Earth Day: Environmental sustainability efforts and Business in Snohomish County

Snohomish County, located in the northwest corner of Washington State, is home to various ecosystems, from mountain forests to coastal wetlands. It is also one of the fastest-growing counties in the state, with a population of over 800,000 residents. Snohomish County is a beautiful place to live, work, and raise a family. It is home to stunning mountains, lush forests, and sparkling rivers. However, our county is also facing a number of environmental challenges, including climate change, water pollution, and deforestation.

The county has taken significant steps toward environmental sustainability in recent years, focusing on reducing waste, conserving energy, and protecting natural resources.

Programs and Initiatives in Snohomish County: Let’s Protect our planet 

Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22nd, reminds us of the importance of environmental sustainability and the need to take action to protect our planet. Snohomish County has embraced this message and has made significant progress in reducing its environmental impact. One of the county's most notable efforts is its Zero Waste initiative, which aims to reduce waste sent to landfills by 50% by 2025. The county has implemented various programs and policies to achieve this goal, including composting, recycling, and reducing food waste.

Clean and green aviation 

Washington State has established itself as an aerospace hub over the past decades and has a keen focus on clean and green aviation. Snohomish County has partnered with Washington State University to help build an R&D center focusing on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).  ZeroAvia has developed the leading hydrogen-electric powertrain propulsion technology for aviation and as part of its research and development, has flown the world's largest commercial-scale hydrogen-electric aircraft. The Washington State Department of Commerce awarded a $350,000 economic development grant to support ZeroAvia's site selection at Paine Field, Snohomish County. Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) requested the funds to convert a warehouse building into an office and research and development space.  

Protecting the habitat

The Stillaguamish River is a small yet significant river in Washington state that has been dramatically impacted by the decline of salmon populations and the need for habitat conservation. Despite being home to endangered species such as Chinook and steelhead, the river has suffered habitat loss and degradation over the last century. This has resulted in a pressing need for collaboration among various stakeholders, including the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Native American tribes, local governments, agriculture, anglers, and conservationists, to address these issues. However, there is hope as efforts to restore the watershed and its fish runs are gaining momentum while  supporting the communities, tribes, farms, and wildlife enthusiasts who rely on this ecosystem.

Here are some things you can do to help Snohomish County become more environmentally sustainable:

• Conserve energy by turning off lights when you leave a room, unplugging appliances when you're not using them, and weatherizing your home.
• Reduce water usage by taking shorter showers, fixing leaky faucets, and watering your lawn less often.
• Recycle and compost to reduce the amount of waste you send to the landfill.
• Drive less and walk, bike, or take public transportation more often.
• Support businesses that are committed to sustainability.
• Get involved in environmental advocacy and volunteer your time to help protect our planet.

Every little bit helps! By working together, we can make Snohomish County a more sustainable place for future generations.