Town releases first environmental action report

Demonstrating leadership in progressive environmental stewardship, the Town of Caledon has released its first Environmental Action Report. The report highlights the Town's environmental achievements between 2005 and mid- 2007, with an outlook to future initiatives.

"In 2005, council endorsed the Town's first formal environmental strategy - the Environmental Progress Action Plan. As the recent report illustrates, we have made significant progress in each of the plan's seven priority areas in only two years," said Mayor Marolyn Morrison. "We will continue to build our environmental commitment, leveraging corporate and community capacity to assist Caledon's journey towards a sustainable future."

The report was endorsed by Caledon council at their meeting of April 17 - just in time to celebrate Earth Day. The Environmental Action Report was showcased at the Caledon Home Show (April 20-22), and is now posted on the Town's Web site (www.caledon.ca) as an interactive document. Town hall, library branches and recreation facilities will also display the report.

The Town's environmental achievements and opportunities contained in the Environmental Action Report are categorized according to one of seven priority areas from the original plan: air quality, climate change, energy, a green economy, environmental awareness, sustainable planning, and community capacity.

The report highlights the Town's green history, associated carbon dioxide reductions, significant municipal reductions, and relevant memberships.

"Our carbon dioxide reductions are particularly important, since the Town has endorsed corporate and community greenhouse gas reduction targets through its Partners for Climate Protection membership," said Sara Peckford, environmental progress officer. "Cumulatively, the Town's methods to reduce carbon dioxide have resulted in approximately 1,400 tonnes - this is equivalent to taking about 250 passenger cars off the road for one year."

Other notable actions on behalf of Town staff include the creation of an internal environment committee, the introduction of organics collection and the elimination of styrofoam cups at the Town Hall to reduce waste, and a computer monitor update and a pilot washroom retrofit to reduce electricity consumption. There have also been significant ongoing efforts to reduce paper use.

The interactive report at www.caledon.ca can be accessed via a link from the home page - look for the Environmental Action Report logo. By clicking on hyperlinked text, the interactive report allows readers to learn more about a particular initiative. Feedback about the report can be sent to sara.peckford@caledon.ca.