by Alexis Starke
Are you interested in environmental issues? Concerned about our local environment and related quality of life? Do you think we can do more to keep Orangetown’s environment healthy and beautiful? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then consider joining the Orangetown Environmental Committee.
The Orangetown Environmental Committee (OEC) is seeking new members from the community to join the committee in 2010. Membership is open to Orangetown residents ages 16 and over (including residents of the villages of Piermont, Grand View, South Nyack, and Nyack). This is a great opportunity to become more involved in the community and to have a positive impact on our environment.
Founded in February 2008, the OEC is an advisory committee composed of Town Board-appointed volunteers that works with the Town of Orangetown to protect and improve our local environment. The OEC is divided into subcommittees in the following areas: water resources and conservation; land use and open space; energy and climate action; and waste reduction and recycling. Prospective members could choose to work in one or more of these areas.
Current projects of the OEC include planning and organizing this year’s Recycling Fair; developing a climate action plan for Orangetown; promoting green infrastructure techniques to conserve water; participating in the environmental review process for Suez/ United Water’s proposed Hudson River desalination plant; increasing protected open space in Orangetown; and developing pesticide-free landscaping plans. Past projects have included last year’s first annual Orangetown Recycling Fair; drafting and promoting Orangetown’s Energy Star Law; participating in the environmental review process for the Town’s Rockland Psychiatric Center property; and completing a greenhouse gas inventory for Orangetown.
The OEC is always open to new project ideas from new members. There are many training and educational opportunities available for those interested.
Learn about us online or for more information on joining, email Martyn Ryan, Chairperson (845-359-2327) or Michael Maturo, Town Council Liaison (845-641-3580).
