BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT:
Title
Resolution Recognizing April 22, 2017 as Earth Day.
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution RECOGNIZING APRIL 22, 2017 AS EARTH DAY.
Body
SUMMARY:
Every year on April 22nd, over a billion people worldwide celebrate Earth Day. Earth Day is intended to raise awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s natural environment. At a 1969 UNESCO Conference in San Francisco, peace activist John McConnell proposed a day to honor Earth and the concept of peace, and then-U.S. Senator Nelson formally established Earth Day on April 22nd, 1970. On that day 20 million people participated in rallies nationwide, which helped lead to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the passing of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts.
Earth Day continues to serve as a platform to promote responsible and caring acts for the environment, thus improving quality of life. It is celebrated in more than 192 countries each year and promoted by the non-profit Earth Day Network.
The global Earth Day theme this year is “Environmental & Climate Literacy” with a focus to empower everyone with the knowledge to take action to protect the environment.
With this Resolution, the Santa Clara Valley Water District (District) can further promote its mission to provide Silicon Valley safe, clean water for a healthy life, environment, and economy. The District currently has a broad array of services that align with Earth Day objectives. These services include water conservation, the Green Business Program, habitat restoration/enhancement projects, and energy optimization or alternative energy programs.
The District will recognize and celebrate Earth Day with a sustainability fair on April 27, 2017 hosted by the Green Team Employee Resource Group (ERG). The Green Team ERG serves as a resource to all employees to promote sustainable best practices, to support the District’s sustainability mission, and to help generate new sustainable ideas and solutions in the workplace. At this year’s sustainability fair, the Green Team Waste Reduction Committee will explain to employees new waste reduction strategies and get their input.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with this item.
CEQA:
The recommended action does not constitute a project under CEQA because it does not have a potential for resulting in direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Resolution
UNCLASSIFIED MANAGER:
Manager
Katherine Oven, 408-630-3126