Wisconsin is one of the leaders in the United States when it comes to municipal action to fight global climate change. There have been 16 communities, at last count, to stand up and take a stand by declaring themselves ecomunicipalities.
Hopefully, Amery will be the 17th next month when the resolution below goes before the city council. I am publishing this on the Web so that other individuals and communities can begin, or complete, the process of introducing their own resolutions. Steal as much or as little as you want.
Or, leave some comments and feedback. This is an open-source website afterall, with over 30 members, so presumably, there are minds out there ready and willing to engage.
(Apologies about the formatting; not sure why it won't paste in decently.)
Whereas, the earliest
settlers to Wisconsin did, by necessity, live life with economy and thrift,
in concert with the land, seasons and resources of this area, and
Whereas, today, the natural
resources in Wisconsin, and around the world, including the very stability
of earth’s climate, are being strained by overuse, population increase and
damaging human consumption patterns, and
Whereas, the over-dependence
of American society upon fossil fuels creates significant pollution, unhealthy
dependence upon foreign governments, and economic insecurity from price shocks
and potential supply interruptions, and
Whereas, a healthy natural
environment, a diverse, self-reliant local economy, and a forward-thinking
citizenry which participates responsibly in the world community are desirable
and significant ends in themselves, and
Whereas, clean, abundant and
diverse natural resources are, in fact, fundamental to our economy, welfare and
very survival, as well as that of future generations,
Whereas, these realizations
are leading many communities across Wisconsin, and the world, to initiate new strategies and
programs to prepare for likely changes to their economies, lifestyle and living
patterns, and
Whereas, many organizations (American
Planning Association), corporations (Walmart),
and even nations (Sweden), have adopted principles whose purpose is to avert
large-scale economic or ecological disaster, and
Whereas, Amery is currently
required to submit goals and plans for its future under the Smart Growth law
and other state initiatives (this is
where we need info about other ongoing planning that Amery is involved in)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,
That Amery, Wisconsin declares itself to be an eco-municipality and embraces
the goals and objectives detailed in The Natural Step Program’s four principles
of sustainability:
1. Reduce dependence upon
fossil fuels and extracted underground metals and minerals, as these create
hazardous and unwanted effects on us and to our natural environment;
2. Reduce dependence on
chemicals and other manufactured substances that accumulate in Nature, degrade,
and reduce the health and vitality of ourselves and our natural environment;
3. Reduce dependence upon
social and economic activities that produce harmful effects on valuable and
life-sustaining ecosystems, like lakes, rivers and soil; and
4. Meet present and future
human needs as fairly and efficiently as possible, and act in a way that allows
others to do the same.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution announces policies to be used
in running the city in a manner that is sustainable and consistent with being
an eco-municipality. Areas within the
reach of this resolution are housing codes, municipal planning, departmental
practices, sewage disposal, (other?) as
well as advisories and information provided to residents.
