Green push at Sylvan Lake
It ain’t so hard being green.
That’s the message from the Town of Sylvan Lake, which has rolled out a new environmental initiative to recognize the efforts to go green by local residents, school children and businesses.
The Green Certification project provides an online checklist for people to go through to see what they are doing to reduce, recycle and reuse.
Residents who can tick off 10 or more environmental practices, such as backyard composting or using the town’s Green Box recycling program, can send in their survey to the town. It will be reviewed and those who meet the mark will be issued a Green Certificate — on recycled paper of course.
A separate survey for organizations, businesses and schools requires five or more practices to be ticked off. Examples include having an anti-idling policy for vehicles, financially supporting a green initiative and responsibly disposing of electronics among other examples.
Those who qualify for a certificate will be notified by the town.
“I just thought it was a fun initiative to get people thinking,” said Joanne Gaudet, the town’s communication officer.
“We’re hoping it’s something people can be proud to showcase, especially businesses,” she said.
The initiative is also expected to put good environmental practices in the spotlight ahead of the town’s Eco Loco (formerly Enviro Expo), a public event running 2 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 13 to highlight the environment.
Gaudet said when residents participate in programs, such as Kick it to the Curb and Drop ’n Swap Recycling, it’s not just an opportunity to unload garage or storage room clutter. “We’re, in fact, reusing and recycling.”
For information and to download environmental checklists go to www.sylvanlake.ca and click on Green Program.
pcowley@reddeeradvocate.com
COMMENTS
Let's keep comments:
We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters.
We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.