Taking positive steps on climate change | Letter to the editor

Published 1:30 am Friday, November 18, 2016

To the editor:

I’m glad to be a Bainbridge Islander living in a city and state that “gets” climate change and takes action. Three weeks ago, I attended a Seattle Town Hall event titled, Seattle Climate Change Symposium. Two Bainbridge scientists Gary Lagerloef and Lara Hansen presented the newest research findings related to climate change and suggestions for mitigating and adapting to the current climate reality. They knew their stuff and presented it well.

In 2015, our city council voted to purchase 100 percent green power for all city-owned facilities. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Leadership Club invited the city of Bainbridge Island to membership. By making this decision the city is supporting the development of more renewable energy projects. Also, many Bainbridge Island residents have chosen to pay extra for green power, thus contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the Pacific Northwest.

In addition, the city’s Green Team, led by Kellie Stickney has introduced food composting at all city facilities and provided more recycling receptacles for staff and the public. Paper towels now go into compost containers instead of trash dumpsters, reducing landfill by approximately 212 gallons over a measured period, according to Stickney. The Green Team plans to continue as a leader of sustainability among municipal governments nationwide, with ongoing support from Bainbridge Island Zero Waste and Kitsap County Solid Waste.

Bainbridge Island Zero Waste is expanding its goals, events and volunteer base in 2017. At events of 2016 where Zero Waste managed waste disposal, 80 percent or more of discards were recycled or composted by attendees instead of going into the landfill. Island citizens are asking more questions about what goes where; wanting to know, to understand, and implement best waste disposal practices.

I’m not only glad to be here, I’m really proud to be here as nonprofits, residents, Bainbridge Disposal and our government work together to plan for mitigation of climate change.

JUDITH TINGLEY

Bainbridge Island