1. No category

“How-To” Green Living Manual
Morehouse College Community
Revitalization Initiative
By:
Catherine Williams
Page 1 of 42
ABOUT THIS GUIDE .............................................................................................................. 3
GREEN LIVING TERMS.......................................................................................................... 5
WHY GREEN LIVING IS MORE BENEFICIAL ........................................................................... 9
Environmental Justice…………………………………………………………………… 10
Environmental Racism…………………………………………………………………... 12
GRAPH OF PEOPLE NEAR HAZARDOUS FACILITIES…………………………………………13
HOW TO GET INVOLVED………………………………………………………………….. 14
EVERYDAY APPLICATIONS FOR GREEN LIVING ....................................................….. …. 15
10 Ways to Go Green at Work …………………………………………………………..23
GREEN FOR KIDS .............................................................................................................. 25
GREEN JOBS ....................................................................................................................... 28
TAX CREDITS......................................................................................................................30
Kyoto Protcol……………………………………………………………………………. 32
ATLANTA GREEN RESOURCES……………………...…………………………………….34
Page 2 of 42
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
It is the goal of Mayor Kasim Reed for the city of Atlanta to become one of the top ten rated
cities for green building and open space. This means that each citizen must understand the
important role they play in making this goal possible. We at the Morehouse College Community
Revitalization Initiative (MCCRI) feel that it is important to provide current and future
generations opportunities to educate themselves on how to create sustainability in innovation and
green initiatives. As a result, we created the ―How- to‖ Green Living Manual.
This manual is made especially for the city of Atlanta.
Throughout the research portion of this project, we have strategically and diligently researched
many tips, resources, programs, and jobs that can be utilized throughout the community centers,
schools, and offices. By creating this ―How-to Green Living Manual‖ our essential goal is to
provide a database of resources on how to be knowledgeable about the Green Economy. It is
vital to our lives and to the environment that information such as this be shared so that every
citizen can understand that the small things we do on a daily base make create the biggest
catalyst toward energy efficiency.
Currently, Atlanta is ranked number 19 on the list of largest cities in the United States by Sustain
U.S. This ranking means that Atlanta must be more responsible for pollution, emissions, and
green activity in the city. One thing that can be attributed to this ranking is today’s fast paced
environment; the media constantly presents the option for ―quick-fixes‖ and ―new, improved‖
materials. In the end, many of the items we purchase become trash, directly harming our quality
of life and the environment. In truth, there really are no shortcuts when it comes to creating a
cleaner, greener environment. Alas, how do we alter the outcomes to the problems we create?
How can we create sustainability in recycling and create cleaner homes, schools, and
communities? These important questions are addressed within the manual.
The MCCRI feels that in order to create a ―sense of place‖ it is important for community
members to become aware of ―green‖ resources available in the community. By creating this
manual, we are one step closer to keeping the environment cleaner and becoming more energy
efficient one step at a time. Our intent, as the supporting community, is to provide information to
create sustainable, manageable and clean neighborhoods, work environments, and homes for
everyone that resides in the city of Atlanta. We hope that this manual is helpful in assisting you
in a personal effort to support the Green economy on a miniscule level.
This ―How- to‖ Manual was created in partnership with various organizations and is just one
initiative the Morehouse College Community Revitalization Initiative (MCCRI) is using to reach
the surrounding community. This manual exists for the purpose of making individuals aware of
the programs, tips, and outlets that are available to everyone to become more ―green savvy‖.
Disclaimer:
Page 3 of 42
The ―How-to‖ Manual is a living document. It will be routinely checked and updated to keep the
most current information possible. The guide is accurate based on our research; however, we do
recommend contacting the agencies listed directly to verify the services offered. If there are any
programs that are not included please contact the MCCRI so we may include the information.
If you have any questions regarding the guide or wish to have your agency added, please
contact:
Morehouse College Community Revitalization Initiative
830 Westview Drive Southwest
Atlanta, GA 30314
(404) 215-2705
Page 4 of 42
In order to address the problems with the environment, we must first know the language for the
resources we will encounter. Once people understand the terminology, they will be able to
engross themselves in the process of learning more about it. Many of the websites and programs
included in this manual include terms you may not hear on a day to day basis. To learn more
about terms correlated with sustainability and green living, you can visit any of the websites
included in the Green Programs section of the manual.
A list is compiled below:
Green Terms
Biodegradeable- Organic matter that can physically breakdown in its environment;
Biodegradable products include paper, plant and food waste. Biodegradable material will not
break down in a landfill. The only way a biodegradable product can decompose without
environmental impact is through composting.
Carbon calculator - A tool to estimate amounts of carbon emissions, or energy, based on how
much energy and what kind of energy is used in daily activities. The result of the calculation is
an estimated emission figure in terms of tons of CO2.
Carbon footprint - an individual's carbon footprint is the direct effect one's actions and lifestyle
have on the environment in terms of carbon dioxide emissions. This is usually estimated by using
a Carbon Calculator. Things that are measured include home electricity use, travel, diet, etc.
Each of the actions we make on a daily basis have an impact in accelerating climate change.
Composting- Composting is nature’s way of decomposing organic material. The decomposition
of plant remains and other once-living materials to make an earthy, dark, crumbly substance is an
excellent source of nutrients for houseplants or enriching garden soil. Backyard composting,
worm composting, and grass cycling are the most common type of composting.
Eco Friendly- Also known as environmentally friendly, refers to goods and services that do not
impact the environment in a negative manner. Eco friendliness promotes sustainability, natural
resources, and things that can be recycled.
Fuel Economy- refers to the fuel efficiency relationship between distance traveled by an
automobile and the amount of fuel consumed.
Green Job- A green job can be anything that helps America on the path to a cleaner, more
energy efficient future.
Greenspace- Open space reserve, protected area of undeveloped landscape, natural environment.
Greywater - is waste water from sinks and washing machines, used to flush toilets or irrigate
landscaping.
Page 5 of 42
GMO, GEO, GM, GO – Each of these acronyms stand for Genetically Engineered/Modified
food or organism. These food substances are commonly placed in grocery stores as real food
without being labeled or tested for nutritional value.
Lawn care management - means creating a sensible approach to lawn management.
LEED - Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating
System™: is a voluntary, consensus-based standard to support and certify successful green
building design, construction and operations. For a project to become LEED certified it is
required that the project follows energy efficiency, environmentally conscious methods, as
defined by the LEED Green Building Rating System, Version 2.1, November 2002, in the
following areas:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Sustainable Sites (SS)
Water Efficiency (WE)
Energy & Atmospheric (EA)
Materials & Resources (MR)
Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ)
MPG- The acronym stands for miles per gallon, also known as gas mileage. MPG refers to the
number of miles a car can run until a driver has to fill up their gas tank again. This is measured
in terms of city miles and Highway miles.
Organic- a term for products and food in regards of production. Organic foods do not have
pesticides, insecticides, and fungicides. By choosing organic there is less damage to the
environment because there is more thought that goes into farming such as the soil quality, the
ecosystem, and the plants
Reduce, reuse, recycle- This Mantra is used to explicitly describe the three areas of the green
initiative that everyone must utilize in order to be successful with becoming green. Reduce your
amount of intake and ―garbage‖ output, reuse materials that can be made into something else,
recycle the items that you cannot find a direct use for.
Renewable energy - is energy generated from natural resources—such as sunlight, wind, water
and geothermal heat which can each be naturally replenished. While most renewable energy
projects and production is large-scale, renewable technologies are also suited to small off-grid
applications, sometimes in rural and remote areas.
Single stream recycling- single stream recycling, also known as ―fully comingled‖ means that
recyclable materials such as paper, glass, plastic, and cardboard can all be collected in one bin.
Sustainability- according to the EPA "is a synergy between business and the environment". By
choosing a sustainable lifestyle you are choosing a less invasive impact on the planet. We have a
comprehensive resource guide for sustainable choices.
Page 6 of 42
Sustainable - Sustainability, in a general sense, is the capacity to maintain a certain process or
state indefinitely. In an ecological sense it is a means of shaping civilization and human activity
so that society, its members and its economies are able to meet their needs and express their
greatest potential now, while preserving and maintaining biodiversity and natural ecosystem
productivity for the very long term.
Tax credit- A lower rate on the amount of taxes paid. A tax credit reduces taxes on a dollar-fordollar basis.
Tax deduction- Reduction of taxpayer’s total income that decreases the amount of money used
in calculating the tax due.
Carbon Sequestration: the uptake and storage of carbon from the atmosphere, such as a tree
absorbing carbon from the atmosphere and processing it through photosynthesis (Source:
EuropeanEnvironmental Agency - www.eea.europa.eu).
Conservation: preserving or protecting living and non-living resources (Definition: MerriamWebster)
Fuel Cell: an electrochemical device that combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity,
with water and heat as its by-product. When used to power vehicles, the heat propels the vehicle;
the water is released in the form of water vapor. (Source: http://www.fuelcells.org).
