4th Annual Fayette County Earth Day Festival

The 2010 Fayette County Earth Day Committee is currently seeking vendors for the 4th annual Fayette County Earth Day festival. This event will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at the Stonewall Avenue Complex from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Educators, mentors and leaders in the community are wanted to provide Educational Exhibits to help our community learn about sustainability, ecology, and green practices.

We are also looking for eco-friendly businesses to provide Vendor Booths in our Green Market, with products and services such as organic produce, Fair Trade gifts, eco-fashions, and items made from renewable resources. Food vendors are also needed to keep our attendees happy and well fed!

Join us and share your products, services and knowledge with hundreds, gain visibility for your company or organization, and connect with other successful businesses and organizations by participating in this county wide sustainability event.

The 2010 Fayette County Earth Day Festival, FREE to all attendees is hosted by Fayette County and coordinated by the Fayette County Earth Day Committee.

Fees:

Green Market & Food Vendors: $30 for 12 x 12 booth space if registered before March 1; $45 thereafter

Educational Exhibitors: Free for non-profits, government agencies and educational institutions only.

Electricity: $10 extra if required.

To become a Green Market Vendor, Educational Exhibitor, Sponsor, or Volunteer for the festival, please go to www.fayettecoearthday.org to obtain additional information for the 2011 Earth Day Festival.

Consumer Electronics Association Offers Tips for Properly Recycling Electronics This Holiday Season

(BUSINESS WIRE)--According to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®, 80 percent of consumers will purchase new electronics this holiday season. As some old electronics are removed from homes to make room for the new, CEA offers tips to help consumers and businesses safely and effectively dispose of unwanted electronics.

* Turn in the Old: Most major CE manufacturers and many retailers have reliable, nationwide recycling programs. For instance, Best Buy’s Take Back program, available in all of its U.S. stores, accepts all electronics, regardless of point-of-purchase. Also, many cities and towns have instituted community electronics recycling programs and events. Check out www.myGreenElectronics.org or the EPA’s Website Plug-In to eCycling for a complete list of programs near your home.
* Verify your Recycler: There are several recognized certification programs for e-waste recyclers who are willing to use safe, market-driven recycling methods that respond to the needs of consumers, manufacturers and retailers, including the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) and the Industry Council for Electronic Equipment Recycling (ICER). It is also important for consumers to ask recyclers the process they use to minimize impacts to the environment and community, and to check for certifications on recyclers’ Websites before engaging with them.
* Pay It Forward: In the holiday spirit of giving, donate your unwanted electronics to charity. CollectiveGood collects used cell phones and donates refurbished phones to underprivileged communities around the globe, while Close the Gap provides reused and refurbished computers to various developing countries.
* Protect Your Identity: Recycling devices that store personal information, including computers and smart phones, can put you at risk for identity theft. However, there are many services that can help you erase your personal information from these devices, such as Symantec's Wipe Info in Norton Utilities, System Works for PCs and Macs, and a free cell phone data eraser tool from ReCellular.
* Buy Green: Many electronics are made from recycled, eco-friendly, and biodegradable materials. Before making a purchase, research the product to find eco-friendly models. Many manufacturers post product descriptions online. When it comes to powering your new gadget, you can also minimize unnecessary waste (and get longer-lasting power) by opting for rechargeable batteries over disposable, whenever possible.

For more recycling tips, visit www.MyGreenElectronics.org.

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Soldier Launches Recycling Effort in Iraq

The Army teaches soldiers to leave a place better than they found it. One soldier has applied this adage to the Multinational Division Baghdad area of operations by thinking "green."

Army Sgt. Tanisha Manning, with 1st Cavalry Division's Company B, Division Special Troops Battalion, has started a recycling initiative at Camp Liberty, Iraq.

"It's about saving money [and] helping the environment, and it's part of a responsible drawdown, because we want to leave this place better than we found it," the New York native said. "I started this about two months ago, and it's just now getting off the ground and totally on the move."

A recycling program was in place on Camp Liberty before, Manning said, but it wasn't getting much attention.

"I thought to myself, 'We drink so much water, we use so much water, and we throw away so many plastic bottles; what are we doing?'" she said.

Manning decided to take action. She formulated a plan, made contacts, and helped to publish an order on the subject.

"When I found Sergeant Manning in [division supply], she inspired me to do something about the recycling situation here on [Camp] Liberty," said Army Maj. Mindy Kimball, with 1st Cavalry Division's Company A, Division Special Troops Battalion.. "The bottom line is that the landfill on [the complex] is near capacity and can't possibly last through 2011 with the current rate of solid waste disposal."

With the assistance of a contracting organization in Iraq and Kuwait, Manning's plan came to fruition. A partnership enabled the company to come onto the complex and take materials away for recycling.

Now, blue recycling bins are in place throughout the complex and the Multinational Division Baghdad area.

"It's important that we use these recycling bins -- it's too easy," Manning said. "Everybody on [the complex], at least, has a point of contact for recycling."

Manning explained that the bins are vital to the recycling program.

"When I went out to the recycling facility, they were picking through the garbage, looking for recyclables," she said. "So it's important for us to separate the recyclables out beforehand to make it easier on them."

Kimball noted recycling is every soldier's responsibility. "The Army's policy is very clear -- it doesn't say 'try' or 'should' [recycle], it says 'will,'" she said. "But unless every soldier and leader enforces it, then nothing will get done, and nobody can enforce policies they don't know about."

Thanks in part to Manning's efforts, soldiers now can recycle plastic bottles, aluminum cans, printer cartridges and cardboard easily.

