Sims: Earth Day shines a ‘green spotlight’ on King County’s environmental work

Expo showcases county’s ‘It’s Easy Being Green’ campaign

Hundreds of visitors to King County’s fifth-annual Earth Day Expo at Westlake Plaza in Seattle Tuesday learned that simple, everyday actions at home and at work can go a long way to improving our environment and quality of life.

Featuring exhibits on sustainable home products, Earth-friendly gardening and more, this year’s Earth Day Expo was full of examples of how “it’s easy being green.”

Executive Ron Sims told the crowd that King County experts have developed a growing list of items and services that help save the planet and save cash, too.

“It’s never been easier to live green. From transportation choices, to yard and garden products, and even things for your home – there are easy, Earth-friendly practices and products available,” Sims said. “More and more, we are all learning that living green is more affordable than ever, and in fact is likely to save you money.”

For example, King County EcoConsumer Tom Watson noted that one rechargeable nickel metal hydride batteries can replace up to 1,000 normal disposable batteries.

“New generation rechargeable batteries are not only a cost savings to consumers, but they conserve resources and reduce hazardous waste,” Watson said.

Reusable water bottles and compact florescent bulbs are other everyday items that can save both money and resources, Watson noted.

“As a government, King County has become a successful living laboratory and national model for strategies on preparing for and mitigating against global warming,” Sims said. “We act locally for a change globally.

“I’ve never been more optimistic about our ability to tackle the serious effects that climate change are expected to have on our region, on our resources and on our economy,” he said.

Sims signed a proclamation declaring April 22 to be “Earth Action Day” in King County. The proclamation encourages residents to not only celebrate Earth Day, but also learn how they can take actions to prevent the adverse effects of global warming, protect the natural environment, and continue to build a thriving community of residents empowered for environmental protection.

Earth Day Expo visitors toured a Metro Transit buses that runs on a mixture of biodiesel and ultra low sulfur diesel fuel, asked gardening and landscaping questions of Greg Rabourn and Doug Rice from King County TV’s "Yard Talk" show and checked out a number of displays from King County departments and local environmental organizations.

It was a busy Earth Day for Executive Sims, who was also honored by the Seattle Mariners to throw out the ceremonial first pitch as the Seattle Mariners participated in the first carbon neutral game in Major League history. King County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks was also at Safeco Field for the game, letting fans know that “It’s Easy Being Green.”

Related Information:

Earth Action Day Proclamation

Earth Day Photos (external link)

It's Easy Being Green - Let King County Show you How