Global Warming: An increase in the near surface temperature of the Earth. Global warming has
occurred in the distant past as the result of natural influences, but the term is most often used to
refer to the warming predicted to occur as a result of increased emissions of greenhouse gases
(GHGs). Scientists generally agree that the Earth's surface has warmed by about 1° Fahrenheit in
the past 140
years (Source: Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.gov).
Hybrid Vehicles: vehicles that usually use more than one power source, such as an internal
combustion engine and a battery or fuel cell (Source: www.hybrid-vehicle.org)
Ozone Layer: a protective layer in the Earth's atmosphere that filters harmful ultraviolet rays
from the sun (Source: Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.gov).
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): compounds that vaporize easily and have low water
solubility that are often human-made chemicals used and produced in the manufacture of paints,
pharmaceuticals, refrigerants and are components of petroleum fuels.
Fuel Terms
Alternate/Renewable Energy: sources of energy that do not rely on fossil fuels, such as solar,
wind and tidal energy (Source: U.S. Department of Energy)
Biomass: organic materials, including wood by-products and agricultural wastes that
can be burned to produce energy or converted into a gas and used for fuel (Source:
U.S. Department of Energy)
Green Power: electricity produced from a sustainable source of energy
Biodiesel: organically-derived fuel that can be made from sources including animal
fats, soybeans, canola oils, waste vegetable oils or microalgae oils (Source: Iowa
State University - www.iastate.edu)
Page 7 of 42
Butanol: an alternate fuel and type of alcohol (like ethanol - see below) produced by
fermentation from corn, grass, leaves, agricultural waste and other biomass. Butanol
is distributed through existing pipelines and filling stations(Source:
http://www.lightparty.com/Energy/Butanol.html)
Ethanol: an alternate fuel that can be produced chemically from ethylene or
biologically from the fermentation of various sugars from carbohydrates found in
agricultural crops and cellulosic residues from crops or wood. Its hygroscopic
(absorbs water) characteristic makes it very difficult to transport through existing fuel
pipelines. It can only be used in engines that are specially equipped to handle it
(Source: City of Austin, TX)
Solar Power: energy from the sun's radiation that is captured and converted to heat
or electricity (Source: Wisconsin Public Service www.wisconsinpublicservice.com).
Non-renewable Energy: energy obtained from exhaustible sources, such as fossil fuels
Fossil Fuel: a non-renewable fuel formed in the Earth from plant or animal remains,
including coal, oil and natural gas (Source: Environmental Protection Agencywww.epa.gov).
Power Units of Measure:
Watt (W): The basic unit of measure for power. The power dissipated by a 1-amp
current flowing across a resistance of 1 ohm.
Kilowatt (kW): 1,000 watts. A typical hairdryer has 1.5 - 2.0 kilowatts of power (or
1500 - 2000 watts).
Megawatt (MW): 1,000 kilowatts or 1,000,000 watts.
Watt-hour (Wh): The power consumed when 1 watt of power is applied for 1 hour.
Kilowatt-hour (kWh): 1,000 watt-hours. This is the unit that is most commonly
used to describe electric power consumption.
Megawatt-hour (MWh): 1,000 kilowatt-hours or 1,000,000 watt-hours. Generating 1 MWh of
electricity from non-renewable energy sources produces an average of 0.6 tons of greenhouse
gases. According to Department of Energy estimates, the average U.S. home consumes roughly
11 MWhs annually (varies by region).
Most of the vocabulary words that appear here are derived from
http://ecoearthcityguide.com/sustainable_checklist.htm.
To learn more about terms correlated with sustainability and green living, you can visit any of
the websites included in the Green Programs section of the manual.
Page 8 of 42
WHY GREEN LIVING IS SO BENEFICIAL
Many people do not find an interest in things that deal with energy efficiency because they feel
as if it is too much for them to do. This could not be more far from the truth. Green Living is all
about lowering the amount of waste that you contribute to your environment. Some of the topics
you will find in the manual have many benefits if adopted and used as a resource and not a
hindrance. Many changes are as simple as changing the type of light bulbs used in your home or
using old materials in a new way. In addition to reducing waste, green living is beneficial
because it can save you money! Learning something as simple as composting means you no
longer have to buy bags to pick up leaves and debris from the surrounding trees. Green living is
beneficial for the following reasons:
You learn techniques to make your home energy efficient
Spend less money on things that become waste
Save more money to use at your discretion
You do not work as hard because you create sustainability in natural products
Drive less
Live a healthier life
Become more aware of the pollution/waste you contribute to the world
Kids can be involved
Creating a healthier environment for everyone to enjoy
There are no limits to becoming educated on green initiatives! There are methods to incorporate
different techniques to every aspect of life!
It is especially important for citizens of Atlanta to be involved in order to achieve the goal Mayor
Reed has set. As one of the biggest cities in the U.S., Atlanta takes on the task of being
accountable for the in/output of resources and consumption. By staying up to date with the latest
initiatives, each person makes a personal effort to accomplish this goal.
Visit this website to learn more about what Mayor Kasim Reed plans to do for the city of
Atlanta:
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2010/10/25/reed-makes-sustainability-a-priority.html
Page 9 of 42
The Principles of Environmental Justice (EJ)
1) Environmental Justice affirms the sacredness of Mother Earth, ecological unity and the
interdependence of all species, and the right to be free from ecological destruction.
2) Environmental Justice demands that public policy be based on mutual respect and justice for all
peoples, free from any form of discrimination or bias.
3) Environmental Justice mandates the right to ethical, balanced and responsible uses of land and
renewable resources in the interest of a sustainable planet for humans and other living things.
4) Environmental Justice calls for universal protection from nuclear testing, extraction, production
and disposal of toxic/hazardous wastes and poisons and nuclear testing that threaten the fundamental
right to clean air, land, water, and food.
5) Environmental Justice affirms the fundamental right to political, economic, cultural and
environmental self determination of all peoples.
6) Environmental Justice demands the cessation of the production of all toxins, hazardous wastes,
and radioactive materials, and that all past and current producers be held strictly accountable to the
people for detoxification and the containment at the point of production.
7) Environmental Justice demands the right to participate as equal partners at every level of
decision making, including needs assessment, planning, implementation, enforcement and
evaluation.
8) Environmental Justice affirms the right of all workers to a safe and healthy work environment
without being forced to choose between an unsafe livelihood and unemployment. It also affirms the
right of those who work at home to be free from environmental hazards.
9) Environmental Justice protects the right of victims of environmental injustice to receive full
compensation and reparations for damages as well as quality health care.
10) Environmental Justice considers governmental acts of environmental injustice a violation of
international law, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, and the United Nations Convention
on Genocide.
11) Environmental Justice must recognize a special legal and natural relationship of Native Peoples
to the U.S. government through treaties, agreements, compacts, and covenants affirming sovereignty
and self-determination.
12) Environmental Justice affirms the need for urban and rural ecological policies to clean up and
rebuild our cities and rural areas in balance with nature, honoring the cultural integrity of all our
communities, and provided fair access for all to the full range of resources.
Page 10 of 42
13) Environmental Justice calls for the strict enforcement of principles of informed consent, and a
halt to the testing of experimental reproductive and medical procedures and vaccinations on people
of color.
14) Environmental Justice opposes the destructive operations of multi-national corporations.
15) Environmental Justice opposes military occupation, repression and exploitation of lands,
peoples and cultures, and other life forms.
16) Environmental Justice calls for the education of present and future generations which
emphasizes social and environmental issues, based on our experience and an appreciation of our
diverse cultural perspectives.
17) Environmental Justice requires that we, as individuals, make personal and consumer choices to
consume as little of Mother Earth's resources and to produce as little waste as possible; and make the
conscious decision to challenge and reprioritize our lifestyles to ensure the health of the natural world
for present and future generations.1
1
"Principles of Environmental Justice." EJnet.org: Web Resources for Environmental Justice Activists.
Web. 22 June 2011. <http://www.ejnet.org/ej/principles.html>.
Page 11 of 42
Environmental Racism
Robert D. Bullard is Ware Professor of Sociology and Director of the Environmental Justice
Resource Center at Clark Atlanta University. Known as the 'Father of Environmental Justice',
Bullard has been a leading campaigner against environmental racism, as well as the foremost
scholar of the problem, and of the Environmental Justice Movement which sprung up in the
U.S.A in the 1980s.