(By Army Sgt. Joshua Risner, Special to American Forces Press Service. Army Sgt. Joshua Risner serves in the Multinational Baghdad public affairs office.)
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Conservation Landscaping Comes Home

/PRNewswire/ -- As homeowners seek more sustainable, energy-efficient homes, developers are recognizing the role that effective landscape architecture combined with shade can play.

In recent years, the demand for "green" has focused primarily on the residential structure. Now, builders and developers are turning their attention to the landscape surrounding each dwelling, to help create greater energy efficiency inside homes.

Shade trees, hedges and vines

Landscaping professionals have long promoted the benefits of trees, hedges, and vines to provide cooling summer shade. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, trees placed strategically around buildings can save up to 56% on annual air-conditioning costs; trees also reduce storm-water runoff, and remove carbon dioxide and other harmful air pollutants. (For more, visit Trees Pay Us Back.)

Pragmatically, not every dwelling can be surrounded on all sides by shading greenery. And in new developments, it can take up to 15 years before the benefits of newly planted trees and shrubs are fully realized.

Awnings and canopies

Where location, climate or existing hardscape prevent the planting of trees, shrubs and vines, or around newer buildings with less mature plants, fabric awnings and canopies are an energy-saving addition to sustainable landscape design.

When added above windows and doors, awnings can significantly reduce home cooling energy use. "Energy efficiency is really the number one concern with green or sustainable buildings, and awnings can directly affect energy use by simply blocking the sun," according to John Carmody, Director of the Center for Sustainable Building Research at the University of Minnesota. "Heat gain through the windows is one of the main reasons why buildings need air conditioners. . . We found that awnings make quite a difference in the cooling energy equation. In some climates you can save 20 to 25 percent of your cooling energy just by using awnings."

Awnings and canopies add style, functionality and sustainability to hardscapes, and are more economical to build and maintain than comparable masonry and wood structures. From a conservation landscaping perspective, awnings placed on or near a home can significantly reduce energy consumption for cooling.

To promote the benefits of adding fabric structures to landscape designs, the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA) launched www.DesignWithAwnings.com. The site provides landscape architects and designers with ideas and information about incorporating awnings and canopies into their designs.

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Five Ways to Make Your Home and Wallet Greener

(ARA) - With tightened budgets, you may be surprised to learn that going green at home is not only good for the planet but also good for your pocket book.

“People are re-evaluating everything they do, from driving cars to how they eat,” says Lisa Tiedt, MSN.com green expert. “With a few simple home improvements, it’s easy to do a favor for Mother Earth, your wallet and your family - celebrate Earth Day (April 22).”

Tiedt offers five home improvements ideas that pay for themselves quickly and save you money in the long-run:

An Easy Audit

A home energy assessment is perhaps one of the easiest ways to determine if your home is earth-friendly or leaking money from its seams. Most local utility companies offer energy inventories for free. And for $250 to $300, many companies will put together a detailed assessment using thermal imaging. This gives you a punch list of easy places to improve sealing and maintain appliances. By making these improvements you will see huge energy savings in the long-run.

Grow Something Green

It sounds so simple, but planting a tree can help reduce energy costs up to 40 percent in warm climates, according to MSN.com. Your new-found foliage will block sunlight and reduce the need for air conditioning. In North America, the east and west sides of homes are exposed to the greatest amount of heat in summer months. In some hotter areas like Sacramento, Calif., the local government gives out free trees to reduce the strain on the grid during sizzling summer months.

“Planting a tree is a staple activity every Earth Day, but you don’t have to wait until April 22 to add something to your landscape,” says Tiedt. “If you have younger kids, getting down and dirty and planting a tree together is the perfect weekend activity.”

H20 Heaters

You guessed it -- your home’s largest energy-guzzler is your water heater. Some experts suggest wrapping the heater in fireproof insulation, which can be found at any home improvement store for less than $30, to save tremendous amounts of energy. To save big, install a tankless water heater. This heater is a system of coils and the unit heats water on demand. These types of heaters are not only more efficient, but they take up considerably less space.

Crack Down on Tracks

Ten tubes of caulk will do more to reduce a home’s energy waste than replacing every window. Apply paintable silicone caulk around windows and doors. To check for other energy leaks, look where any pipe, vent or electrical cable comes through the siding -- dryer vent outlets and hose bibs frequently present trouble spots.

Keep A/C Filters and Coils Clean

A dirty air filter reduces airflow, and a dirty condenser coil retains heat and is less efficient. The two can increase the system’s power consumption by 10 percent or more. Clean the condenser coil every two years and change filters monthly during peak cooling and heating seasons.

For more tips on how to have a greener home visit MSN.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Yellow School Buses: Greener Than Many Think

(NAPSI)-Here's good news about the environment that may surprise you: The nation's yellow school buses are turning green as the industry actively works to reduce emissions through positive environmental initiatives.

Many people overlook the inherent environmental advantage of school buses. It's estimated that every school bus replaces an average of 36 passenger cars. With more than 480,000 school buses out each day, nearly 17.3 million fewer vehicles are needed to transport kids to and from school.

Recent advances in school bus engine technology have created more environmental advantages. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says heavy-duty trucks and buses will soon reduce particulates by 90 percent.

"Not only are school buses the safest form of transportation for our students, they are more efficient than ever," said Mike Murray, CEO of FirstGroup America, the nation's largest provider of school transportation. "By continuously investing in our fleet, adopting new technologies, exploring alternative fuels and enacting the right policies, we significantly reduce bus emissions."

