transit pass will be mailed to them. Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.

Learn more at DumpthePumpSTL.com.

 

Daily air quality forecasting resumed May 1, marking the start of the 2026 season. At the same time, the American Lung Association’s latest “State of the Air” report shows that residents across the St. Louis region continue to face unhealthy air—even after decades of progress to reduce pollution.

The national report, which analyzes data from 2022–2024, finds that 44% of people nationwide—about 152.3 million individuals—live in areas with failing grades for ozone or particle pollution. While particle pollution has improved slightly, ozone pollution has worsened, affecting more people than in any of the past five reports and reinforcing the need for continued action.

In the St. Louis region, long-term trends show meaningful progress. In the late 1990s, the area averaged nearly 50 high-ozone days each summer. Today, that number has dropped to just over 10 days per year, reflecting the impact of cleaner technologies, stronger policies and community efforts.

Despite these gains, challenges remain. For the second consecutive year within the past decade, the St. Louis metro area ranked among the top 25 most ozone-polluted cities in the U.S., tying for 24^th out of 226 metropolitan areas. The region is also ranked 31^st nationally for annual particle pollution.

The report also points to growing climate-related pressures, including rising temperatures, drought and wildfire activity. These conditions contribute to more frequent high-ozone days and short-term pollution spikes, making it harder to maintain progress and increasing health risks.

Across the bi-state St. Louis non-attainment area, all eight counties received failing grades for ozone pollution. Ozone remains the most widespread air pollution concern in the U.S., affecting vulnerable populations the most, including tens of millions of children, older adults, and people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Nearly half of all children in the U.S. are breathing unhealthy air, including almost 500,000 kids in Missouri alone.

As the summer air quality season gets fully underway, everyday choices can make a meaningful difference. Actions like adjusting travel habits, conserving energy and staying informed about air quality conditions help reduce pollution and protect those most vulnerable to unhealthy air.

The Clean Air Partnership encourages area residents to check the daily, color-coded air quality forecast at CleanAir-StLouis and sign up for EnviroFlash alerts by email or text. Forecasts are also available on AirNow.gov, through First Alert 4 weather broadcasts and at FirstAlert4.com. Additional air quality tips, seasonal updates and helpful resources can be found at CleanAir-StLouis.com, or by following the Clean Air Partnership on Facebook or on X @gatewaycleanair.

To access the full American Lung Association 2026 “State of the Air” report, visit Lung.org.