Environmental racism, an internationally recognized sociological term referring to the
enactment of any policy or regulation that negatively affects the living conditions of low-income
or minority communities at a rate disproportionate from affluent communities2. The phenomenon
can be either intentional or unintentional, and the term is often used to describe specific events in
which minority communities are targeted for the citing of polluting industries and factories.3 The
term also describes the segregation of minority communities into regions where they are exposed
to health hazards because property in polluted areas is inexpensive.4 It can also encompass the
exclusion of minority groups from the decision-making process in their communities. Since the
coining of the term environmental racism, researchers have investigated why minority
communities are more likely to reside in environmentally degraded areas, and whether it
constitutes intentional or unintentional discrimination. The environmental justice movement is
intended to combat environmental racism; environmental justice is "the fair treatment and
meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, or income
with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws,
regulations, and policies."5
Race matters. People
of color and persons of low socioeconomic status are still
disproportionately impacted and are particularly concentrated in neighborhoods and communities
with the greatest number of facilities. Race continues to be an independent predictor of where
hazardous wastes are located, and it is a stronger predictor than income, education and other
socioeconomic indicators. People of color now comprise a majority in neighborhoods with
commercial hazardous waste facilities, and much larger (more than two thirds) majorities can be
found in neighborhoods with clustered facilities. African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos and
Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders alike are disproportionately burdened by hazardous wastes in
the U.S.
2
United States of America. Environmental Justice Group. National Conference of State Legislatures.
Environmental Justice: A Matter of Perspective. 1995
3
Bullard, Robert D. Unequal Protection: Environmental Justice and Communities of Color Sierra Club
Books, 1994
4
Pulido, Laura Rethinking Environmental Racism: White Privilege and Urban Development in Southern
California, Annals of the Association of American Geographers, Vol. 90, No. 1, pp. 12-40, March 2000
5
Miller, Jr., G. Tyler (2003). Environmental Science: Working With the Earth (9th ed.). Pacific Grove,
California: Brooks/Cole. p. G5
Page 12 of 42
Page 13 of 42
The environmental justice movement has changed the way scientists, researchers,
policymakers, educators and government officials go about their daily work. This ―bottom up‖
movement has redefined environment to include where people live, work, play and go to school,
and it has renewed calls for aligning industrial production with the goal of maintaining the
integrity of ecological life support systems. The impetus for changing the dominant
environmental protection paradigm did not come from within regulatory agencies, the polluting
industry, academia or the "industry" that has been built around risk management. The
environmental justice movement is led by a loose alliance of grassroots and national
environmental and civil rights leaders who question the foundation of the current environmental
protection paradigm. They view environmental justice as a basic civil right and human right.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
As an Individual: Protecting the environment may seem like a monumental task, but you can
make an impact from implementing small changes in your lifestyle to galvanizing people to
commit to a cause.
As a Volunteer: There is no better way to be green than getting out in nature and getting your
hands dirty through volunteering. Being a volunteer should be a learning experience. The biggest
difference you make in the world may not be the two weeks you spend on a specific project, but
the twenty or forty years thereafter. When your feelings of advocacy kick in -- manifesting
themselves in the way you vote, your financial decisions, and your overall lifestyle - you'll know
you were influenced by what you saw and experienced during that time, and you'll be ready to
spread the word. You may not realize it, but you could be volunteering to become a green
activist.
As a Donor/Retail Sponsor: Your company will work with Green peer groups and other
organizations that have a sustainable focus. By working with the peer groups, your company will
receive tremendous exposure and credibility within the green space As a founding member, your
company will be on the ground level in leading the re-branding of the "Go Green" and "Going
Green" Movements. Your company will be able to help develop, expand and participate in the
possible training of the youth on sustainable living, sales and entrepreneurship. Sponsor will be
able to take advantage of the tax write-off afforded to entities that support non-profit
organizations and achieve a tri-fold purpose (triple bottom-line- people, planet and profit.)
According to a recent Edelman goodpurpose study consumer shift in support of purpose-driven
brands, the study reveals a global trend toward cause-driven consumption, with 57% of
respondents saying that a company had won their business by virtue of tying in their product
with a cause. Meaning ―Going Green‖ or affiliating your company with a ―Green‖ enterprise can
potentially boost your company’s revenue.
Page 14 of 42
EVERYDAY APPLICATIONS FOR GREEN LIVING
There are many ways to create a lifestyle that incorporates energy efficiency and sustainability.
In this section, we will discuss how achieving that goal is possible.
10 ways to be sustainable right now:
1. Eat Organic: eating organic fruits and vegetables not only ensure that you are healthy; it
keeps you from purchasing GMO’s which harm the environment. If you EAT organic, it
means you support the process of nurturing the soil in which the food is grown.
2. Choose Local: Buying from your local stores lowers your carbon footprint by saving
money and the gas it takes to ship items to your home. Just think, when you constantly
order things that have to be shipped to you, the packaging eventually becomes garbage.
When you buy locally, you not only stimulate your local business market, you eliminate the
amount of waste produced in the process of getting the item to you and the food is
guaranteed to be fresh.
3. Plant a Garden: Starting a community garden is beneficial to everyone because it
instantly makes it easier to shop locally. It provides physical activity and stress relief and
provides community and environmental development. Rain gardens also allow an outlet for
water runoff from your streets. In essence, when gardens are planted, we do a little more to
create a healthier living environment.
4. Ride your Bike More and Use Your Car Less: The idea behind this suggestion is mainly
to drive your car less. For persons that commute work, it may be a good idea to car pool.
The train and the bus are also great modes of transport that will reduce carbon emissions.
Riding a bike is most beneficial because it promotes good health and exercise while everyone
to cut back on money spent for gas.
5. Shop at your Farmers Market: Shopping at a Farmer’s Market is good because you can
avoid GMO’s, you shop locally, and you can buy fresh produce that is healthier for you.
Also, there is more variety and you support the Farmer’s and gardener’s who sell items there.
6. Support restaurants that choose locally grown food: This concept goes full circle. You
wouldn’t want to eat somewhere that doesn’t use the freshest and healthiest food. Your
patronage promotes healthy living and the elimination of processed foods. Furthermore,
patronage illustrates that individuals can control the type of food that local businesses
purchase. You can find restaurants that support local farmers by visiting
www.localharvest.org and www.eatwellguide.org. Both sites give the option of looking for
baker’s, farmer’s and restaurants within and around your zip code.
Page 15 of 42
7. Avoid GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms): GMO’s are foods that have been
created in labs or altered for taste and longer shelf life. Cutting these false foods from your
diet ensures that you will be healthier and will make you less susceptible to illness because
these foods do not possess the same nutritional value as real, organic food.
8. Compost your Food: Although composting may seem like a task initially, it is a great
skill to learn! Composting promotes the concept that there is no such thing as trash. It is also
great for your yard and lawn.
9. Buy Seasonal Food: When we buy foods out of season, we do not get the full potential of
the fruits and vegetables. Buying seasonal foods means you do not have to worry about the
hassle of special ordering for certain items. It gives farmers time to harvest the freshest
crops. Although there is some patience involved, we definitely help our environment
10. Share your Passion! : When people who have knowledge share their knowledge with
others, we all learn and benefit more! Spread the word about Sustainability! It’s good for
everyone. If you want to promote the green initiative, try starting with simple tasks such as:
Some of the other things you can do to support sustainability include:
Pack a waste free lunchbox: This may sound impossible but it’s quite easy with proper
preparation and effort. Use washable, recyclable materials to store your food. Examples of
such materials would be rubber, plastic, and glass. If you have items that come in wrappers,
recycle the wrappers before packing your lunch.
Another option would be getting involved in the State “Farm to School” Program.
Georgia’s State representative is Erin Croom (678)702-0400 erin@georgiaorganics.org.
This program supports local farmers throughout your state by bringing fresh farm foods to
the kids in public schools in order to keep students and teachers healthy and productive!
The Georgia Farm to School Program was established in 2007 by Georgia Organics, a
member supported non-profit organization working to integrate healthy, sustainable and
locally grown food into the lives of all Georgians. Georgia Organics promotes
comprehensive Farm to School programming that incorporates food, farm and nutrition
education into the 4 C's: Classroom, Community & Farms, Culinary experiences & Cafeteria.
With the Farm to School Program kids get to start their own school garden and learn how to
harvest their own crops; they get to take field trips to local farms where their food comes
from and they simultaneously learn the value of growing their own food. To find a list of
local Farm to School Programs and to find local farmers please visit
www.georgiaorganics.org.
To find out more about this program, please visit www.farmtoschool.org.
Page 16 of 42
Keep the thermostat set at 70 degrees: Setting your thermostats varies depending on the
season but it will save you money and lower your energy consumption. During summer
months, set the temperature to 75 to 78 degrees; during the winter, 68 to 70 degrees.
Although you may have to alter your dress code, the slight variation in temperature can save
you a lot of money in the long run. By insulating your windows with plastic, you can keep
cold air out. Instead of running the AC, use fans to lower the temperature during summer
months- especially if you are frequently away from home.