Reduced Idling

Even the little things make a difference. Drivers are trained to adhere to a no-idling policy, which requires them to turn off idling buses after no more than five minutes, unless weather conditions make it unsafe. Drivers are also trained to keep tires inflated at the proper pressure and follow the most fuel-efficient route possible.

Better Buses

School bus manufacturers are also working to improve technology to meet progressively stringent emissions standards. For example, new school bus engines from IC Bus reduce particulate matter by 90 percent and nitrogen oxide by 50 percent compared to previous emissions standards. John McKinney, president of IC Bus, notes, "By next year, our engines will even further reduce emissions and be fully compliant to the 2010 standards."

Further Improvements

The school bus industry is doing more to reduce school bus emissions, including:

• Updating bus fleets with vehicles that research shows run 60 times cleaner than buses built before 1990;

• Retrofitting older buses with special exhaust filters to reduce diesel particulate matter by approximately 40 percent;

• Exploring the use of green technologies and alternative fuels, such as hybrid electric, biodiesel, propane or compressed natural gas;

• Keeping school buses at peak performance through rigorous preventative maintenance programs.

Learn More

For more information, visit www.firststudentinc.com.

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Tax Credit "Window Of Opportunity" Reopens In 2009

(NAPSI)-Between 25 and 50 percent of energy used in a home goes right out the window--literally. That's because, in most homes, windows provide the biggest openings between ambient indoor air and the elements outside--and the biggest opportunity for valuable energy to escape.

Heat always moves toward cooler air and windows are often a home's only protection against unwanted heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. As many homeowners are seeking ways to save on energy bills and reduce their impact on the environment, windows have become a primary focal point.

With nearly 40 percent of home remodeling incorporating sustainable, green materials, the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Fenestration Rating Council have established a new, stricter set of criteria for windows carrying the ENERGY STAR label, which will take effect in 2010.

"These changes to ENERGY STAR will help homeowners distinguish between the quality of different window systems," said Tracy Rogers, window expert and technical director for Ohio-based Edgetech I.G. "Only windows with the best materials, such as all-foam, dual-seal spacers, will qualify for the ENERGY STAR label."

Additionally, the federal tax credit for installing energy-efficient windows is once again available for improvements made from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009. More information can be found at www.sustainaview.com or www.energystar.gov.

Superefficient Windows

The green movement and ENERGY STAR enhancements have resulted in a climate change among window manufacturers who are now designing and building what some call "superefficient" windows--triple-pane rather than double-pane.

Triple-pane windows are most effective when constructed with high-performance materials, such as nonconductive dual-seal foam spacer systems, low-emissivity (low-e) coatings and argon or krypton gas filling. According to Rogers, the spacer system is a key element to promoting sustainability in window systems because it provides the seal between the indoor and outdoor air.

"Properly constructed 'superefficient' windows will stand the test of time," Rogers concluded. "Regardless of the climate, these windows are sure to cut energy costs and reduce carbon emissions from the home for many years to come."

For more information on where to buy superefficient windows with sustainable components, visit www.sustainaview.com.

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Going Green for the Holidays

BUSINESS WIRE)--As economic conditions continue to tighten this year, consumers have a great “green” option for turning old electronic products in their closets into new holiday gifts: by participating in Office Depot, Sam’s Club or NEXCOM electronics trade-in programs powered by ecoNEW®.

For consumers who are looking for smart, efficient, and responsible ways to ease the burden of holiday spending, the ecoNEW program is an environmentally friendly, free, and convenient way to trade-in older, unwanted, small- to medium- size electronics and receive money back in the form of gift cards that can be used for holiday gift purchases at participating retailers. Items that do not qualify for trade-in value will be accepted for recycling.

The ecoNEW program is an innovative, online electronics trade-in service operated by N.E.W. Customer Service Companies, Inc. to support its retail partners. With a “zero export, zero landfill” policy, ecoNEW takes electronic equipment from consumers and ensures it will either be reconditioned or recycled. Some items may be sold into the secondary or used marketplace in whole machine form or disassembled and sold off as usable service parts in accordance with the highest industry standards for eco-friendly recycling. Electronics equipment and parts will then be broken down into raw material and used to produce new materials. Reusable parts and reconditioned equipment may be used to feed NEW’s extensive service repair network that supports more than 150 million customers across the U.S. NEW is the nation’s leading provider of extended service plans and buyer protection programs for consumer products.

The ecoNEW electronics trade-in program is easy to use:

1) Access online – at the retailer’s website or at www.econewonline.com

2) Enter product information – use an online form to enter information about the electronic item, including condition and presence of cords, accessories, and original packaging. The proprietary ecoNEW Value Calculator provides an on-screen estimated trade-in value. If there is no trade-in value, ecoNEW gives the customer the option to send in the product for recycling only.

3) Enter contact information.

4) Print a free shipping label and ship product – the ecoNEW system will generate a prepaid UPS shipping label that consumers can print out and affix to a mailing box for return to ecoNEW.

5) Receive gift card – once ecoNEW receives the item and verifies the information submitted, a retail gift card is mailed to the consumer.

The first ecoNEW program was launched in mid-April for Sam’s Club, a national retailer with more than 47 million members. In early September, the program was launched with Office Depot, which serves customers through 1,680 retail stores worldwide, to support their Tech Trade-In program. The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM), consisting of 100 locations worldwide, is the newest retailer to launch ecoNEW, in mid-September 2008. All participating retailers accept LCD monitors, digital cameras, Apple and PC desktops and laptops, gaming systems, MP3 players, camcorders, and printers. In addition to these items, Office Depot and NEXCOM also accept LCD TVs and Smartphones/PDAs.

