The Oak Harbor Library earned the Whidbey Green Seal from the Sustainable Whidbey Coalition for fall 2011.

Four additional Sno-Isle libraries, Clinton, Coupeville, Freeland and Langley, have also earned the Green Seal. All five Whidbey Island libraries proudly display the Green Seal cling in their window.

The congratulatory letter from the coalition states, “You are among the first of Whidbey Island [organizations] to take concrete steps toward greening your operations and stewarding a culture of environmental awareness and social responsibility in your community. You have made an ongoing pledge to strive to create a healthy environment for your customers, clients, employees, and community.”

All five libraries were recognized for taking a leadership role in Whidbey Island’s sustainable efforts by making smart choices to conserve resources, minimize unnecessary driving, reduce waste and toxic pollution, invest in the community and make purchases closer to home.

Highlights from the Whidbey Green Seal application checklist showed that Sno-Isle scored high in the categories of “transportation” and “waste and toxic pollution.” With the efficient use of transportation, Sno-Isle reduces carbon emissions, and conscientious recycling of paper, cardboard, plastics and metals reduces waste. The Coupeville and Freeland libraries have both implemented low-impact development rain gardens that minimize storm water run-off. And, the Coupeville Library’s solar panels generate renewable energy, which can be monitored through their web page, that avoid greenhouse gases and is beneficial for the environment.