Recycle: Here is a tip that is easy to start doing immediately. If the single stream recycling
method is adopted in the home and in the office, you can save money by taking recycled
items to your local recycling plant. Pirkle Inc. and Davis Recycling are two local plants
within the community. The city of Atlanta recycling program can also collect the materials
from your house. This is also a good way to teach children to be sustainable.
Clean your home: When you clean your home regularly with environmentally friendly
products, you allow the circulation of fresh air into your household. Cleaning regularly
creates sustainability in children involuntarily. It also helps the life of your major
appliances to last longer. Please see the list of useful and chemical free cleaning products on
page 14 under the ―Home‖ section.
Lawn Care
Lawn care management - means creating a sensible approach to lawn management. Consider
these simple techniques:
Consider applying a thoroughly decomposed organic matter such as garden compost,
well-seasoned manure (never fresh), municipal leaf compost to your turf. This will
improve soil drainage, add organic nutrients and improve your soil’s capacity to hold
water.
A well-tuned lawn mower engine burns cleaner fuel and reduces emissions.
Turf clippings left on the lawn can contribute a substantial amount of nitrogen and other
nutrients to the soil, thus reducing fertilizer requirements.
Allow the wildflowers in your lawn. They can act as a replacement to the dangerous chemicals
that are usually sprayed by gardeners.
For people who are serious gardeners, ―Whole Living‖ magazine has some tips for being a
sustainable gardener.
Do not try to put on a show with your garden; make it fit into the setting that is
already there. For example, if you live in the middle of the city you may not always
have access to water. You can offset this shortage by planting climate suitable plants
as well as using gravel instead of grass.
Pick climate appropriate species to cut back on fertilizers, water, and coddling. For
example, one may invest in spirea and vitex which both live well in dry climates
If you live in a wet region, by using layers of loose stones in your garden you help
to keep the soil and water in place which will help your plants to grow.
Page 17 of 42
By using gravel instead of exotic plants and grass, there is less grass to mow.
Use old wine bottles as a border for your plants.
Street side gardening (gardens in the front lawn) can boost community engagement.
For more examples and information check out Stephen Orr’s book Tomorrow’s Garden.
For more gardening tips you can check out the Whole Living website: www.wholeliving.com
For information on plant species and specific regional guidance, check out
nifa.usda.gov/extension.
Cars
How to Buy Green
A green score is used for each car based on emissions, fuel economy tests, car size and engine
size among other factors. The Green Score falls on a scale of zero to 100. A higher score implies
a greener car, meaning a vehicle having a lower environmental impact. The site groups vehicles
together by class (type or body style). Energy efficient consumers should look for cars that are
ranked ―superior‖ or ―above average‖. The site used for this research is mostly
www.greenercars.com. The site helps buyers to select the vehicle that is most friendly to the
planet while meeting transportation needs. You can visit the site for an updated list of green
model cars.
Nearly all models come in different configurations, meaning different choices of engine,
transmission, and other major options. A model may also be available in versions that meet
different emissions standards or run on alternative fuels. Buying green is just the first step in
reducing the environmental impacts of automobile use. Your choice of vehicle is most important,
but how you drive and how well you maintain your car, van, or light truck will also make a
difference.
Here are some tips to follow for sustainability:
Avoid "jack rabbit" starts and aggressive driving. Flooring the gas pedal not only wastes
gas, it leads to drastically higher pollution rates.
Try to anticipate stops and let your vehicle coast down as much as possible; this helps to
avoid increased pollution, wasted gas, and wear on your brakes created by accelerating
and braking hard.
Follow the speed limit! Speeding lowers fuel economy by about 10 percent and can
dramatically increase tailpipe pollution in many vehicles.
Attempt to plan your trips to avoid rush hour. Stop-and-go driving burns gas and
increases emissions of smog-forming pollutants.
Combine trips. Warmed-up engines and catalysts generate much less air pollution, so
combining several short trips into one can make a big difference.
Page 18 of 42
Try using the vents and opening windows to cool off before you turn on the air
conditioner. Air conditioner use increases fuel consumption and involves
environmentally damaging fluids.
Maintenance Tips
Keep your tires properly inflated. For every 3 pounds below recommended pressure,
fuel economy goes down by about 1 percent. Tires can lose about 1 pound of pressure
in a month, so check the air pressure regularly and always before going on a long trip
or carrying heavy loads. Underinflated tires can also detract from handling, safety,
and how long the tires will last.
Get a tune-up. Whether you do it yourself or go to a mechanic, a tune-up can increase
your fuel economy. Be sure to check for worn spark plugs, dragging brakes, and low
transmission fluid; have your wheels aligned and tires rotated; and replace the air
filter if needed. Make sure all used vehicle fluids are recycled or disposed of safely.
Change the oil. In addition to making your car or truck last longer, replacing the oil
and oil filter regularly will also help fuel economy. Check your owner's manual for
specific recommendations about how often to change. Ask the service station if they
recycle used oil, or if you do it yourself, take your old oil to someplace that does
recycle. Ask for recycled oil as a replacement.
Green Cars
www.fueleconomy.com boasts a list of green cars for 2011. They are as follows:
Most Efficient overall
1. Toyota Prius gives 51 city MPG and 48 highway MPG.
Most Efficient Compact Cars
1. Honda Civic Hybrid gives 40 city MPG and 43 highway MPG
2. Honda Insight gives 40 city MPG and 43 highway MPG
3. Volkswagen Golf gives 30 city MPG and 42 highway MPG
4. Volkswagen Jetta gives 30 city MPG and 42 highway MPG
Most Efficient Midsize Cars
1. Toyota Prius Hybrid gives 51 city MPG and 48 highway MPG
2. Nissan Versa gives 26 city MPG and 34 highway MPG
Page 19 of 42
Most Efficient Large Cars
1. Hyundai Sonata gives 24 city MPG and 35 highway MPG
2. Honda Accord gives 23 city MPG and 34 highway MPG
Tips on Pumping Gas
Fill ups
Use regular gasoline unless your owner's manual says otherwise. Unless your car
requires premium, high-octane fuels improve neither fuel economy nor performance
and will just waste your money.
Don't overfill the gas tank or try to top it off beyond where the automatic nozzle
clicks off. Spilled gasoline evaporates to aggravate smog formation and can leak into
groundwater.
Patronize gas stations that have vapor-recovery nozzles (those black, accordionlooking plastic devices attached to the nozzle) whenever you can.
Only buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning when the ground
temperature is still cold.
Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the
ground the more dense the gasoline, when it gets warmer gasoline expands, so buying in the
afternoon or in the evening....your gallon is not exactly a gallon. In the petroleum business, the
specific gravity and the temperature of the gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other
petroleum products plays an important role.
A one degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business. But the service stations do not
have temperature compensation at the pumps.
When you're filling up do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to a fast mode. If you look you
will see that the trigger has three (3) stages: low, middle, and high. You should be pumping on
low mode, thereby minimizing the vapors that are created while you are pumping. All hoses at
the pump have a vapor return. If you are pumping on the fast rate, some of the liquid that goes to
your tank becomes vapor. Those vapors are being sucked up and back into the underground
storage tank so you're getting less worth for your money.
Home
Some of the tips to help keep your home efficient include:
Buy efficient appliances with smarter designs, like front-loading washers (they use half the
water and detergent of top-loading washers). Be sure to check efficiency ratings. You could save
up to 13 percent of your household energy use.
In addition, to uphold appliances you already own here are a few quick tips:
Page 20 of 42
If you an older refrigerator, vacuum the coils (located behind the removable plate) and
dislodge old grease with a stiff brush.
Keep the fridge set at 36 to 38 degrees.
Make sure it is not clutter and it will run more efficiently.
Dry loads of clothes in succession to take advantage of the heat.
Clean the lint trap after each cycle.
Set the thermostat on your Water heater to 120 degrees instead of 140.
If the tank is warm to the touch, wrap it in an insulating blanket (which can be found the
home improvement store).
Install faucet aerators. They work like low-flow shower heads; most have an on/off control to
let you cut off the water while you lather.
Install low-flush toilets will cause a drop from six gallons per flush to one and a half. It saves
water and money by cutting utility bills and/or septic tank service calls. Or to keep your old toilet
flowing properly, place a filled water bottle in the tank to conserve water consumption.
Use compact fluorescents, which screw into ordinary incandescent light-bulb sockets but use
far less electricity. Add motion-sensing switches to turn them off when the room's empty.
Buy in bulk and bring your own reusable containers to eliminate wasteful packaging.
Install low-flow showerheads. With less water to heat, you'll save water and energy.
Use non-toxic cleaners. Borax, vinegar, baking soda, salt, and lemon juice are a few of the
many natural alternatives. Uses for each are listed below.
(Derived from http://eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_solutions.htm)
Baking Soda - cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours.