“We are thrilled to see the ecoNEW program grow and expand through more retailers,” said Tony Nader, president and CEO of NEW. “It’s very rewarding to be part of program that not only works to better the environment but also provides consumers with some extra cash that may help their family’s enjoyment of the holiday season.”

EcoNEW is being offered to retailers as a value-added customer care solution, making NEW the first of its industry to offer a green service in its product and service portfolio.

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Go Green for Halloween

(ARA) - Halloween is the season of dress-up, make-believe and fun. Great preparation goes into buying costumes that transform young children, teens, college students and even adults into an array of characters including ghosts, goblins, witches, devils, superheroes and storybook characters. It’s a time when it’s okay to be something or someone other than yourself for a day.

This year some thrill seekers may want to consider Halloween alternatives to provide a new twist on an age-old event. During this season of green witches, slime and other spooky characters, going green for Halloween can extend the positive theme of protecting the environment even during this season of dress-up and make believe.

“Halloween is a perfect time to demonstrate commitment and concern for the environment,” says Dr. Debra Huntley, program chair of the BA Psychology Program at the Argosy University Twin Cities Campus. “Protecting our environment is a year-round effort that is getting increasing attention from people from all age groups.”

While the traditional ritual of trick or treat has its place, going green for Halloween is an opportunity to host a costume party and serve treats without food coloring or preservatives. Guests can enjoy healthier snacks like popcorn balls with salt and butter substitutes or caramel apples and fudge with sugar substitutes. The host can serve juice drinks, flavored water and apple cider instead of sugary soft drinks that are loaded with calories and caffeine. By preparing treats, money and the environment are also protected by not using extra packaging and wrappers. And with fall harvests, it’s a great time to shop at a local farmer’s market for nutritious, local snacks. Buying locally is not only a healthy choice, but patronizes vendors that are nearby as opposed to those that require resources to transport.

Going green for Halloween can also mean deciding not to drive that evening or identifying activities and events closer to home to reduce driving time and air pollutants from vehicles.

Dr. Huntley explains some youth or college-age groups may want to share the green Halloween spirit while lifting the spirits of senior living and nursing home residents. They can visit residents and share wholesome snacks, play music and lead a ghoulish and festive dance around the facility. In addition to enjoying the costumes, the residents can enjoy healthful snacks and the afternoon with friendly little ghosts and characters.

For those partaking in traditional trick or treat activities, Dr. Huntley encourages everyone to remember it is important to maintain safety and caution to ensure this is a fun and safe experience for young trick or treaters. Children should be accompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible older sibling. Costumes should not be too tight or obscure vision. Children must be encouraged to cross streets carefully and always with a traffic light when present. Trick or treat in familiar neighborhoods or at homes with whom you are acquainted. Many malls and shopping centers enjoy hosting trick or treaters as a fun community service initiative. Often schools help promote safety by encouraging teachers to let students trick or treat at various classrooms in the building. Some schools host a costume parade in the building or a fun assembly.

Whatever you decide, make this Halloween season a fun, safe, nutritious and tasty experience for all participants.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Glam, Gorgeous and Green Entertaining

(ARA) – So you’ve made the environmentally conscious choice to be green this year ... but with the holidays just around the corner, how will this decision impact your entertaining?

Maintaining discipline can be difficult during the ”season of indulgence.” Just as many diets might go out the window; so may your environmental self-discipline. However, maintaining a green focus during the holidays doesn’t have to mean bland food and brown, recycled napkins. Organic food can be delicious -- special enough to serve at parties -- and sustainable table linens can be glamorous. Green choices can actually enhance your guests’ experience in your home; rather than inhibit it.

“Green products are far from plain and unattractive. The ‘green movement’ has been embraced by the architecture and design community -- so there is an abundance of smartly styled, design-forward items that are also eco-friendly,” says Judy Riley, vice president of design at Moen Incorporated.

Here are some suggestions to keep in mind as you plan this year’s holiday party, starting with the two rooms your guests are sure to see -- the kitchen and the powder room. Some changes are quick and simple; while others have a longer-term impact that you can enjoy long after your guests are gone.

A Gorgeous, Green Kitchen
It’s a fact -- whether you’re entertaining two guests or 20 -- the one spot they’ll most likely congregate is the kitchen. And fortunately, making a green impact in this room is easy.

If you need to purchase a new table and chairs to accommodate a large dinner party, look for second-hand tables and refurbished chairs with character. And if you’re looking for a “green” kitchen remodel, Riley suggests:

* Installing cabinetry or built-ins made with certifiable, eco-friendly wood (meaning they were not made from rain forest materials or endangered woods).

* Using Zodiaq quartz counters, which are more eco-friendly than granite and are available in a palette of beautiful colors.

* Installing bamboo wood flooring, which provides the natural beauty of wood while also being environmentally friendly.

* If you’re setting up the bar for guests, a Moen AquaSuite filtering faucet in the kitchen will provide filtered water at your sink -- virtually eliminating the need for bottled water.

The Perfect Powder Room
After the kitchen, the next most-visited room at your dinner party is the powder room, or guest half-bath. To add a green flair here, Riley recommends:

* Enhancing the mood of your soiree with candles -- not only do they soften the lighting and add a festive flair; but they also are electricity-free.

* Incorporating ceramic tile in floors, countertops and walls. Some ceramic tiles are made from recycled products, such as discarded bottle glass.

* Installing electronic faucets or faucets certified to meet WaterSense criteria to conserve water. The hands-free Destiny electronic powder room faucet from ShowHouse by Moen features a sleek, minimalist design and a distinctly-styled spout that produces a sheeting water flow -- providing water only when it is needed.

