eMDE – Sustainable practices are green in more ways than one
THE LATEST FROM THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
FEATURED ARTICLE
2014 GREEN REGISTRY LEADERSHIP AWARDS: SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES PAY OFF
A vinyl siding manufacturer, a multi-site automobile dealership and a biotechnology company are among the winners of the fifth annual Maryland Green Registry leadership awards. The winners were recognized for their sustainable practices, measurable environmental results and commitment to continual improvement.
Collectively, Maryland Green Registry Members saved more than $79 million through environmental best practices and had large gains in energy and water savings over this past year. Additionally, members reduced their hazardous waste by more than 525,000 pounds, and conserved 645 million gallons, among other savings.
“I am proud to present these awards to organizations that have displayed outstanding leadership,” said MDE Secretary Robert M. Summers, who joined members of the Registry and Bethesda Green at the June 11 awards ceremony. “While they represent a variety of facility types and sizes, all of the winners have several key factors in common that contributed to their success: each organization has an organization-wide commitment to environmental performance and each sets annual environmental goals and measures its results. Their commitment is outstanding and, as we can see, they are really getting results.”
The winners are: . . .
IN THE NEWS
Annapolis Capital: New Chesapeake Bay agreement sets 10 goals, deadlines
Governors and officials from six states and the District of Columbia gathered in Annapolis to sign the latest agreement on fighting pollution in the Chesapeake Bay, the nation’s largest estuary. Gina McCarthy, administrator of the federal Environmental Protection Agency, also signed the document, which sets 10 goals, including sustainable fisheries, better water quality, reduction of toxic contaminants and dealing with climate change. Read more
Delmarva Now: Snow Hill unveils wastewater treatment plant upgrade
Fifteen years after the project was first proposed, state and local officials met in Snow Hill on Tuesday to celebrate the completion of the town’s wastewater treatment plant upgrade. Snow Hill’s treatment plant, built in 1965, was targeted for improvement by town leaders in the 1990s. Funding wasn’t available, however, until the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Maryland Department of the Environment got involved. Read more
Baltimore Sun: Historic sites face climate threats
, closing the Spa Creek Bridge connecting the Eastport neighborhood with downtown for several hours. It was yet another reminder to Lisa Craig that she’s in a race against time to protect one of Maryland’s oldest communities from the rising waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Read more
Healthy and Safe Swimming: We’re in it together
Recreational Water Illness and Injury Prevention Week is May 19-25, 2014. The Departments of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Environment, and Natural Resources remind Marylanders of safe and healthy swimming practices, including ways to prevent illness and injury, whether in the Bay, on the shore, or swimming in a pond or a pool. Read more
AIR, LAND, WATER – DID YOU KNOW?
Be well wise – what you can do for well safety
Did you know that if you live in a home with a well, you are responsible for ensuring the safety of your own drinking water? The EPA and MDE regulate public water systems, but about 350,000 Maryland households rely on their own private wells as a drinking water supply. These households should take precautions to ensure the protection and maintenance of their wells. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Educate yourself and protect against contaminants that can make their way into your well.
THE STAT
About this STAT
Green Registry members share at least one quantitative measurement. The results are collected to demonstrate that even small efforts among a group of committed organizations can lead to impressive results.
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MDE’s MISSION
Our mission is to protect and restore the quality of Maryland’s air, water, and land resources, while fostering smart growth, a thriving and sustainable economy and healthy communities.