Soap - unscented soap in liquid form, flakes, powders or bars is biodegradable and will clean just
about anything. Avoid using soaps which contain petroleum distillates.
Lemon - one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria.
Borax - (sodium borate) cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans wallpaper, painted
walls and floors.
Page 21 of 42
White Vinegar - cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains and wax build-up.
Washing Soda - or SAL Soda is sodium carbonate decahydrate, a mineral. Washing soda cuts
grease, removes stains, softens water, cleans wall, tiles, sinks and tubs. Use care, as washing
soda can irritate mucous membranes. Do not use on aluminum.
Ethanol or 100 proof Alcohol - is an excellent disinfectant when combined with water.
Cornstarch - can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs.
Citrus Solvent - cleans paint brushes, oil and grease, some stains. (Citrus solvent may cause
skin, lung or eye irritations for people with multiple chemical sensitivities.)
One line of products that can be used is Mrs. Meyers Household Cleaning products. They use
natural oils and plant derived ingredients to create dish soaps, laundry detergents, and window
cleaners that are safe for the environment and your home without the chemicals. Products can be
found at www.mrsmeyers.com
Light bulbs can be considered an energy efficient appliance in your household. They are most
often in use and contribute to your energy bill. By using eco-friendly light bulbs and lamps, you
can cut your bill down tremendously. Examples of these bulbs are listed below:
GE Energy Smart LED: $50, no mercury content, equivalent to 40 watt incandescent light
bulb, and has a 22 year life span.
Phillips Ambient LED: $40, no mercury content, equivalent to 60 watt incandescent light bulb,
and has a 22 year life span.
These light bulbs are similar products can be found in your local Home Depot, Lowe’s, and on
the following sites: www.lowes.com; www.gelighting.com; www.bulborama.com;
www.homedepot.com
Clothing
There are clothing companies that exist with the sole purpose of infusing true fashion with
organic, eco-friendly materials to make clothing. Some of the companies include familiar places
such as Urban Outfitters, the Seven store, and Vacarelli Associates (in America’s Mart).
Vacarelli & Associates, founded in 2004, makes contemporary fashion from organic and
sustainable fibers. Other brands that follow in the same path are:
Le train Bleu, revolve Clothing
Revolve Clothing
Spank
Shopgen
Urban Outfitters
Page 22 of 42
Covet
The best way to find out if a designer uses sustainable materials is to search the labels as well as
research the brand on the internet. Clothing companies that use organic fibers prove they are
committed to sustainable living because they use materials that can/have been recycled back into
the earth.
www.source4style.com is a website that provides a common market place for designers in the
fashion industry to purchase and locate different companies that manufacture eco-friendly
materials and fabrics to make designing clothing possible. For someone who makes clothing this
is the perfect place to look for organic, affordable materials. They provide lambswool, silk crepe,
and organic silk, organic cotton, hand woven cotton, leather, wool, hemp, nettle, linen, and even
polyester and rayon. The colored materials are hand painted, hand woven, and dyed with natural
colors derived from plants and other natural substances.
10 Ways to Go Green at Work
Greener homes are in the spotlight these days, but what about the other places where many of us
spend huge chunks of our time--our offices? Some simple changes of habit can save energy and
resources at work, and these small steps can be multiplied by persuading the powers-that-be at
your workplace to adopt environmentally friendly (and often cost-effective) policies.
1. Be bright about light
Artificial lighting accounts for 44 percent of the electricity use in office buildings.
> Make it a habit to turn off the lights when you're leaving any room for 15 minutes or more and
utilize natural light when you can.
> Make it a policy to buy Energy Star-rated light bulbs and fixtures, which use at least two-thirds
less energy than regular lighting, and install timers or motion sensors that automatically shut off
lights when they're not needed.
2. Maximize computer efficiency
Computers in the business sector unnecessarily waste $1 billion worth of electricity a year.
> Make it a habit to turn off your computer—and the power strip it's plugged into—when you
leave for the day. Otherwise, you're still burning energy even if you're not burning the midnight
oil. (Check with your IT department to make sure the computer doesn't need to be on to run
backups or other maintenance.) During the day, setting your computer to go to sleep
automatically during short breaks can cut energy use by 70 percent. Remember, screen savers
don't save energy.
> Make it a policy to invest in energy-saving computers, monitors, and printers and make sure
that old equipment is properly recycled. Look for a recycler that has pledged not to export
hazardous e-waste and to follow other safety guidelines. Old computers that still work, and are
less than five years old, can be donated to organizations that will refurbish them and find them
new homes. (You may even get a tax deduction.)
Page 23 of 42
3. Print smarter
The average U.S. office worker goes through 10,000 sheets of copy paper a year.
> Make it a habit to print on both sides or use the back side of old documents for faxes, scrap
paper, or drafts. Avoid color printing and print in draft mode whenever feasible.
> Make it a policy to buy chlorine-free paper with a higher percentage of post-consumer recycled
content. Also consider switching to a lighter stock of paper or alternatives made from bamboo,
hemp, organic cotton, or kenaf. Recycle toner and ink cartridges and buy remanufactured ones.
According to Office Depot, each remanufactured toner cartridge "keeps approximately 2.5
pounds of metal and plastic out of landfills...and conserves about a half gallon of oil."
4. Go paperless when possible
> Make it a habit to think before you print: could this be read or stored online instead? When you
receive unwanted catalogs, newsletters, magazines, or junk mail, request to be removed from the
mailing list before you recycle the item.
> Make it a policy to post employee manuals and similar materials online, rather than distribute
print copies. They're easier to update that way too.
5. Ramp up your recycling
> Make it a habit to recycle everything your company collects. Just about any kind of paper you
would encounter in an office, including fax paper, envelopes, and junk mail, can be recycled. So
can your old cell phone, PDA, or pager.
> Make it a policy to place recycling bins in accessible, high-traffic areas and provide clear
information about what can and can not be recycled.
6. Close the loop
> Make it a policy to purchase office supplies and furniture made from recycled materials.
7. Watch what (and how) you eat
> Make it a habit to bring your own mug and dishware for those meals you eat at the office.
> Make it a policy to provide reusable dishes, silverware, and glasses. Switch to Fair
Trade andorganic coffee and tea, and buy as much organic and local food as possible for parties
and other events. Provide filtered drinking water to reduce bottled-water waste.
8. Rethink your travel
> Make it a habit to take the train, bus, or subway when feasible instead of a rental car when
traveling on business. If you have to rent a car, some rental agencies now offer hybrids and other
high-mileage vehicles.
> Make it a policy to invest in videoconferencing and other technological solutions that can
reduce the amount of employee travel.
9. Reconsider your commute
Page 24 of 42
> Make it a habit to carpool, bike, or take transit to work, and/or telecommute when possible. If
you need to drive occasionally, consider joining a car-sharing service
like Zipcar and Flexcarinstead of owning your own wheels.
> Make it a policy to encourage telecommuting (a nice perk that's also good for the planet!)
and make it easy for employees to take alternative modes of transportation by subsidizing
commuter checks, offering bike parking, or organizing a carpool board.
10. Create a healthy office environment
> Make it a habit to use nontoxic cleaning products. Brighten up your cubicle with plants, which
absorb indoor pollution.
> Make it a policy to buy furniture, carpeting, and paint that are free of volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) and won't off-gas toxic chemicals.
Green Living for Kids
10 ways for kids to be environmentally savvy:
Have parents buy green school supplies
Walk, carpool, or ride the bus to school
Turn off water while showering or brushing teeth
Start an organic garden at school or home
Turn off electronic/appliances when not in use
If parents recycle, allow kids to sort
Volunteer with community organizations that plant trees
Hand wash dishes or only run dishwasher for full loads
Reduce waste by curbing use of disposables
Ease up on video games (computer games and systems use more electricity than regular TV)
According to Natural Awakenings Magazine, There are Eco-camps and many outdoor camps that
children can attend to learn more about nature and ―unplug‖ themselves from daily routine
activities. When Parents are searching for Camps and activities, try to start with things such as
organic farming, sustainable living programs or naturalist exploration camps.
One place to begin research is www.americancampassociation.com. The site allows parents to
look for camps that are within the association across the country. Parents are also allowed the
option to look for camps that are close to your zip code. If all else fails, the perfect place to
begin looking for camps is Girls Scouts Inc. and your local YMCA. Some of the local camps can
or are partnered with the ACA to create better camps. There are more than 30 different types of
camps within 100 miles of the 30314 zip code. Here are few:
Page 25 of 42
Camp Timber Ridge
Mableton, GA
Director: Kristi Fulford
Tel: 770-948-8200
Fax: 770-745-6473
kfulford@girlscoutsofgreateratlanta.org
www.girlscoutsofgreateratlanta.org
Camp Operator Information
Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Inc
5601 N Allen Rd SE
Mableton GA 30126-2629
Tel: 404-527-7500
jallison@girlscoutsofgreateratlanta.org
Camp Contact
Kristi Fulford
Tel: 770-948-8200
kfulford@girlscoutsnwga.org
Description: Girl Scout Camp located near Atlanta. We are one step on the way to your
daughter developing into a strong, self-assured young woman.
