According to an American Institute of Architects study, the number of cities with green building programs has risen from 22 to 92 – an increase of 418 percent. The report, Local Leaders in Sustainability, analyzed 661 communities of more than 50,000 in population. The report found that Atlanta had the most LEED buildings per capita in the country in 2006 and Atlanta’s EarthCraft Communities program is a community guideline that emphasizes walkability, environmental site plan development, and an overall integrated planning approach. Recommendations for cities include hiring a director of sustainability in the mayor’s office to coordinate the various departments to develop a well-rounded program. Mayor Shirley Franklin has appointed the city’s former chief operating officer, Lynette Young, to lead the sustainability initiative. Details of that effort will be released this month.
Inspired during a trip to Africa, Houston born former Marine, Mark Bent, quit his oil firm job to develop a solar powered flashlight. Now the BoGo flashlights – energy-saving, water- and shock-resistent – are lighting the way for U.S. troops at war in Iraq or Afghanistan, thanks to a special buy-one, get-one program. Here’s how the program works: when someone buys a light for $25 plus shipping and handling, a second light is sent to a non-profit. Once the non-profit has 500 lights in their account, they decide where they should be sent, and BoGo ships them at their expense. Only sold on the Internet, more than 20,000 lights have been distributed from Houston so far. The sun-powered flashlight’s rechargeable batteries last for 750-1,000 nights of use (battery flashlights generally have 15 hours of use). For more, www.bogolight.com .
Five New Year's Resolutions for Going Green
1. Plant trees. Do it in your back yard and in your community. Contact Trees Atlanta to see how you can get involved.
2. Stop using plastic bags from the grocery store. Most supermarkets now offer re-usable, inexpensive tote bags for your groceries. Kroger even has bags that keep your goods hot and cold.
3. Get out of your car. Buy a a bike or an electric scooter, take MARTA, walk or form a carpool. Visit the Clean Air Campaign for details.
4. Get rid of that old fridge, dishwasher or television and buy an Energy Star appliance instead. You will drastically cut down your carbon emissions by doing so. Don't forget to change out your light bulbs, too.
5. Unplug your cell phone charger and other appliances you don't use regularly. Even while not in use, chargers and appliances drain energy.
