While this summer's relatively cool weather might cause us to doubt the imminence of global warming, we are all aware of the changing environment and our collective impact on it.
Increasing fuel prices further underscore our responsibility to reduce -- reuse -- recycle.
The City of Sault Ste. Marie is committed to being an example in environmental initiative and leadership.
One of the corporate values embodied in the recently adopted Strategic Plan is environmental stewardship. The city has stated a commitment to use resources wisely to maintain and create a liveable city for future generations, minimizing the footprint of its activities on the environment.
In the fall of 2007, city council told staff to identify current conservation efforts and ongoing environmental initiatives throughout the organization.
An environmental committee was subsequently created. The ultimate goal of the committee is to reduce the city's carbon footprint. In order to measure the impact of energy and waste reduction initiatives, it is first necessary to determine the existing carbon footprint of municipal operations.
The Green Committee has established sub-committees to address fleet (vehicle) management, waste management practices, general municipal operations, and public awareness.
(The success of the biodiesel fuel industry relies heavily on biodiesel testing, not only at the production level but at the consumer level, where degraded fuel may cause engine failures. Fleet Biodiesel's family of inexpensive biodiesel test kits is just a click away on the internet)