Another earth-friendly option, Moen’s new Rothbury bath faucet, allows water to flow at an optimized 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm), versus traditional aerators that flow at 2.2 gpm. This faucet, certified to meet WaterSense criteria, not only reduces water usage by up to 32 percent, but it also is extremely stylish and available in a number of on-trend finishes.

Earth-Friendly Entertaining
Once your decorating is complete, it’s time to add a few, final green touches to your event:
* Invite an acoustic guitarist to play at the party -- not only will it give your event a more intimate feel, it will also conserve energy.

* Buy beverages in aluminum cans and glass bottles that can be recycled; and create a ”festive” reminder for guests to dispose of these items in a recycling bin.

Finally, remember that every little bit counts -- and by showing your guests a glamorous -- and green -- experience, you can empower them to follow in your eco-conscious footsteps.

For more information on Moen’s eco-friendly faucets or to request a Moen sustainability brochure, visit www.moen.com or call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636).

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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"Green Roofs" Help Students Make The Grade

NF Note: Everyday we stumble across articles which have some thought provoking ideas for helping our environment. We wonder if this idea would work in Fayette County.

(NAPSI)-From starting school wide recycling plans to cleaning up area parks, today's students get high marks when it comes to helping the environment. Now a new program may help their grades go through the roof.

The initiative teaches students in grades 6 to 8 about green roofs--a roof that replaces traditional roofing with a living environment of plants and soil.

Among the benefits they offer, green roofs remove pollutants from storm water and reduce the amount of water that flows into sewer systems. The plants also store excess carbon from the atmosphere, lower radiant heat in the summer and create habitats for local wildlife. Additionally, green roofs provide extra insulation to buildings and last two or three times longer than traditional roofs.

The program, called The Roof Is Growing!, is run by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). It provides a lesson plan, workbook and an online interactive program designed to engage students on how green roofs cool cities, clean the air, create habitats and control storm water.

Funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the initiative is meant to inspire young students to think creatively and use their imaginations as future landscape architects or on any path they choose.

Of course, there are ways by which parents can get kids thinking green at home, too. Try these tips:

Make It Fun

Let your child decorate the recycling bins you have at home as you explain to her what items can and can't be recycled. You might even arrange for you and your child to tour the area recycling facility.

Take A Walk

Take your child for a walk in the woods to help him gain a greater appreciation of nature. If he has a favorite animal or habitat (deserts, jungles, etc.), encourage him to learn more at the library, at school and online.

Lead By Example

Be sure to recycle and take steps to protect the environment on your own. Setting a good example at home can help build Earth-friendly habits in kids that last a lifetime.

For more information, visit www.asla.org/greenroof.

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Georgia Tech and Green: Game Day Recycling Effort

NF Note: Here is another great idea from Georgia Tech. Kudos to the students who are involved with this recycling project. I wonder if any of the schools in Fayette County or any of the student organizations at our middle and high schools are going to start this type of program?

Georgia Tech students are showing their game day spirit this fall by doing more than showing up to cheer on the Yellow Jackets.

“Football games bring thousands of people to campus to tailgate and watch the game, and in the past we just threw away tons of bottles, cans and cups every game,” said Student Government President Nick Wellkamp. “With Game Day Recycling, we give every tailgate party a recycling bag and ask them to recycle their glass, plastic and aluminum. This year, there are also recycling bins in the stadium and the private boxes, so that fans are encouraged to recycle during the entire length of the game day experience.”

The Game Day Recycling program is single-stream recycling, meaning that fans can just throw all of their recyclables into one bin or bag, rather than separating items out manually.

According to Wellkamp, this makes it much easier to recycle, and organizers have found almost all fans and tailgaters willing to participate.

Different student organizations will be volunteering to distribute bags for each game. For the first game, SGA volunteered to distribute bags, and IFC gave bags to all of the fraternity houses. The result was more than 1 ton of recyclable materials collected.

Wellkamp believes Game Day Recycling is an important initiative and students are getting involved because they care about the Georgia Tech community.

“The program extends Georgia Tech’s green efforts to all aspects of the community, including alumni and fans,” said Wellkamp. “Football games are large special events that have a huge environmental impact, and recycling all of our glass, plastic and aluminum can save tons of this material from going into landfills. Students are passionate about sustainability and proud that
Georgia Tech is becoming a leader in the field of sustainability.”

According to organizers, the biggest challenge is educating people so that they do not accidentally use the recycling bags as trash bags. Their concern is that they don’t want to get contaminated materials.

Wellkamp believes the program will be a success if Tech can get sustained student involvement and get fans and tailgaters to use the recycling containers properly.

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Green Gardening: Save Time, Money and the Environment

(ARA) - Everyone wants a beautiful landscape but most people feel they lack the time and expertise to cultivate the results they want. With a few simple eco-friendly changes in your fall landscape care, you can get more beautiful results with a limited investment of time and effort.

Triple Your Benefits
Cut the grass, recycle fall leaves and improve the soil with a pass of the lawn mower. Shred leaves and leave them on the lawn as you mow this fall. As long as you can see the grass through the leaf pieces, the lawn will be fine.

According to nationally known horticulturist and gardening expert Melinda Myers, “Shredding leaves and leaving them on the lawn is good for the grass and saves you time. As the leaves break down they add organic matter to the soil, improving drainage in clay soil and water holding ability in sandy soils. It’s a great way to recycle a valuable natural resource and reduce your work load. You can increase the environmental benefit even further by using an electric mower to both cut your grass and shred the leaves.”

