In celebration of Earth Week 2021, the Union County Courthouse lights will “go green.”
Union County Development Services Manager Jason Stanford said the new look is a reminder of the importance of taking care of the planet.
“We want it to be a reminder that our environment is precious and very important to all of us,” he said.
Stanford said the Union County Economic Development office “toyed with promotions in the past” to celebrate Earth Week.
He said the group was looking forward to planning events for the holiday’s 50th anniversary last year, but they were dashed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
While large events haven’t yet returned in full force, Stanford said changing the courthouse lights to green is a “great way to showcase our support.”
He said he is thankful for the approval of the Union County Commissioners, who agreed to turn the courthouse lights green from Monday, April 19 through Saturday, April 24.
Along with environmental benefits, Stanford said “going green” has tangible economic impacts in the region.
He explained that prospective businesses have become “very much more climate conscious.”
Many of the businesses looking to locate in Union County ask about renewable energy options, recycling and the potential for zero waste manufacturing, Stanford said.
“The businesses are really driving a lot of the conversation” about green initiatives, he said.
The green lights at the courthouse are an effort to “stir that conversation up within the community,” Stanford added.
He said Union County is “still in that learning phase” regarding green initiatives. He said officials are working to understand best practices so they can implement the environmental efforts businesses ask for.
“There’s much more coming,” he said.
Becoming more environmentally conscious is a joint effort, Stanford said. He noted that local governments, businesses, organizations and residents are partnering to “go green.”
He highlighted a few upcoming events that will take place throughout Earth Week.
On April 17, Impact60 is sponsoring an Uptown Clean-Up Day, Marysville Public Library’s free tree giveaway will be on April 21 and The City of Marysville will host a shredding and e-cycling day on April 24.
Stanford said more events are in the works for beyond Earth Week.
He said the Economic Development office is working with the City of Marysville’s parks and recreation department to plan “urban forestry tours” in the Uptown area.
“A lot of people don’t realize there is a lot of nature present in the Uptown district,” Stanford said.
He added that he expects more, similar programs to take place throughout the year.
In the meantime, he said community members can make small changes that make a difference.
Stanford said simple acts like turning off the water while brushing teeth, carpooling and switching to LED lightbulbs all contribute to preserving the environment.
Throughout the pandemic, Stanford said there has even been a revival of “Victory Gardens” in which residents grow some of their own fruits and vegetables.
Ultimately, he said every event is an effort to encourage residents to take good care of their community.
“We want people to pay attention to what their daily activities are,” Stanford said.