Here’s news about Orangeville’s fifth annual environmental sustainability awards:
Several members of the Orangeville community were recipients of the Town’s fifth annual sustainability awards this week. The presentations were made at a meeting of Orangeville Council by Orangeville Mayor Rob Adams and Councillor Sylvia Bradley who chairs the Orangeville Sustainability Action Team (OSAT). The awards are presented by Town Council on an annual basis to recognize those who have made a positive environmental contribution to the community. The 2014 Environmental Sustainability Award recipients are:
Business – Henning Salon
Henning Salon makes every effort to recycle as much as possible, using the compost bin for hair disposal, and reducing their garbage to one bag per week. Most of the salon’s products are organic, made from plant-based materials with no chemicals. By using natural products, the air is clean with no odours, the products are non-irritating, and most byproducts and/or waste is recycled. This provides a safe, clean environment for clients and employees, and leaves a very small environmental footprint including wastewater.
Group – Credit Valley Conservation
Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) has been instrumental in the Town’s Earth Day tree plantings since 2007. CVC assists in site selection, prepares a planting plan, provides the plant material, places the plants and provides instruction and monitoring. CVC has also provided instructional seminars on the natural environment and has assisted other groups with tree plantings, such as Headwaters Friendship Garden, TD Friends of the Environment, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, and area youth programs. With the assistance and expertise of CVC, Orangeville has been the recipient of approximately 8,000 new trees and shrubs that provide a tremendous environmental benefit now and in the future. Their workshops and seminars educate members of the community about the natural environment and instills stewardship in residents and, especially area youth.
Individual – Kim Thomson
Kim Thompson was instrumental in starting a community garden at Princess Elizabeth Public School in 2013. Community gardens at schools teach children valuable lessons on food production, food security, and organic gardening and harvesting. This is the second school garden in Orangeville.
“The 2014 award recipients are prime examples of the importance of community involvement in protecting the environment and in increasing public awareness,” said Councillor Bradley. “Just look at the initiatives that are undertaken to make our community a better place. The commitment in terms of volunteer hours and dedication is astounding – and appreciated.”
