MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - This year, a total of 33 governments were recognized in the Michigan Communities Go for the Gold in Environmental Leadership.

The goal of this challenge is to help local governments to measure their progress in implementing energy sufficient ideas both economically and environmentally. In doing this, there is a checklist provided for them in order to meet the requirements given.

Meridian Township has been part of Michigan Green Communities Challenge since it was launched in 2009.

In February, the township was recognized for excellence in promoting environmental leadership, and received Gold level status for this accomplishment along with Williamstown Township, which is the township adjacent to Meridian.

According to LeRoy Harvey, Recycling & Energy Conservation Coordinator for Meridian Township, he says energy and environmental preservation is a high priority for Meridian, and even at the Gold level, Meridian Township received 600 points out of a potential 1,000.

"Part of the reason we have been successful in a few areas is because we have had such big challenges and we will have many more challenges," Harvey said. "I think it's important to kinda take stock of where we are, appreciate where we are, but also see that there is a lot of opportunity for improvement."

By going online to WWW. MML.ORG/GREEN, the local governments and the public are able to gain access to over 100 case studies to get ideas from the surrounding townships.