Bellingham - Green Power Purchasing

March 19, 2010

Summary

tourism@bellingham.org Home > Story Ideas > Tourism is One of Bellingham/Whatcom County’s Greenest Industries Tourism is One of Bellingham/Whatcom County’s Greenest Industries Wednesday, August 6th, 2008 There is no doubt about the enormous impact tourism has on the economic realm, but in recent years there has been an increasing concern about the impact of tourism on a global scale, literally. A heightened sense of awareness in vacationers has changed the ways people think about their vacations. However, the news from the tourism front is encouraging, and the vitality of Whatcom County’s commitment to sustainability has fostered a rich environment in which a geo-tourist may soothe his or her weary conscience. In essence, Whatcom County is the perfect destination for a green vacation. Whatcom County is green: Whatcom County has a number of environmentally-friendly accolades that point to its commendable overall contribution to environmental sustainability: WWU: 5th on Green Energy List Bellingham City Council: voted to purchase 100% Green Power 2007 EPA Green Power Partner of the Year; #1 EPA Green Power Community in the nation Highest # of Hybrid Cars per Capita Whatcom County 1st in WA State to offer curbside recycling, among first in the nation Bellingham a member of Mayor’s Climate Protection Agency since 2005 in accordance with the Kyoto Protocol 60% of Whatcom County shoppers “Think Local First” By buying appx. 12% Green Power, Bellingham became the EPA’s #1 Green Power Community in the nation. For this reason, tourists are using more green power than at home. In effect, just by choosing to take a vacation here, visitors are automatically contributing to sustainability. And unlike other kinds of attractions that are not earth friendly, Whatcom County’s most popular draws are eco-friendly. The availability of sustainable goods and services is remarkable, and Bellingham has assumed a leadership role in sustainable communities.