It's Easy Being Green

The City Goes Green!

There is no question that Bellingham has risen to the global call to action for greener living. Recognized in both the national and international arenas for advancing the concept of sustainability, reduction of greenhouse gases by designing a climate action plan, and for expanding waste reduction efforts, Bellingham has made its mark on the map, and set an example for other cities to implement the same efforts. Going green is a global effort, and Bellingham has risen to the challenge. We have initiated several successful programs here in the city, and have proven that it can be done with proper education, support from the local government and businesses, and a community willing to work in concert with one another.

Move to Bellingham, and you are immersing yourself into a forward-thinking community of people who care not only about their local environment, but what challenges we face globally. Bellingham has received immense media exposure for their commitment to greener living.

 Whatcom County shows that it is indeed easy being green! Due to the incredible efforts on behalf of the Bellingham tourism bureau, the city has been featured in more than 110 media outlets including National Geographic Traveler, Mother Earth News, AAA Journey Magazine, Northwest Travel, to name but a few.

When looking for a new place to live, consider Bellingham. What other cities have the distinctions Bellingham has? Where else can you become a part of a national and international award-winning movement that is leaving a healthy legacy for your children? With cleaner air, more opportunities for alternative transportation, and several programs that reduce waste, toxins, and greenhouse gases, the small city of Bellingham not only has charm, but plays its part in the global action for a cleaner environment and a healthier future.

* Mother Earth News showcased Bellingham in their August/September 2007 issue as one of the "8 Great Places You've Never Heard of", citing its "deliberate effort to inlcude sustainability and quality of life as part of every community discussion." The article also mentioned that although Washington was already an environmentally conscious state, Whatcom was the first county to offer curbside recycling.

* In April 2007, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized Bellingham as Washington's First Green Power Community, after residents and business owners purchased more than 11 percent of the electricity used in the entire city from alternative green power resources.

* July 2006, Bellingham was elected by the American Lung Association as one of the top three US cities for cleanest ozone.

* Bellingham came in first place over Seattle as Washington CEO Magazine's greenest city, winning the coveted and distinguished Green Washington Award. Bellingham was also recognized for committing to take a leadership role in promoting public awareness about the cause and effect of climate change.

* Bellingham initiated the Residential Stormwater Retrofit Program, which includes the distribution of specially fotted rain barrels to homeowners residing in the Lake Whatcom watershed.

* Recently, the city completed a road resurfacing project along Northshore, as part of a campaign to promote alternative transportation by incorporating bike lanes and sidewalks. This project was two-fold in concept, in that the new expansion will result in a net decrease of watershed and a lower quantity of run-off into the lake area.

* The city began the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program, which was implemented in 2007, whereby Bellingham promotes the purchase of recycled, PBT-free, and environmentally preferable products.

* City business has instituted Green City Business Trips where employees have access to bicycles during the business day.

* Finally, Bellingham has set goals to reduce greenhouse gases. Annually, the city plans to lower gas emissions so that by 2012, levels will have been reduced by 64% from 2000, and by 70% in 2020. Furthermore, by 2007, 84% of the projected traget for reduction in 2012 had already been met!

* The city was honored on May 15, 2008, at the ICLEI Local Action Summit in Albuquerque, NM, for designing a climate action plan. This was an international and prestigious recognition for the City of Bellingham's efforts to reduce the harmful levels of gas emissions.

With global environmental concerns on the rise, green building strategies have emerged as an innovative yet creative way to answer the questions and care we have for our future. Whatcom County has its own green council known as the Building Industry Association of Whatcom County (BIA) which awards green certifications for environmentally sound building.

The following is a list of green members of the BIA.

BUILDERS

Aiki Homes Rose Lathrop (360) 715-0700 www.aikihomes.com

Barlean's Construction Jon Barlean (360) 303-2642

Cascade Construction Josh Barrett (360) 201-4450 (360) 738-9594 www.cascadeconstruction.us

Credo Construction Arlene Sanders (360) 676-1904 www.credoconstruction.com

Stone Canyon Construction LLC Greg Gottier (360) 961-1865 www.stonecyn.com

Wiser Restoration & Construction Morgan Wiser (360) 319-1816

Urban Design Group LLC David A.Verret, AIBD Sustainable Building Design (360) 752.1480 www.urban-designgroup.com

ASPHALT

Associated Asphalt Contractors, Inc.

Loren VanderYacht (360) 410-7389 lorenvyacht@hotmail.com

Whatcom Builders (360) 398-1427 www.whatcombuilders.com

RAW MATERIALS

BB Lumber & Hardware Steve Kirk (360) 398-222 stevekirk@bblumber.net www.bblumber.net

Exclusive Hardwood Stone & Tile, Inc. Gleen or Nelda McAlpine (360) 592-2725

La Tene Tile Amanda Timmins (360) 756-6506 www.latenetile.com

Lynden Door Steve Heath (360) 354-5676 www.lyndendoor.com

Todhunter Glass Geoff Walters (360) 398-7717

Village Lighting (360) 734-3780

HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING

Barron Heating & Air Conditioning Wes Diskin - Green Team (360) 676-1131 wesd@barronheating.com www.barrongreenteam.com

Energy Conservation Services Nikki Raboin (360) 756-8700 www.ecsofwa.com

Heating Green ENERJOY Infrared Radiant Heating Jeff Caldwell (360) 715-4328 www.heatinggreen.com

KITCHEN AND BATH

Domistyle Design, Inc. Thea Stephens or Jan Hayes (360) 756-0296 www.domistyledesign.com

Legacy Kitchen & Bath Jacqueline Scott (360) 927-4436

Sullivan Plumbing Gary Jensen (360) 384-4022 www.sullivanplumbing.net

DRAPERIES

Edwards Drapery & Interiors Debby Lodder (360) 966-4142 www.edwardsdrapery.com

RECYCLING AND RECYCLED MATERIALS

REstore/ReSources Dean Fearing (360) 647-5921 www.re-sources.org/restore

Sanitary Service Co, Inc Rodd Pemble (360) 734-3490 www.ssc-inc.com

UTILITIES

Cascade Natural Gas Christine Kautzman (206) 381-6780

Puget Sound Energy Nora Accetturo (425) 456-2301 www.pse.com

BANKING/HOME LOANS

Countrywide Home Loans Alycia Jackson (360) 223-1443 www.countrywide.com

Kulshan Community Land Trust Drew Windsor (360) 676-5600 www.kclt.org

Loannetter Susan Templeton (360) 220-2997 (360) 647-1711 - fax www.loannetter.com

Peoples Bank Sindney Stonecypher (360) 676-5880

More and more people are learning about building green. Green building, or sustainable building, refers to the practice of building structures which has less harmful environmental and human health impact than conventional building techniques. By adopting greener building strategies, we maximize our economic potential while still preserving our environment.

Thank you for reading!