COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The City of Coldwater has been recognized again for their sustainability efforts and environmental leadership through their participation in the Michigan Green Communities (MGC) Challenge.
Coldwater achieved gold status for exemplary action across multiple categories that reflect leadership in areas such as energy efficiency, climate resilience, recycling, environmental stewardship and more. With a record number of participants this year and the inception of a platinum level certification, the 2024 Challenge awarded 2 communities with platinum certification, 42 communities with gold, 18 with silver, and 6 with bronze.
Some of the initiatives that led to The City of Coldwater receiving a gold status include:
- Replacing street lights, parking lot lighting, and lighting with the municipal buildings with energy efficient lighting
- Providing free traditional recycling pickup including large item pickups and appliance recycling
- Providing free annual household hazardous waste drop-off
- Encouraging and providing a site for the local farmer’s market to enhance access to local food sources
- Installing universally-accessible public EV charging infrastructure in convenient locations
- Using Brownfield clean up and redevelopment processes to further Coldwater’s community sustainability goals
- Implementing a buy local campaign that educates residents about the social, economic and environmental impacts of buying locally
- Offering a green pricing program to all customers, which allows them to support renewable energy development.
The MGC program is open to all local governments in Michigan. 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. More details about this program can be found on their website: www.migreencommunities.com.
Questions regarding Coldwater’s sustainability and environmental efforts can be directed to Monica McCowan at (517)279-9531.
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