Eco Briefs

The Clean Air Campaign had a successful 2008 with its commuting campaign, especially in the early fall when gas prices soared. "More than 8,500 commuters in metro Atlanta signed up for one of our programs in 2008 and gave clean commuting a try," said Kevin Green, executive director of the Clean Air Campaign. "Choosing to carpool, vanpool, take transit, walk, bicycle or telework can help commuters reduce stress, save money, possibly get fit and even earn rewards through our programs." Participation in Commuter Rewards, a group of incentive programs that rewards clean commuting with cash and prizes, rose by almost 300 percent during 2008."They may join to earn rewards, but the motivation for people to stay in our programs over the long term is the quality-of-life benefits that come from using commute alternatives," continued Green. Not only does clean commuting help reduce air pollution and traffic congestion, but it also saves money on gas, parking and vehicle maintenance. For those whose resolution it is to save money, carpooling cuts commuting costs in half, while vanpooling and riding transit cost just a fraction of what it costs to drive alone to and from work. Teleworking, walking and bicycling cost nearly or absolutely nothing. Visit www.CleanAirCampaign.com for information.

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities will hold the 7th Annual International Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Communities Conference, Awards and Trade Show at the Peachtree Hyatt Hotel from June 3-5. The conference will bring together more than 1,000 green roof and wall design professionals, manufacturers, researchers and policy-makers from across North America and around the world.

Local leaders, federal, state and other local agencies and partners have announced the creation of the first Zero Waste Zone in the southeast in Downtown Atlanta. Phase one will be implemented in the convention district and participating foodservice operations pledge to recycle, reuse spent grease for the local production of biofuel and compost or donate excess food. The Georgia World Congress Center, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Hyatt Regency are some of the participants.

Twist ‘n’ Scoot has two new cutting-edge electric bikes from Ultra Motor. The bikes are high-style, fuel-saving and planet-friendly with zero emissions. Using clean mobility technologies, the two Ultra Motor bikes, the "A2B" and the "Europa" offer unassisted power for up to 20 miles when you don’t feel like pedaling, and at a cruising speed of up to 20 mph. A secondary battery pack upgrade on the A2B can increase range to 40 miles. The shop has two locations 1835 Piedmont Ave. and in downtown Decatur at 431 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. www.twistnscoot.com.