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Resource Conservation at Whatcom County

Welcome to Whatcom County's Resource Conservation home page. Conservation issues have long been a priority for the Whatcom County government, but recently we have stepped up our efforts. On this site you will find information about how we are promoting sustainability in our operations, as well as a compilation of resources on various topics in conservation. We have also included tips and tools to help individuals take simple steps to conserve resources.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about a specific topic, contact us at conservation@co.whatcom.wa.us.

If you would like to read more about the initiatives that are being pursued by the Whatcom County government, as well as the other public organizations in this community, please visit the external web site for Whatcom County Conservation.

Conservation News

Green Idea #3: Buy Energy Star

(As published in the Ferndale Record-Journal in December 2008)

Health Department Offices Begin Pilot Program for Food Composting

November 3, 2008

The County Health Department offices have begun a composting program in their lunch rooms.  Using special buckets lined with biodegradable plastic bags, they now collect food scraps and soiled paper products from staff lunches.  The bags are then placed in food-waste toters for pickup through Sanitary Service Company's FoodPlus! program. Composting helps reduce the amount of waste generated by our operations.  If successful, this program may expand to other County offices in the future.

Green Idea #2: Seal Your Home and Save Energy

(As published in the Ferndale Record-Journal in November 2008)

County Planning Approves New Rules for Wind Energy

October 21, 2008

Whatcom County staff have been working for several months on new rules that will encourage the installation of small wind energy systems in unincorporated areas of the County. By passing these new rules, Whatcom County becomes the first in the state to create a streamlined permitting process that encourages residential wind systems at the local level.

Green Idea #1: Recycle Old Computers and TVs

(As published in the Ferndale Record-Journal in October 2008)

Executive Kremen Joins Local Leaders from Across U.S. for Climate Retreat

September 11, 2008

County Executive Pete Kremen participated in an historic climate action meeting on Sept. 14-16 that brought together 50 of the nation’s top local government leaders to develop a “Blueprint for Local Climate Action” for the next President. 

 

County Courthouse Receives LEED Certification

March 24, 2008

The Whatcom County Courthouse in Bellingham has been awarded LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification, an award for high-performance, green operational strategies that is administered by the U.S. Green Building Council.

 

County Conservation Efforts in the News

February 2008

Whatcom County's climate protection efforts have reached the media this month, in a front-page article of Whatcom Watch magazine. To read the article from the Whatcom Watch web site, click here.

 

Whatcom County Initiates Green Cleaning Program

October 10, 2007

County government is on the verge of launching a Green Cleaning program for County operations, in conjunction with Bay City Supply and Johnson Diversey. County staff has been exploring options for this type of program for the past several months.  During this time they also began trying new products in advance of a formal program. 

 

Council Adopts County Climate Action Plan

September 11, 2007

County Council today voted 6-1 on a resolution to adopt the Whatcom County Climate Protection and Energy Conservation Action Plan.  This plan details the results of a 2006 greenhouse gas emissions inventory for the Whatcom County government and community.  The plan also quantifies the emissions reduction measures that have occurred since 2000, and it sets goals and action steps to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from County operations and the community as a whole.