CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF ORION
OFFICE OF THE SUPERVISOR

CHRIS BARNETT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jenny Bhatti

248-391-0304 ext. 1003
[email protected]

ORION TOWNSHIP RECOGNIZED FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP

Orion Township, MI (May 20, 2022) – Orion Township was recognized for environmental leadership by
the statewide Michigan Green Communities program. As part of the 2021 Michigan Green Communities
(MGC) Challenge, 44 participating local governments were awarded gold, silver, or bronze seals of
achievement reflecting community leadership in areas such as energy efficiency, climate adaptation and
resilience, recycling, environmental justice, and more. Ten communities received bronze certification,
twelve received silver certification, and twenty-two received gold certification.
Orion Township achieved gold status for exemplary action in multiple categories, including economic
development, materials management, water protection, and community engagement. A few years ago,
Orion Township, implemented a community-wide garbage and recycling program. The recycling program
included participation in Recyclebank – a rewards points system for recycling. Just for signing up and setting
out recycling each week, residents can earn points to redeem at local stores or donate to the school district
for one of their recycling programs.
The Michigan Green Communities (MGC) program is open to all local governments in Michigan, at no cost.
MGC is a sustainability networking, benchmarking, and technical assistance program. It guides and supports
communities in adapting to a changing climate, protecting infrastructure, improving the quality of life for
residents, and creating a more environmentally and economically sustainable future for the state of
Michigan.
Michigan Green Communities is supported by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and
Energy; the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; the Michigan Economic Development
Corporation; the Michigan Association of Counties; the Michigan Municipal League; and the Michigan
Townships Association. More details about this program can be found at www.migreencommunities.com.
Questions regarding the Michigan Green Communities program can be directed to
[email protected].