Residential and/or Day Camp: Day Camp and Resident Camp
Gender: Girls Only
Families, Single Adults, or Seniors: Family Sessions
Ages: Girls Only from 7 to 14
Session Length: Partial week, 1, 2, 4 week sessions
Residential Camp Fees: $76 To $200, $201 To $350, $351 To $500 per week
Financial Aid: Available
Season: June through August
Featured Activities: Archery, Arts and Crafts, Camping Skills/Outdoor Living, Canoeing,
Challenge/Rope Courses, Drama, Field Trips, Nature/Environmental Studies, Recreational
Swimming, Team Building, Travel/Tour, Wilderness Trips
Other Activities: Aquatic Activities, Backpacking, Baseball/Softball, Basketball,
Climbing/Rappelling, Counselor Training (CIT), Dance, Farming/Ranching/Gardening, Fishing,
Hiking, Soccer, Instructional Swimming
Westminster Summer Camp
Atlanta, GA
Director: John Griffith
Tel: 404-367-5108
Fax: 404-355-6606
johngriffith@westminster.net
www.westminster.net/summer
Camp Operator Information
The Westminster Schools
1424 W Paces Ferry Rd NW
Atlanta GA 30327-2428
Tel: 404-367-7868
Camp Contact
Camp Office
Page 26 of 42
Tel: 404-367-7868
summer@westminster.net
Description:
Residential and/or Day Camp: Day Camp Only
Gender: Coed
Families, Single Adults, or Seniors:
Ages: Coed from 4 to 13;
Session Length: 2 week sessions
Day Camp Fees: $201 To $350 per week
Season: June through July
Featured Activities: Archery, Arts and Crafts, Camping Skills/Outdoor Living, Canoeing,
Challenge/Rope Courses, Counselor Training (CIT), Nature/Environmental Studies, Riflery,
Instructional Swimming
Other Activities: Recreational Swimming
The Atlanta Aquarium holds classes for parents and children that can be informative and
beneficial to helping become more aware of the environment. The aquarium offers an array of
activities and programs including volunteerism for teens, games and daily tours. There is a
career section to answer questions about future careers in caring for animals and summer, spring,
and winter camps for kids.
Parents should also reinforce good ―green living‖ habits by researching the Environmental
Protection Agency’s (EPA) “Green Scapes” Program. The class is open for people of all
ages. It is primarily an environmentally beneficial landscaping class based on reducing, reusing,
and recycling which helps homeowners to preserve the surrounding natural resources. It also
provides tips and information on how to improve the health and appearance of lawn and gardens.
This class is beneficial for children because it will teach them how to value resources and
delegate chores simultaneously.
No matter what the lesson or the activity, parents should be sure to teach the things they learn
about energy efficiency to their children. It is much easier for them to incorporate these ideals at
a young age. They may even be able to teach their friends, teachers, and classmates something
new.
Page 27 of 42
GREEN JOBS
A green job is a job that helps people (Americans) to create a cleaner and more sustainable,
energy efficient future. These jobs help to ―kick‖ the oil habit, lessen emissions of greenhouse
gases and protect the natural environment.
This can include jobs in the public transit sector, jobs in green building, jobs in energy efficiency
— even traditional, blue-collar manufacturing jobs, provided what you're making is more or less
green. This and more relevant descriptions can be found at:
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1809506,00.html
Listed below are some of the jobs to research for anyone who wishes to delve into the field of the
green economy. These jobs are important to our environment because they help create the
sustainability needed every day. As stated, the lists varies from things as simple as driving
trucks that pick up recycled goods to building machines that help use renewable energy. Salaries
vary depending on job description and duties.
Types of Green Jobs:
Agriculture and Natural Resource Conservation:
Farm workers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse
Environmental Engineers
Environmental Scientists and Specialists
Clean Transportation and Fuels:
Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Assemblers/Fabricators
Production Workers
Renewable Energy Production:
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Electricians
Machinists
Pollution Prevention and Environmental Cleanup:
Environmental Scientists and Specialists
Civil Engineers
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Engineering Managers
Page 28 of 42
Most jobs in the green job sector require post-secondary school training of some sort.
However, companies are presently looking for workers who have less experience than
usually required. In addition, entry-level internships are available for individuals with little to
no experience in the green industry at non-profit governmental organizations such as Green For
All, Inc. (www.greenforall.org/about-us/jobs
Green For All Fellows seeks to create and preserve environmental quality by creating green
Collar jobs for younger persons who have little to no experience in the field. Some of the books
about the green economy are:
The Green Collar Economy by Van Jones
Strategies for the Green Economy by Joel Makeower
Designing the Green Economy by Brian Milani
These books are informative because they help people who have an interest in the Green
Economy know exactly what to research while starting on the journey to helping create a
sustainable community.
Page 29 of 42
Tax Credits
Federal Energy Tax Credits for 2010, 2011
For people who really want a reason to become involved in the Green initiative, this is it! Certain
household appliances are eligible for rebates and federal tax credits. Renewable energy systems
and energy efficient products can make you eligible to receive money back.
Before you purchase any and everything that has an energy star label please note that All
ENERGY STAR products do not qualify for the energy tax credit. There are certain rules, dates,
and guidelines that you must follow in order to qualify for a tax credit.
Most people do see a decrease in the cost of their energy bills however; you must make sure your
specific item qualifies before you attempt to take the credit for it.
Energy Tax credit for Principal Residence
The energy tax deductions must be on your existing home and principal residence which means
the deduction is not for new construction or rental properties.
The tax credit qualifies for 30% of the cost of up to $1500 for items including:
Biomass stoves
Heating Ventilating, and air conditioning
Roofs (metal and asphalt)
Non solar water heaters
Windows and Doors
Existing Homes, New Construction of Principal residence, and Second Homes
The energy credit still does not apply to rentals but qualifying homes can receive 305 of costs
with no price cap. Items include:
Geothermal heat Pumps
Residential small wind turbines
Page 30 of 42
Solar energy systems
Tax Credits
Tax credits are more valuable than a deduction because a tax credit reduces taxes dollar for
dollar. One way to lower energy bills, reduce air pollution, increase indoor comfort and lower
gasoline costs is to purchase fuel efficient cars (like the ones list previously) and energy efficient
appliances for your home.
www.sustainableatlanta.org has extended the SHINE program which can save homeowners
money by allotting rebates to have energy audits performed on their homes. SHINE stands for
Sustainable Home Initiative in the New Economy. The program is seeking homeowners that are
eligible for home weatherization. The estimated savings for a properly weatherized home are an
average of $437 annually. Homeowners can receive up to $3,500 in home improvements as well
as a $500 federal income tax credit for making certain home improvements. In addition,
Homeowners can receive up to $2,200 in rebates through GA Power under the Georgia Power
Home Energy Improvement Program. Home owners will also be the direct recipient of the
rebates. Criteria for the Program:
Home must be in the City of Atlanta
Single-family homes qualify (need not be owner occupied)
Home must undergo home energy efficiency assessment by a Georgia Power Home
Energy Improvement Program Professional
Work must be performed by a SHINE qualified improvement contractor
Work must be completed before rebate will be issued
Page 31 of 42
The Woman who Planted Trees
In 2004, Ms.Wangari Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement, an organization created to
help restore the indigenous forests of Kenya, became the first African woman and first
environmentalist to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Thanks to Ms.Wangari Maathai, Kenya is a
greener and more pleasant place than it would otherwise be. For this, Ms.Wangari Maathai
received a Nobel Peace Prize. Nobel Laureate Maathai planted 30 million trees. Ms Maathai has
made reforesting in Kenya possible, by paying peasant women to plant seedlings in their own
villages. Through Maathai’s green initiative 100,000 Kenyan women received a great sense of
empowerment and were able to gain a stronger presence in the political process of Kenya. The
power of individual can inspire, Ms. Maathai is living proof that one individual can make a
difference in the advancement in becoming more eco-friendly.
The need to ―Go Green‖
The Kyoto Protocol is a protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change, aimed at fighting global warming. The UNFCCC is an international
environmental treaty with the goal of achieving the "stabilization of greenhouse gas
concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic
interference with the climate system." The Protocol was initially adopted on 11 December 1997
in Kyoto, Japan, and entered into force on 16 February 2005. As of April 2010, 191 states have
signed and ratified the protocol.
