Trumbull-Mahoning Green Pact

We, the community leaders of Trumbull & Mahoning Counties, Ohio, are committed to enhancing and protecting the quality of life and improving the economic vibrancy of the region. With this Green Pact, we affirm that it is in the best interest of our residents, business community and natural environment to take practical steps to protect our air and water, to preserve natural resources, to increase green space, reduce our consumption of raw materials and increase recycling. We hereby commit to lead by example, through this series of common sense steps to greener growth, management and living for our jurisdictions.

Mahoning County Commissioners

City of Campbell
City of Struthers
City of Canfield
Youngstown State University
City of Youngstown
Canfield Township
Mill Creek MetroParks
Mahoning County Board of Health
Smith Township
Mahoning County Solid Waste District
Boardman Township
Austintown Township
Poland Village
Coitsville Township
Howland Township
Village of McDonald
Vienna Township
Trumbull County Commissioners
City of Niles
City of Warren
Lordstown Village
Weathersfield Township
Liberty Township

THE TRUMBULL-MAHONING GREEN PACT

1. Growing a Strong, Green Economy
Alternative energy, energy efficient products, and environmentally-friendly businesses are a fast growing sector of the economy. We agree to collaborate to encourage a steady stream of new ideas and new enterprises aimed at enhancing the environment. This entrepreneurial spirit is important to improving the long term economic health of Trumbull & Mahoning Counties.

2. Encourage the Purchase of Green Products 
Purchasing products that are environmentally friendly, including those that have recycled content, can preserve natural resources, reduce waste going into the landfill, and nurture the green marketplace. We will review purchasing policies to implement green procurement practices, and where possible, affiliated agencies are encouraged to combine efforts to save costs.

3. Implementing Sustainable Development Policies and Practices 
The way our communities grow can have a significant impact on the environment and on our quality of life. We agree to examine our codes and policies to determine how we can: create walkable, bikeable communities, promote infill, redevelop brownfields, protect natural resources such as trees, protect our rivers through stormwater controls and create green infrastructure such as bio-swales and rain gardens. These policies and practices will have a positive impact on the “curb appeal” of our communities.

4. Building Green Facilities and Reducing Energy Consumption 
Buildings account for one-third of the energy and two-thirds of the electricity consumed in this country. We will explore creating buildings that are more energy efficient, conserve water and use environmentally friendly products. We may also, where appropriate, conduct energy audits of existing government buildings. We will look for other opportunities to reduce our energy consumption, such as
making our street lights and traffic lights higher efficiency. Reducing energy use equals savings for tax payers.

5. Reducing Waste 
Reducing the waste that is going to our landfill is vital to the health and safety of our residents and to the economic interest of every jurisdiction and tax-payer in Trumbull & Mahoning Counties. We agree that we will lead by example in our own operations by establishing recycling and reuse programs. We will also encourage demolition projects to recycle a portion of the material generated. We will encourage the reduction of packaging in our purchasing and in our local industries to further the life of our landfills.

6. Educating and Engaging Our Communities 
We agree to lead by example and to encourage greater environmental stewardship of residents and local businesses. We will reach out to our stakeholders and citizens to teach the value and practice of sustainable living. We will also make periodic reports to our community about our efforts. We further agree to recognize, celebrate and reward existing businesses that adopt green, sustainable practices.

7. Preserving Green Space and Creating Greenways 
Abundant green space and a strong, accessible system of greenways are necessary components of a healthy, livable community. We will support regional efforts to protect and preserve streams, wetlands, forests and the other important natural resources of Trumbull & Mahoning Counties and increase the amount of parks and recreation areas for our residents. We will continue to work together to grow an interconnected system of greenways and bike trails that provide opportunities for alternative transportation, outdoor recreation, and
healthy living.

8. Reducing Emissions 
We will consider performing a baseline emission inventory of greenhouse gases stemming from our government fleets and then will consider feasible options on how to reduce those emissions. We further agree to engage Eastgate Regional Council of Governments on regional solutions to air quality issues.

9. Greening Public Fleets 
Vehicles are a major source of air pollution. We agree to consider options to address pollution stemming from our public fleets. Options may include: anti-idling directives, purchase of higher performing vehicles, use of alternative power sources, retrofitting existing vehicles, and/or utilizing repowering equipment.

10. Promoting Alternative Transportation 
We agree to explore ways to improve and promote alternative transportation in Mahoning & Trumbull Counties which may include supporting mass transit options, creating safe and well lit bike lanes on our roads to encourage easily accessible routes to vital services and businesses, and the promotion and exploration of incentives for our employees to take the bus, bike, vanpool or carpool to work.