Canton is happy to announce that it’s been recognized for the second year in a row by the statewide Michigan Green Communities program for environmental leadership. As part of the annual Michigan Green Communities (MGC) Challenge, local governments were awarded bronze, silver, or gold seals of achievement reflecting community leadership in areas such as energy efficiency, climate adaptation and resilience, recycling, environmental justice, and more.
Canton achieved gold status for exemplary action in multiple categories, including planning, economic development, land use, climate resilience, climate adaptation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, materials management (AKA recycling, composting, waste diversion), water conservation and protection, clean mobility, and community engagement.
“Canton continues to make sustainability a strategic goal by implementing green technology and programs that contribute to a healthy ecosystem,” said Jade Smith, Director of Canton’s Municipal Services Department. “In January, we implemented a Food Compost Pilot Program that has already diverted over 35,000 pound of food waste from the land fill and this month, we are greening our fleet with the addition of electric and hybrid vehicles. We’re also upgrading our township facilities and decreasing our carbon footprint with energy efficient HVAC units and other facility improvements.”
The Michigan Green Communities (MGC) program is open to all local governments in Michigan, at no cost. MGC is a sustainability networking, benchmarking, and technical assistance program. It guides and supports communities in adapting to a changing climate, protecting infrastructure, improving the quality of life for residents, and creating a more environmentally and economically sustainable future for the state of Michigan.
Michigan Green Communities is supported by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; the Michigan Economic Development Corporation; the Michigan Department of Transportation; the Michigan Department of Natural Resources; the Michigan Association of Counties; the Michigan Municipal League; and the Michigan Townships Association. More details about this program can be found at www.migreencommunities.com.
Questions regarding Canton’s sustainability and environmental efforts can be directed to David Norwood, Deputy Director of the Canton Municipal Services Department at 734/394-5160.