Further improve your lawn’s health with fall fertilization. University research has shown that fall fertilization is the most beneficial practice for home lawns. Less disease problems and slower weed growth means your lawns -- not the pests -- benefit from the nutrients. Fall fertilization also helps lawns recover from the stresses of summer because it encourages deep roots and denser growth that can better compete with weeds and tolerate disease and insects.

“Northern gardeners can follow the holiday schedule and fertilize Labor Day and Halloween. Southern gardeners should make their last fall fertilization at least 30 days before the lawn goes dormant or the average first killing frost to avoid winter kill,” recommends Myers.

Use a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer, for best results. Milorganite fertilizer is slow release and resists leaching. Its phosphorus and organic nitrogen stay in the root zone for the plants to use over a long period of time. And, it is good for the environment since the nutrients resist leaching into the groundwater and nearby well. Plus, the non-staining iron promotes greening without excess late season growth that could be subject to winter kill.

Less Work, Better Results
Leave healthy perennials stand for winter. According to Myers, “The seedheads add beauty to the winter landscape and provide food for the birds. Plus, research has found perennials left standing are better able to tolerate the rigors of winter.”

Be sure to remove any diseased or insect-infested plants to reduce the source of pest problems in next year’s garden. Use any extra fall leaves as mulch. Shred the leaves with your mower and spread a layer over the soil to conserve moisture and insulate the perennials’ roots. Not only are the leaves free, but using them as mulch is good for your garden and the environment. Fall mulching gives you a jump on next spring’s landscape chores.

Shredded leaves also make a good mulch for over bulbs. Plant daffodils, tulips and hyacinths in fall for extra color next spring. Set the bulbs at a depth of 2-to-3 times their height deep. Cover with soil, sprinkle on a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer like Milorganite and water. The low nitrogen slow release fertilizer promotes rooting without stimulating fall growth subject to winter kill. The leaf mulch helps conserve moisture, moderate soil temperature fluctuations and eventually improves the soil.

Dig ‘Em In
Still more leaves? Then shred them with the mower and dig them into vacant annual flower and vegetable gardens or incorporate them as you prepare new planting beds. You will be amazed at how quickly these leaves turn into organic matter and improve your garden’s soil. Add a little slow release fertilizer to feed the microorganisms and speed up their decomposition.

Or use the shredded leaves in your compost pile. Combine fall leaves with other plant waste, a bit of soil or compost, and a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer like Milorganite to create compost. Recycling yard waste saves time bagging, hauling and disposing of green debris. You also reduce or eliminate the need to buy soil to improve your existing garden soil.

So put away the rake and find creative ways to save time and money as you put fall leaves to work in your landscape. For more information, visit www.milorganite.com and www.melindamyers.com

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Five Environmental Questions Never Asked

(NAPSI)-Simple "green" living ideas are everywhere-from billboards to T-shirts-but there are less common, yet equally important, environmental issues.

1. What is the impact of composting?

Composting, the process of converting organic materials into soil, is a simple way to reduce garbage by one-third and preserve living organisms. According to Com posters.com, compostable waste makes up 30 percent of garbage in the United States. In 1999, the EPA recorded that 64 million tons of materials were saved from landfills by composting and recycling. Now, just think how much waste can be saved if composting becomes as common as recycling. Web sites such as Compost.org provide easy-to-use home-composting guides. Did you know tea bags, coffee grounds and corn husks can be composted?

2. Can print cartridges be recycled?

Yes. In fact, many manufacturers offer print cartridge recycling free of charge. For example, HP offers free recycling for its ink and toner cartridges through the HP Planet Partners program and makes sure all HP cartridges returned through Planet Partners are recycled and diverted from landfills. Many companies that refill or remanufacture print cartridges are private and not required to disclose end-of-life recycling processes. A Gartner Research study stated: "While the use of remanufactured supplies can reduce initial acquisition costs and prevent cartridges [from] going to landfills, organizations must understand that many remanufacturers do not have proper disposal practices, and their efforts may not be environmentally sound." No matter where you buy print cartridges, be sure to research the company's recycling policies and standards.

3. Paper or Plastic?

Many people know that plastic is harmful to the environment. Recently, the city of San Francisco implemented a ban on using non-recyclable plastic bags in grocery stores, saving nearly 5 million bags a month from landfills. Plastic bags are not the only villain; paper bags require more than double the amount of energy to manufacture and transport than plastic bags, according to the Environmental Literacy Council. The trend is catching on, and cities across the nation, such as Seattle, are working towards "green" fees for disposable bags and encouraging the use of reusable bags in grocery stores.

4. Is it important to purchase organic cleaners?

Harmful pollutants in cleaners put people at risk in their homes and negatively effect water and air quality. Organic cleaners have less toxicity, low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are biodegradable. According to the EPA, cleaners with high VOC content contribute to smog formation. Ingredients containing phosphorus or nitrogen evaporate into the air and pollute bodies of water, affecting numerous wildlife species. It's important to think about organic cleaners when cleaning a home but also when searching for professional cleaning services such as housekeepers, car detailing and dry cleaning.

5. How do I know what can be recycled?

Understanding what can and cannot be recycled is a significant step toward helping the environment. Many people spend 40 hours a week sitting at a desk, where throwing away paper becomes habitual. Sticky notes can be recycled; tissues cannot. Food wrappers or soiled products cannot be recycled. Magazines, soda cans, juice bottles (both plastic and glass) and even most lotion bottles can be recycled. You may be surprised what can be recycled, even things without a recycle symbol can sometimes be recycled, such as dry cleaning wire hangers and worn-out tennis shoes. Web sites such as World.org provide simple recycling-education tools. Keep a "recycle only" container at your desk for one month. You may be surprised at how many workplace items are recyclable.

