Huron County, Ontario – The theme for this year’s Earth Day (April 22, 2021) is Together we can Restore our Earth. In honour of this important day, the County of Huron is reflecting on the ways current actions are contributing to and mitigating climate change. County staff are taking proactive action to reduce consumption, achieve energy savings, generate awareness on climate concerns and issues, and are always looking for areas of improvement.
“The County’s efforts to conserve energy within our corporation are ongoing,” said Huron County Climate Change and Energy Specialist, Lily Morrow. “Improving how we manage energy in our facilities and through our work practices helps us reduce our environmental impact, become more sustainable, and generate cost savings.”
Ways in which County of Huron staff are currently working to address Climate Change in the workplace and in the community include:
County of Huron Conservation Committee
The County of Huron Conservation Committee, has representatives from all County departments. This group meets regularly to discuss climate impacts affecting their areas of concern and shares ideas and strategies to reduce climate impacts in the workplace and in the community.
This group has developed many initiatives including the County’s Single-Use Item Reduction Strategy and educating on how to avoid single-use plastics.
Climate Adaptation Plan
The Corporate Climate Change Adaptation Plan identifies 14 goals that will be addressed by the County over the next five years. These goals focus efforts in 5 priority areas, including Infrastructure and Assets, Health and Safety, Engagement and Partnerships, Resiliency and Continuity, and Innovation and Growth. By taking action in these areas, the County will be better prepared to lessen the effects of future climate changes, as well as respond to and recover from climate related events.
Climate Lens Tool
To help County staff prioritize climate change in their decision-making, a Climate Lens Tool was developed for the County. This tool includes a list of questions that will help staff consider how corporate projects might be affected by climate change, including ways that staff could modify projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks.
TerraCycle
TerraCycle is an organization that offers recycling solutions for hard-to-recycle items, like single-use plastics, through the purchase of a Zero Waste Box. Currently, the Huron County Museum is recycling used gloves through TerraCycle, and other Zero Waste options are being explored by various County departments.
Paper and Plastic Reduction Efforts
In an effort to reduce the dependency on single use water bottles, the installation of water fountains is ongoing throughout the County’s facilities. County staff are also encouraged to take the Plastic Pledge.
When open for in-person services, the Huron County Library and Museum have made the switch from plastic to paper bags and are encouraging patrons to bring their own bags when required.
Land Use Planning, Forestry, and Stewardship
Through the County’s Planning Department, careful consideration is taken with Huron communities on how to best manage the use of land and resources, and with a mission for a healthy, viable and sustainable future. Some of the many ways this team works to improve local environments includes Sustainability Planning, Sourcewater Protection and the Water Protection Steering Committee, Forestry, Stewardship services, and more.
Learn more about the ways the County of Huron is working to address climate change: https://www.huroncounty.ca/climate-change-energy/.
The County of Huron encourages residents to celebrate Earth Day on April 22, and every day, by considering the climate impacts of their everyday actions and by being an advocate for climate action.
Happy Earth Day, Huron!
The County of Huron asks the community to continue respecting all public health guidelines, including performing hand hygiene, practicing physical distancing, and wearing masks. Stay informed on the COVID-19 situation in Huron County by visiting the Huron-Perth Public Health website.