Both Rockland and Westchester county governments strongly encourage citizens to recycle and responsibly use open space.
Both counties have been recognized in their own way for their environment-friendly policies.
Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef, said, "As we celebrate Earth Day 2012, I am pleased to announce that Rockland County recently won the 2012 New York Planning Federation’s Comprehensive Plan Award."
The award was first implemented this year. A municipality receives this award for executing an exceptional or state-of-the-art comprehensive plan.
"Each year, the New York Planning Federation (NYPF) presents a number of awards honoring superior achievement in land use,” Vanderhoef said. “Our award-winning plan will serve as a guide for future land use, as well as the environmental decisions we make.”
Rockland County has set a prime example for other municipalities by contributing to the well-being of their environment.
Westchester County is also environmentally conscious and places a strong emphasis on recycling. In 2011 alone, Westchester County recycled over 76,000 tons of garbage which brought in more than $7.4 million in revenues.
“Westchester residents are very environmentally conscious, and you can see that reflected in our high recycling rate,” said Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino. “At 52 percent the county’s recycling rate is 17 points above the national average of 35 percent.”
This Sunday—Earth Day—Westchester County's celebration will take place at Kensico Dam Plaza from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is sponsored by the Department of Environmental Facilities, the county's parks department and the Friends of Westchester County Parks. There will be live entertainment, kids' activities, informational exhibits and a farmer's market, among other things.
“To boost Westchester’s recycling rate even higher, I encourage county residents to take advantage of our brand new Household Materials Recovery Facility in Valhalla,” Astorino said. “We now take all of your old microwaves, televisions, computers, household chemicals, compact fluorescent bulbs, even prescription drugs.”
The facility is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday by appointment only. For more information call (914) 813-5425 or 211 to make an appointment.
For a list of Earth Day-related activities and events, go here.
For other Earth Day 2012 articles and postings, go here.