You can learn more online at EPA.gov and Compost.org.

Nuclear Power Means Clean Air

(NAPSI)-A growing number of people, particularly environmentalists, are taking a second look at nuclear power as a clean, sustainable and safe source of electricity that can significantly reduce global warming, pollution and energy dependence--and meet our ever-increasing demand for energy.

One woman, a staunch environmentalist and skeptic about nuclear power, made it her mission to find out the truth about this energy source. Gwyneth Cravens spent nearly a decade immersing herself in the subject.

“When I began my research, I had assumed we had many choices in the way we made electricity, but we don’t,” says Cravens, author of “Power to Save the World: The Truth About Nuclear Energy.” “Wind and solar have a role to play, but nuclear is the only large-scale, non-greenhouse-gas-emitting source of electricity that can be considerably expanded while maintaining only a small environmental footprint. About 20 percent of our electricity comes from nuclear power, but about 75 percent comes from plants burning fossil fuels, mostly coal and natural gas. In contrast, nuclear plants do not burn anything nor do they emit harmful, heat-trapping gases into our atmosphere and pollutants that kill 24,000 Americans annually.”

Despite these facts, a 2007 survey found that fewer than half of Americans strongly associate nuclear power with clean air. Many misperceptions and fears persist. Here are a few of the most common myths and facts:

Myth: The “smoke” coming from nuclear plants is harmful to health and the environment.

Fact: The “smoke” that people see coming out of nuclear power plant cooling towers is water vapor like you see when you breathe out on a cold day.

Myth: Living near a nuclear plant is dangerous due to radiation contamination.

Fact: A little-known fact is that natural background radiation from rocks, soil and water is around us all the time. In fact, a person living within 50 miles of a nuclear plant receives less radiation from it in a year than from eating one banana. In addition, surveys have shown there is no increase in radiological-induced cancer in people living near nuclear facilities.

Myth: Nuclear energy is not safe.

Fact: All U.S. nuclear plants--for example, Indian Point Energy Center in Buchanan, N.Y.--are regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and are designed with numerous safety systems, each with multiple, redundant components--first to prevent accidents and second to minimize accidents should they occur. In the 40-year history of the industry, there has never been a death or injury to any member of the public due to an accident at a U.S. nuclear power plant.

Nuclear power is seen by many as a safe, clean-air solution to America’s growing energy needs.

Green Garden Furniture Is Going Mainstream

As Americans begin gearing up for the warm summer months they will discover an increase in environmentally-friendly garden furniture in many familiar stores. According to a National Wildlife Federation survey of major outdoor furniture retailers, consumers can expect to find a wider variety of styles and prices of sustainable wood garden products.

No longer just for the passionately eco-conscious, such environmentally friendly furniture has gone mainstream, being sold at retailers ranging from Wal-Mart to Pottery Barn. “Outdoor furniture can now be good for the environment and good for the pocketbook,” said Stacy Brown, forest certification coordinator for the National Wildlife Federation and overseer of the survey. “Sustainable wood garden products are most often competitively priced with conventional garden furniture.”

Reflecting this increase, the National Wildlife Federation expanded the number of companies invited to participate in its second annual Garden Furniture Scorecard from 13 to 22. Crate & Barrel and Pier 1 Imports scored highest for the second year in a row, with The Home Depot, Wal-Mart, and Gardener’s Supply Company also scoring well. Notably, the majority of retailers that were part of the scorecard last year improved their scores in 2008, meaning a higher percentage of their wooden outdoor furniture options are environmentally friendly.

The U.S. is the world’s largest single importer of wooden furniture from tropical timber-producing countries, with garden furniture representing about one-fifth of the wooden furniture market. U.S. imports of all tropical wood products have increased four-fold over the past decade. As a result, the once biologically rich forests of countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Brazil are being depleted at an unprecedented rate.

“Deforestation, especially in tropical forests, accounts for approximately one quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions, contributing significantly to global warming,” said Eric Palola, senior director of the National Wildlife Federation’s Forests for Wildlife campaign. “Unsustainable tree harvesting also greatly contributes to the rapid disappearance of the world’s remaining natural forest habitats. As more retailers offer wooden garden furniture made from sustainably-harvested forests, and those products become more popular with consumers, trends in tropical forest loss can begin to reverse.”

Several species of neo-tropical birds that summer in the U.S. and Canada depend on threatened tropical forests in Latin America. A major cause of deforestation is the legal and illegal logging of remaining primary forests to meet the global appetite for tropical wood products.

At current rates of deforestation, the remaining biodiversity-rich natural forests in countries such as Ecuador, Columbia, Guyana, Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are expected to disappear within a decade.

Stacy Brown recommends that consumers look for and ask for products with a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo, which means the wood is traceable to a sustainably-managed forest. An FSC distinction assures that wildlife and forest ecosystems are conserved through rigorous ecological standards that an independent company audits on an annual basis.

Fortunately for buyers, FSC-certified furniture is becoming easier to find as more products bear the FSC label and more stores are using the label in advertising to identify products. ""At Wal-Mart we believe that selling FSC certified furniture not only shows our commitment to the environment but also to quality products that have added value for our customers,” said Tom Flynn, Strategic Sourcing Senior Manager at Wal-Mart. “Displaying the FSC logo on FSC-certified products and in our advertising demonstrates this commitment and helps our customers feel good about saving money so they can live better, while supporting sustainable forestry practices."

However, consumer vigilance is still necessary since many green marketing claims lack independent verification and may not be truly eco-friendly. By insisting on FSC-certified goods, buyers can influence retailers’ supply of sustainably-forested products.

