The Greening of Ogunquit Program

The Greening of Ogunquit Program

Join your neighbors and pledge to be an Ogunquit Green Leader!

Read on to learn more or contact us at ogconcom@yahoo.com or call 646-9326.

Ogunquit’s vision is to become “Maine’s Green Town”. The Greening of Ogunquit Program involves
residents, businesses, the Municipality and our visitors in this effort. This is an important way to
preserve the natural assets of our Town and our environment. To achieve this goal, the Ogunquit Conservation Commission, composed of volunteers from the community, has developed a program that challenges our Municipal government, businesses and residents to be environmental leaders. Our
program draws on the best environmental practices from the State of Maine, Maine Public Utilities and
the Maine Environmental Protection Agency.

It surprises many people that homes, not cars are the biggest polluters in the United States. The
average american household produces 3,500 pounds of garbage, 450,000 gallons of waste water and 25,000 pounds of carbon dioxide each year. These high figures contribute to depleted natural resources, toxic and polluted air, drinking water and soils, global warming, smog and scarcity of affordable energy.
The good news is that each of us has the ability to help reduce and eliminate these problems. “Going Green” by making simple changes in your home and lifestyle is easier than you might think, plus, it
reduces everyday costs.

Program components

Ogunquit’s program has three components. Town businesses are encouraged to participate in the State Environmental Leader Program which recognizes lodging, restaurant and grocery businesses that
adopt significant green practices in their operations. Ogunquit has the second highest number of certified environmental leader businesses in the state.

The Town of Ogunquit has taken up the Governor’s Carbon Challenge which will lead to reduced Greenhouse gas emissions over coming years. The Town also uses a number of green practices
including low energy light bulbs, no chemical fertilizers on Town properties and reduced road salt on
Town roads.

Residents are challenged to complete a simple, easy to understand self-certification of practices that
have a large impact on our environment. A mailing is going out to all town residents in June, 2010
inviting them to participate in the Greening Program and become an Ogunquit Green Leader. Residents
pledge to follow recommended practices to reduce energy use, conserve water, protect our watershed
by avoiding pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers and to buy local products when possible.

To receive detailed information about how you can become an Ogunquit Green Leader, simple send us an an email using the tab below or call 646-9326.

The Commission would like to thank the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce for their ongoing help and
support for this program. Copyz & Graphix in Wells has also helped with printing.

Ongoing Program Communications

The easiest way is to sign-up for our email list for first notification of all events and activities. You can
email us at ogconcom@yahoo.com, call 646-9326. You should also check this website and watch for updates on the Greening of Ogunquit Program on WOGT-TV.

We are always happy to hear feedback and suggestions.

P.O. Box 31, Ogunquit, ME 03907 ı ogconcom@yahoo.com