April 2013

Welcome to the first Green Matters e-newsletter, which is designed to give you a quick glimpse of important sustainability initiatives happening around the metro Atlanta region and beyond. Whether it's the latest research, new educational offerings, environmental stewardship efforts or potential funding opportunities, this e-newsletter will help you stay abreast of what's happening in this important subject area.

What is a Certified Green Community?

The Green Communities Program is a voluntary certification program for jurisdictions in the 10-county Atlanta Region to encourage local governments to become more sustainable. The Atlanta Regional Commission developed the program to assist local governments in reducing their overall environmental impact. Local governments earn points in 10 categories by implementing specific policies and practices that contribute to overall sustainability. The categories are:

• Green Building
• Energy Efficiency
• Green Power
• Water Use Reduction and Efficiency
• Trees and Greenspace

• Transportation
• Recycling and Waste Reduction
• Land Use
• Education
•Innovation

Green Communities set an example by conserving energy, investing in renewable energy, conserving water, conserving fuel, reducing waste and protecting and restoring the community's natural resources.

Applications for Green Communities Certification in 2013 are due May 24, 2013. Visit the Green Communities web page to learn more about the program and how your community can achieve certification.

Milton Firefighters Going Green

Fire Departments don't usually skimp on water, but according to Milton's Captain Russell Scanlan, pictured above (right) with fireman Brian Maught, the department works to use less water when testing fire hydrants and firefighting equipment as well as washing trucks and equipment. The city has conducted water audits and installed rain barrels at its three fire stations in an effort to conserve potable water and capture nonpotable water for reuse. Milton was named a Bronze Green Community in 2012. Mayor Joe Lockwood says, "We are a progressive area and our citizens want to preserve our natural resources and enhance our rural areas, while developing our intown areas in an environmentally-concious way. We are proud to have been named an ARC Green Community." Read more about Milton's sustainable actions in its Green Community's factsheet.

Going Green at Work

Eliminate screen savers and use the Energy Star power management setting on your computer and monitor to save power when your computer is not in use.
Bring in a mug and reusable drink container for your coffee and beverage consumption instead of using disposable cups.
Place a recycling bin next to trash cans. Encourage recycling of paper, plastics, glass, and aluminum cans in the workplace.
When buying electronics and appliances for your workplace, make it a policy to purchase Energy Star labeled products to help conserve energy and cut down on power bills.
Form a Green Team with your coworkers to implement sustainable measures at work and to educate employees about being green at the office.

More green office tips can be found in the full Green at Work Tips flyer.