Under the Protocol, 37 countries commit themselves to a reduction of four greenhouse
gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulphur hexafluoride) and two groups of gases
(hydrofluorocarbons and perfluorocarbons) produced by them, and all member countries give
general commitments. Annex I countries agreed to reduce their collective greenhouse gas
emissions by 5.2% from the 1990 level. Emission limits do not include emissions by
international aviation and shipping. The Protocol allows for several "flexible mechanisms", such
as emissions trading, the clean development mechanism (CDM) and joint implementation to
allow Annex I countries to meet their GHG emission limitations by purchasing GHG emission
reductions credits from elsewhere, through financial exchanges, projects that reduce emissions in
non-Annex I countries, from other Annex I countries, or from annex I countries with excess
allowances.
Each Annex I country is required to submit an annual report of inventories of all
anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions from sources and removals from sinks under UNFCCC
and the Kyoto Protocol. These countries nominate a person (called a "designated national
authority") to create and manage its greenhouse gas inventory. Virtually all of the non-Annex I
countries have also established a designated national authority to manage its Kyoto obligations,
Page 32 of 42
specifically the "CDM process" that determines which GHG projects they wish to propose for
accreditation by the CDM Executive Board.The objective of the Kyoto climate change
conference was to establish a legally binding international agreement, whereby all the
participating nations commit themselves to tackling the issue of global warming and greenhouse
gas emissions. The target agreed upon was an average reduction of 5.2% from 1990 levels by the
year 2012. According to the treaty, in 2012, Annex I countries must have fulfilled their
obligations of reduction of greenhouse gases emissions established for the first commitment
period (2008–2012).
The ultimate objective of the UNFCCC is the "stabilization of greenhouse gas
concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic
interference with the climate system." Even if Annex I Parties succeed in meeting their firstround commitments, much greater emission reductions will be required in future to stabilize
atmospheric GHG concentrations.
The five principal concepts of the Kyoto Protocol are
Commitments to the Annex-countries. The heart of the Protocol lies in establishing
commitments for the reduction of greenhouse gases that are legally binding for Annex I
countries. Dividing the countries in different groups is one of the key concepts in making
commitments possible, where only the Annex I countries in 1997, were seen as having the
economic capacity to commit themselves and their industry. Making only the few nations in
the Annex 1 group committed to the protocols limitations.
Implementation. In order to meet the objectives of the Protocol, Annex I countries are
required to prepare policies and measures for the reduction of greenhouse gases in their
respective countries. In addition, they are required to increase the absorption of these gases
and utilize all mechanisms available, such as joint implementation, the clean development
mechanism and emissions trading, in order to be rewarded with credits that would allow
more greenhouse gas emissions at home.
Minimizing Impacts on Developing Countries by establishing an adaptation fund for
climate change.
Accounting, Reporting and Review in order to ensure the integrity of the Protocol.
Compliance. Establishing a Compliance Committee to enforce compliance with the
commitments under the Protocol.
Page 33 of 42
Green Programs
Through my research, I have found an abundance of programming and websites interconnected
to achieve one goal: energy efficiency and sustainability in the city of Atlanta. Please do not
hesitate to research the programs and utilize the resources available. This is by no means an
exhausted list!
Morehouse College Sustainable Committee
This group is led by Ms. Sandra VanTravis at Morehouse College. They meet monthly in order
to discuss things that will help Morehouse teach sustainability in the community. It is their
primary goal to make everyone more aware of the option of recycling in the office and on
campus to make Morehouse an even cleaner College.
Pirkle Inc.
Pirkle Recycling is a company with the slogan ―Keeping Georgia green since 1965‖. Pirkle
purchases and processes ferrous and non ferrous metals including: copper brass, aluminum, and
stainless. On top of being in business with major companies, Pirkle Inc. is open to buy scrap
metal from the general public. They list employment opportunities in the fields of customer
service, truck drivers, account management, and Welding. Please contact them for more
information.
598 Wells Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30312
(404)525-1464
info@pirkleinc.com
Davis Recycling
This is a neighborhood recycling company that takes different types of materials and promotes
all types of recycling by paying money for each. Their saying is ―Cash in TODAY by going
green‖. Some of the materials they accept include: old siding, clean aluminum foil, car hoods,
and gutters on your roof. They also assist with establishing recycling programs for ongoing
projects with clients. They may have job opportunities available for persons with set skills. To
find out more, view the information below:
Page 34 of 42
677 Whitehall St. SW Atlanta, GA 30310
(404)524-1746
Open Monday- Friday 8:00-5:00
Saturday 8:00-12:00
Closed Sunday
Green for All Fellows
Green For All is dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans through a clean energy
economy. They work in collaboration with grassroots communities, businesses, and government
to create and start programs that create quality jobs in the green industry for persons who may
have otherwise not had the opportunity. The company trains individuals to become community
leaders and create innovative policy that are in sync with national practices and city standards.
Sustainable Atlanta
This 501c3 was founded in 2007 for the purpose of committing to creating long-term prosperity
for Atlanta. More information about this group can be found at the following site:
www.sustainableatlanta.org
The site offers information for residents in Atlanta to become involved in things that can
drastically change your approach to living. Sustainable Atlanta offers classes on code energy
training and the energy efficiency pilot program. With each, homeowners would be able to have
their homes assessed to acquire the amount of energy lost from appliances and utilities within the
home. Homeowners seeking to become a part of the Pilot Program should e-mail
shine@atlantaga.gov or call at (404) 588-5982 to learn more about the program.
The site also includes news posts and a calendar of events so the residents stay informed and
aware of the changes being made around the city. By staying abreast of the information being
given, residents become the first to know when money saving opportunities becomes available.
The People’s Village Project
Amakiasu S. Ford
(678)662-9225
peoplesvillageproject@yahoo.com
The People’s Village Project is a program started by Ms. Amakiasu S. Ford in order to ―build
community from the inside out through character development exercises, creative visioning, and
constructing sustainable communities in miniature.‖ In this program children and adults are
offered the unique opportunity to not only learn about sustainable housing and communities but
to build their very own community created from recyclable materials such as clay, cardboard,
plastic, and wood. Each of these materials is used to make miniature models of homes, food,
modes of transportation, and different pieces that make up an environmentally sound and ecofriendly neighborhood. It is a great experience to share with any and everyone because it allows
people to express creativity as well as learn different methods of changing their community
Page 35 of 42
while learning how to build one. It also helps children to practice skills for conflict resolution as
part of the project is about building a community where everything is shared.
www.eco-act.org
Dr. Yomi Noibi, Executive Director
(404)584-6499 Office
yomi@eco-act.org
Environmental Community Action, Inc. is a provider of assistance to community groups. Their
primary purpose is to strengthen participation of people in an effort to prevent and solve
environmental health problems. This group is local and they work with communities to organize
for changes that safeguard their community and help citizens to become more aware of their
environmental health. They have program initiatives for youth and for neighborhood groups that
help foster leadership, awareness, and action around sustainability. Their website includes news
about their latest activities as well as information on the resources used to develop their
initiatives and knowledge base.
www.earth911.com
Earth 911 is the site that allows for the recycling of hazardous materials. They describe
themselves as ―an environmental services company that addresses solutions for products' end-oflife for both businesses and consumers.‖ For people who have junky garages filled with aerosols,
antifreeze and motor oil, paint, etc, this is the place to find a local drop off. They have even
created an iphone application that allows people to look up places to recycle specific items
within the radius of their specified location. The site offers solutions for homes and business that
wish to become more sustainable by recycling and they have a search engine specifically geared
toward finding local recycling companies. They also have links that inform the consumer about
tax credits that can apply to people who have been committed to the ―green life‖.
www.americancampassociation.com
The website is a resource found in Natural Awakenings magazine (Atlanta edition) that lists each
camp and its purpose. There are 2,400 accredited camps across the United States that cater to
children with many different interests. The ACA even publishes its own camping magazine to
stimulate youth advocacy around the idea of camping and activities pertaining to forestry. This
is a great site to visit for parents that are interested in having their kids in outdoor activities; as
well as parents who would like their child to have a diverse background in traveling, sports, and
other fun activities that children typically love!
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/green-guide/homegarden/?source=email_gg
This site’s saying is, ―Inspiring people to care about the planet since 1888‖ and they mean
business! It is especially important because it is linked directly to the National Geographic
magazine’s site for step by step green improvements. There is even a magazine that covers
topics such as lowering your energy intake, step by step home improvements, travel and
transportation and quizzes to test you on various topics. This is a great site to explore with your
children. National Geographic is even on twitter! What could be better than minute by minute
Page 36 of 42
updates on the green initiative? The site also has individual guides for buying specific items that
lower your energy bill at home.
www.thegreenguide.com
This is the direct link for the National Geographic magazine titled ―The Green Guide‖.
http://www.lauraseydel.com/info/resources.html
This site is strictly for Atlanta resources! Formed by Laura Turner, this site is designed to
provide links to other organizations and companies that support sustainability. Her belief is ―The
more we educate ourselves about our natural resources, the more difficult it becomes to ignore
the impact that human behavior has on our environment.‖ There are listings for everything from
environmental healthcare to eco-friendly furniture stores. This is a great site to start searching if
you are interested in finding efficient appliances for your home or ways to incorporate natural
resources into aspects of life such as clothing, food, make-up, cleaning supplies, gardening and
much more!
www.beltline.org
The Beltline project promises to be one of Atlanta’s top resources for creating a greener city!
