The Green Matters e-newsletter 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.

Power in propane – Alternative fuels include an oft-overlooked barbecue favorite

“Alternative energy” usually brings to mind images of vast solar panel arrays and slowly spinning wind turbines—rarely is propane, the gas that heats up backyard barbeques, included in the list.

But maybe it should be.

 The Jefferson County, Wis., Sheriff’s Department has been using propane autogas, the name given to propane used as automotive fuel, for nearly 30 years. Jefferson County Sheriff Paul Milbrath has no complaints.

“If you’re looking at long-term savings and long-term environmental returns, it doesn’t get better,” he said.

 After switching to save money on gasoline storage fees in the 1970s, Milbrath estimates the department now saves around $200,000 a year by running the fleet on propane. The numbers, Milbrath feels, speak for themselves.

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Measure #38 – Government Green
Fleet Policy

The Green Communities certification program recognizes local governments that have adopted a vehicle purchase policy that favors the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles or hybrids. An alternative fuel vehicle is defined as a vehicle that is powered by a fuel that is not petroleum based (i.e. ethanol, biodiesel, electricity, compressed natural gas, etc.)

Cobb County provides an excellent example of a green fleet. A Certified Green Community at the Silver level, Cobb County gives preference to alternative fuel or hybrid vehicles. The county fleet currently has compressed natural gas (CNG), biodiesel and propane fuel vehicles (pictured above) and hybrid vehicles.

Green Your Commute

• Make the hybrid trade. Hybrids are now available in just about any make and model, have better gas mileage and run cleaner than their non-hybrid counterparts. If you can’t make the hybrid switch, try to look for a car that has the highest miles per gallon (MPG). You’ll burn less gasoline and stretch your dollar.
• Keep your car in shape. Strange but true: keeping your tires properly inflated can save an estimated 2 billion gallons of gas each year. In addition to keeping tires trim, make sure to get regular tune-ups and filter changes—proactive maintenance will help you burn less gas while saving you from car trouble.
• Carpool with coworkers. Save a few pounds of CO2 by sharing a ride with your neighbors or coworkers. If your office doesn’t already have a carpooling plan, take it upon yourself to see who’s interested. Wrap up your next staff meeting by seeing if anyone wants to share a ride, or send out a short memo to solicit feedback. You’ll position yourself as an agent of change, saving you and your colleagues time, money and vehicle wear and tear…all while helping the environment.

More green commuting tips can be found at EarthShare.

Green News from Near and Far

New Atlanta startup aims to help underfunded municipalities

Buckhead group discusses stormwater management

Hall County participates in water conservation campaign

The Prius police car hits Athens streets

New 'two-way' bike lanes along 10th Street start construction

For Nashvillians, tossing cardboard now means recycling it

Recy-Calculator turns your information into fun local factoids

Boston announces major developments in greening municipal operations

Stormwater art speckles Philadelphia’s Christian Street

Trees may save a life each year in big cities