Carbon Footprint Initiative

In the fall of 2012 Deb Shewfelt, former Chair of Maitland Conservation, invited the leaders of four local companies (Ideal Supply Company, J.H. Keeso & Sons, Molesworth Farm Supply and Trillium Mutual Insurance Company) and one municipality(North Perth) to meet and discuss if they would be interested in forming a leadership team. The purpose of this team would be to assist Maitland Conservation with raising money to improve the health and resiliency of the watershed to deal with the growing effects of climate change. This gathering led to the establishment of the Carbon Footprint Initiative (CFI) Leadership Team. The initial team has since expanded to include Corteva Agrisciences – Wingham and the County of Huron.

Carbon Footprint Initiative Logo

The CFI Leadership Team decided that the most important step for them to take is to identify ways to reduce their carbon footprint and support the planting of natural vegetation to sequester carbon and help to build watershed resiliency. The CFI Leadership Team developed a framework to articulate their common focus and commitment.

The Carbon Footprint Initiative is open to companies, businesses and municipalities in the Maitland watershed.

To join the CFI interested companies and municipalities must commit to preparing a carbon footprint strategy and provide annual updates on their progress towards reducing their carbon footprint. Those interested in joining the CFI must also support and undertake measures to sequester carbon through planting trees and/or helping to restore natural areas through the planting of native trees, shrubs and perennials.

The CFI developed a logo which has been been trademarked by Maitland Conservation. Members of the CFI are permitted to use the logo on their buildings and vehicles once their carbon footprint strategies have been approved by the CFI Leadership Team.

Short interviews with members of the Carbon Footprint Initiative have been uploaded to YouTube. You can find the interviews at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8tVUGI8E2f3mo35b1UQkZg

If you would like to learn more about the Carbon Footprint Initiative, or are interested in joining, please contact:

Phil Beard, General Manager-Secretary Treasurer|
Maitland Conservation
[t] 519-335-3557 ext. 231
[e] [email protected]