The project offers more than 1,200 acres of new green space and improvements to approximately
700 acres of existing green space. The website illustrates how the beltline proposes to become
one of the top ten cities leading the green initiative. The beltline project itself accomplishes this
goal by providing public transportation right along its properties and improving existing green
space.
www.globalstewards.org
The site provides tips and explanations on how to reduce consumption in areas such as your
home, garden, office, car, energy, nature, and even gifts. The ―ecotips‖ that are given here are
simple, easy to follow, and extremely helpful to creating sustainability. There is also a link for
finding sites to reuse and recycle old goods and suggestions to help people reform to green
solutions.
www.epa.gov/region4
EPA Atlanta:
61 Forsyth Street Southwest
Atl, GA 30303
(404)656-4713
This website is the main link to finding many classes, workshops, and activities that will get the
entire family involved in environmental education. One example is the Green Scapes Program
which discusses landscaping ideas for homeowners that desire to improve the health and
appearance of their lawns and gardens. The site also provides links to local environmental
education classes such as Explorer’s Club for Kids and online resources.
Page 37 of 42
www.georgiaaquarium.org/teachersAndkids/educationalResources/educationalresources.aspx
The Georgia Aquarium link takes visitors directly to the portion of the site which offers classes
for parents and kids. The program allows the opportunity for volunteerism while being educated
on marine life and the benefits of maintaining healthy aquatic life and awareness of what is
happening with our oceans.
www.p2ad.org
This site is home to the Sustainability division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
They provide free and confidential environmental assistance to business in pollution prevention,
waste reduction, water and energy efficiency, and sustainability. The site discusses general policy for
sustainability and networking opportunities for businesses interested in connecting with other eco
friendly businesses.
http://ecoearthcityguide.com/sustainable_checklist.htm
This is the website for Santa Barbara County’s eco earth city guide. Similar to the site’s
specifically designed for Atlanta, this guide provides tips and terms to help its citizen’s
understand as much as possible about saving the environment. Many of the terms and tips found
within this manual are from this site so this is a good place to start creating ideas for your own
home.
http://www.rainbowgrocery.com/
2118 North Decatur Road --- Atlanta, GA 30033
Grocery/Deli: (404) 636-5553 -- Restaurant: (404) 633-3538
Rainbow grocery is a grocery store and restaurant that serves the Atlanta area by providing
natural foods to the community. They offer food, deli, and supplements to customers all over
Atlanta for the past 30 years. The site walks visitors through the contents of the store, the
restaurant, and the ―library‖ of natural cosmetics and products carried. For ―green savvy‖
persons, this store is the place to be.
www.lifegrocery.com
1453 Roswell Road
Marietta, GA 30062
770-977-9583
Life Grocery is located half a mile East of the Big Chicken on Roswell Road. This Natural Food
market specializes in Organic food to help keep the customer happy and healthy. They have a
full service café, juice bar, and they offer their customers the opportunity to sign up for the free
emailing list that discusses healthy living and special offers within the store. Their site has direct
links for co-op deals, member’s specials, and job opportunities. The store is among the Natural
Products association which ensures that the customer receives the freshest foods.
www.sevenanda.com
Page 38 of 42
467 Moreland Avenue Northeast
Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 681-2831
Sevananda is a cooperatively owned market specializing in natural foods. They sell fresh, local
and organic foods, vitamins, supplements, earth-friendly household and pet products and freshly
prepared foods including nutritious baked goods, soups, sandwiches, entrees and salads. The
store name is derived from the Sanskrit language meaning ―The joy of service‖. The Market
offers newsletters on healthy living and eating, coupons, cooking classes and healthy recipes, and
the option of becoming a member of the Market. The information session for membership
benefits is held the first Monday of each month.
www.localharvest.org
This website is a country wide database containing information on how to locate
CSA’s(community supported agriculture), farmer’s, restaurants, and stores that harvest, sell, and
cook local and organic foods. For people who are looking to support local farmers and
restaurants, this is the place to find them. Simply enter your zip code and the site will find
everyone location within a 20 mile radius.
www.eatwellguide.org
This site is very similar to local harvest because it serves the same purpose: to locate natural and
organic food markets, bakeries, restaurants and farms nationwide. Simply enter the zip code in
which you wish to search and every ―sustainable‖ food service that is registered within the
database will be found including business information, hours of operation, and location.
www.return2eden1.com
Return to Eden is one of Atlanta’s natural food and supplement markets. With health in mind,
they offer one of the largest selections of vegan, vegetarian, raw food and all-natural
kosher groceries in the Atlanta metropolitan area. They have become famous by offering
the largest selection of gluten-free and allergen-free products in the Southeast. They also sell
personal care products. They host a Garden club, offer coupons and recipes to their customers,
and have children’s activities.
http://www.greenopia.com/AT/
For anyone who is looking for help with eco friendly products without the challenging
interaction, this is the site to explore. ―Greenopia‖ is filled with product experts, customer
reviews of various products and a business directory that allots for more than enough knowledge
for persons who may not know exactly what they’re looking for or where to start. It is also
includes blogs on how to begin your journey toward the green initiative.
http://www.saynotogmos.org/
Say No to GMO discusses the hazards of genetically modified foods and organisms and the
threat these foods pose in different aspects of your life. This is a good site for parents to research
certain foods that are not healthy to feed to their children. The site also discusses the origins of
GMO’s and the importance of not including them in a daily dieting regiment. This is definitely a
Page 39 of 42
must-see site for everyone because it educates us on what not to include in a diet in order to be
healthy.
http://www.sustainabletable.org/shop/seasonal/
The site provides a state-by-state list of seasonal foods for people to try. It describes the benefits
of eating seasonal foods and discusses healthy food options even for people who do not wish to
alter their current eating habits. The plus is you get the option to try new food without a diet!
www.turbotaxonline.com
This site is important because the information on tax rebates and credits is derived from here.
This company assists people who qualify with grooming their homes to be more energy efficient
and makes sure they get the credit that is due for creating a cleaner, safer living environment.
www.greenercars.org
This site is the ACEE green book. It is the official site to find cars that are environmentally
efficient.
www.fueleconomy.gov
This site is the official government source for information on the fuel economy. There is
information on why the fuel economy is important to consumers, how to save money on gas and
cars, which cars are the most economically feasible and much more! For anyone that has a
curiosity about how to calculate your gas mileage or how to find alternative fueled vehicles, this
is the perfect site.
www.atlantaga.gov
This is the city of Atlanta Recycling Program. The site discusses the proper disposal of
recyclable materials and the initiatives of the Department of Public works such as curbside
recycling and the ReCart Pilot Program. The program helps Atlanta residents understand the
importance of choosing to recycle and their rights as participants. Home and business owners
can receive all information they seek about the city’s recycling initiative from this site. For more
information, contact Program Manager, Mary Harrington, (404) 865-8540,
mharrington@atlantaga.gov
www.americancampassociation.com
The American Camp association exists for the purpose of bringing parents and children better
camps that teach energy efficiency and life/wilderness skills. The site gives parents the
opportunity to look for camps across the country. Parents and children can sign up to receive
editions of ACA magazine and teenagers and adults can browse the site for summer jobs. This
website is most definitely one that is made for the family.
Page 40 of 42
www.naAtlanta.com
Natural Awakenings Magazine is a resourceful publication and website because every edition is
a ―green‖ edition. The publishers make sure to include activities, practices, products, and
programs that are catered solely to better living and sustainability in the community. The Atlanta
edition of the magazine lists too many activities and services to name- everything within or
surrounding the metro Atlanta area. Many of the activities within the resource guide can be
found in an issue of NA and the magazine is free!
www.mrsmeyers.com
The Mrs. Meyers Clean Day products are made to be biodegradable and safe for the home and
environment. They are never tested on animals and come in recycled packaging. The products
are derived from natural plants such as coconut, palm, corn, soy, and olive. They use natural oils
and plant derived ingredients to create all purpose cleaning solutions, hand/body products,
candles, and even laundry detergents that are safe for the environment and your home minus the
harsh chemicals.
Page 41 of 42
Thank you for taking interest in our manual. Please feel free to pass the
information along to other people! Also, if there is any information you would like
to see please feel free to contact us!
Morehouse College Community Revitalization Initiative
830 Westview Drive
Atlanta, GA 30314
(404)215-2705
Page 42 of 42