As wood products, FSC-certified goods reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save energy at all steps of production. The manufacture of metal or plastic garden furniture requires greater quantities of fossil fuels and releases more carbon than the crafting of wooden furniture. In fact, the amount of carbon a tree collects from the atmosphere and stores during its natural growth processes exceeds the amount of carbon emitted when that tree is harvested and made into furniture.

NWF plans to continue its annual surveys of major outdoor furniture retailers to track the progress of making FSC-certified products available to consumers.

Fun Ways To Get Kids To 'Act Green' At Home

NF note: Since the school year is winding down, we thought this article could inspire some of our children to learn more about ways to preserve our resources. Those who live in Peachtree City have an added advantage with golf carts. Why not challenge your tweenie to determine how much gasoline is saved when you use the golf cart for a week?

StatePoint- Whether it's through their parents, teachers, Al Gore or Leonardo DiCaprio, kids are hearing a lot about climate change and many want to know what they can do to help protect the environment.

In fact, kids ranked the environment as one of their top issues in a recent online poll by Scholastic News.

"One child's actions are just a blip in the global carbon budget, but one thousand kids riding their bikes or one million families lowering their thermostat are actions that register," said Mark Spencer, an environmental scientist from the University of California at Berkeley.

Getting kids to "Act Green" can be a fun family affair that everyone from the youngest family members to the oldest can enjoy together. Here are some tips and fun environmentally-friendly activities from Scholastic's new, free "Act Green" Web site for kids, available online at www.scholastic.com/actgreen:

* Green Yourself! Let kids have a no-bath week to learn about water conservation. Of course, the goal shouldn't be "act smelly," so have kids take showers instead, since they use about half as much water as baths. Consider having a week where you and your kids take nothing but five-minute showers. Tweens will love this exercise!

* Track household electricity use for a week. Teach kids how to read the electricity meter and have them make a chart tracking a week's worth of kilowatt hours used by your family. After kids see how much electricity you use, it's easier to get them to turn off lights when they leave a room or power down computers, TV sets, video games and other electronics when not in use!

* Replace all your batteries with rechargeable ones. Make this a fun game to track down all batteries used in your home.

* Start a vegetable garden or compost heap at home or at school.

* Carpool for a week. Talk about the places to which you drive your child every week. Figure out if there are any other kids or parents in your area who go to the same places. See if they would like to share a ride to save gas. Have a week where you and your kids carpool at least three times.

* Hold a "green party." Have your child plan a "no-waste" party and invite his or her friends. They can make posters, share green journals and come up with ways to help the environment in their homes and at school. Kids can then visit the "Act Green" Web site at www.scholastic.com/actgreen to share their green ideas with other children in their community and around the country.

* Recycle unwanted wire coat hangers. Go through all the closets in your house, collecting unused wire hangers. Then, do one of the following: bring them to your dry cleaner (who may be able to re-use them), add them to your curbside metal recycling or bring them to your local recycling center. Explain to kids that hangers contribute to bigger landfills, and we want to keep landfills small because they emit carbon gases, use up oil (with all those garbage trucks) and stink up the environment! This encourages them to think about ways to re-use and recycle other items they usually throw away.

"By educating and engaging kids early on about how to help our planet's future, they are more likely to grow up to be better informed citizens and more willing to get involved and make a difference," said Francie Alexander, Chief Academic Officer at Scholastic.

For 100 fun, free environmentally-friendly activities for kids, visit www.scholastic.com/actgreen. Parents and kids can also get customized "Green Plans" on the site and for every green activity they complete, they can earn points to power up the "Greenerator," an online machine that tracks kids' green activities throughout the country.

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An Atlanta BeltLine Site Demolition Goes Green

NF Note: Not Fayette County, but we were impressed with the idea of "green" demolition! We're not really at a point in Fayette County where a lot of our infrastructure is crumbling or in need of being torn down, but it does happen at times. Of course, most of the things being torn down in Fayette are so old they have already been pretty much eaten by termites .

The City of Atlanta has started the clearing of Boulevard Crossing Park as part of the initial phase of the Atlanta BeltLine Project. The construction site is not a typical site of mass debris where bulldozers with wrecking balls smash the sides of the building until it crumbles to the ground. Instead the contractors have carefully disassembled the walls, frames, beams and siding using an alternative process called a “green” demolition.

The main appeal of “green” demolition is that materials from the building that have been carefully disassembled will be reassembled for use at another location. At Boulevard Crossing, approximately 90% of the building’s components, which included the blocks, frame, beams, and siding will be recycled and reassembled for a recreation facility for teenage boys in Moultrie, GA.

Kissberg Construction, the City’s contractor, was instrumental in facilitating this type of demolition using the standards outlined in the Leadership in Energy in Environmental Designing (LEED) for recycling. The crew sorted and carefully packaged the materials and components in a tractor trailer for the trip to South Georgia.

“It is a significant effort on the part of City and our partners to minimize waste and conserve resources by recycling the building materials for use at other sites,” says City of Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin. “The ‘green’ demolition process provides us with a major reduction in disposal costs while allowing the City to provide a building for use as a refuge for teenage boys.”

Once the components arrive at the site in Moultrie, GA and are assembled, it will become the new youth center. Bishop Julian Carter from the Triumph Church and Kingdom of God was awarded the donation from the City’s contractor for his youth ministry initiative called Take Me As I Am Redevelopment Program.

The Boulevard Crossing acreage was assembled by the Trust for Public Land and purchased by the City for about $9 Million through the City’s Opportunity Bonds, administered by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
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