Constantine proposes county Web site to help residents make sustainable choices

April 20, 2009

Summary

Resource would link consumers to programs

Story

King County would create a Web site to help people make more sustainable choices in their everyday lives—and connect them with local businesses that offer appropriate products and services – under a proposal introduced today by Metropolitan King County Council Chair Dow Constantine.

“King County promotes sustainable practices using a range of printed, online, and in-person resources, but there is no central, easily accessible location to find all of this information,” said Constantine. “With our economy in a downturn, it is especially important to help people find ways to be sustainable while saving money and supporting local businesses.”

Constantine led a stakeholder meeting earlier this year with community leaders and representatives from King County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks, reviewing a mock-up of this integrated suite of online resources. The motion would direct the Executive to identify and secure funding options for such a Web site and to work on its development with community partners, including business groups, foundations, schools, and non-profit groups.

The Web site would also spotlight groups and individuals in the community that are leaders in promoting sustainable practices and provide access to databases that can shed light on the environmental characteristics of individual cities, neighborhoods, and even households. Solutions would be organized by category, with a focus on demonstrating the environmental, health, and cost benefits of various sustainable options.

“By making sustainable choices, people can save money, improve their environmental footprint, and support the local economy,” said Constantine. “This is a resource that can be provided at little cost, but confer great benefits to King County.”

The motion has been sent to the Council’s Physical Environment Committee for review.


Read the motion