INTRODUCTION

Hampton Roads has long been collaborating on projects of regional significance. Transportation, economic forecasts, physical and environmental planning are just a few areas where regional cooperation have reaped significant bounty for area residents and businesses.

Environmental education has also been coordinated on a regional scale through the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission. Regional environmental education efforts focusing on water conservation, stormwater management and waste minimization and recycling have allowed the region’s sixteen local governments to pool financial resources and professional talent.

HR WET
The Hampton Roads Water Efficiency Team, or HR WET, joined forces nearly a decade ago to promote a region-wide water conservation ethic. Seeking to change habits, not lifestyles, HR WET’s message of wise use of our limited water resources has made significant inroads in reducing per capita water consumption.

To achieve these goals, HR WET conducts a comprehensive educational program involving media relations, advertising, exhibits and demonstrations at festivals, and public speaking to various groups about water conservation. Other programs include educational videos, brochures, research on the effectiveness of water-saving kits, and a clearinghouse for exchanging information on water-wise practices.

HR STORM
Recognizing the successes of HR WET, the Regional Stormwater Management Committee appointed a public information and education sub-committee dubbed HR STORM. HR STORM promotes the importance of environmental stewardship and how everyday actions can impact water quality.

Utilizing proven methods of multi-media advertising, exhibits, curriculum packages, pilot projects and publications, HR STORM is making a name for itself in Hampton Roads. New initiatives include targeting education efforts toward pet owners and providing relevant information to automotive supply stores to help promote sound water quality improvement practices.

HR CLEAN
Most recently, a coalition of local litter control and recycling coordinators approached the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission about coordinating a regional environmental education effort to promote litter control and increased recycling.

Capitalizing on the achievements of HR WET and HR STORM, this initiative, known as HR CLEAN, seeks to decrease littering and increase the rate of recycling in Hampton Roads. With advertising, special events and select promotional items, HR CLEAN conveys an important regional message of environmental stewardship.

Green $en$e Guide