Going Green

Six years ago, INtown launched a regular monthly section called “Go Green.” The sustainable, eco-friendly movement was picking up speed in Atlanta and we were starting to hear from readers that they wanted more information about recycling, urban farming and how to build or renovate a home to make it energy efficient and “green.”

Our annual “Green Issue” published every April continues that mission to bring you more stories, features and news about how Intown is learning to live more conscientiously about the environment. Sustainability has leapt from grassroots to mainstream in those few short years as well.

The City of Atlanta now has an office of sustainability and is working toward becoming one of the most “green cities” in the nation. The Midtown EcoDistrict, which we update in this issue, is hard at work on planting more trees, addressing runoff issues and adding bike lanes to take cars off the streets.

Once thought too expensive or a luxury, homebuyers are now actively searching for homes with green features and renovators want to add new technology and materials to help lower their energy costs. In this issue’s Home & Real Estate section, you’ll see just how prevalent the movement has become.

Editing the monthly section and these Green Issues over the past six years has also made me more conscientious about my own habits. I’m lucky to live in a building where recycling is encouraged and made easy for residents. Where separating plastics, paper and cardboard used to seem like a pain, it’s become second nature.

I’m also grateful to live in a neighborhood (shout out to the Old Fourth Ward!) where it’s easy to walk to restaurants and shops, meaning I get to leave my car in the garage and save on gas and polluting the air with more emissions. The BeltLine is nearby and I’m looking forward to strolling down to the Krog Street Market and up to the Ponce City Market when it opens. These little things can mean a lot as scientists continue to sound the alarm about climate change.

“Going green” is easier than you think. Give it a try!

By Collin Kelley INtown Editor

Promoting the importance of the environment has been Earth Day’s goal since its inception in 1970, and that recognition continues as the 44th annual event is marked in Atlanta and around the world this month.

While Earth Day is officially observed on April 22, events and happenings are taking place all month long around the city.

EarthShare of Georgia

The nonprofit that raises funds for state environmental organizations is hosting three big events for Earth Day 2014. For more about these events, visit earthsharega.org.

• Corporate Green Day Challenge: The event will be held April 5 from 9 a.m. to noon at various project sites. Nearly 500 employees from 16 company sponsors participated in the 2013 challenge, dedicating a Saturday morning to cleaning up parks and stream banks, planting gardens and mulching trees throughout Atlanta at 13 locations. The winning team of the Corporate Green Day Challenge will be announced at the Leadership Breakfast.

• Earth Day Leadership Breakfast: Set for April 16 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Georgia Aquarium, the 12th annual breakfast will see business and non-profit leaders of Georgia and beyond gather to celebrate sustainable business practices. The breakfast will feature environmental updates from several environmental leaders, displays from area environmental groups and a keynote address by Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd, president of American Meteorological Society. Marshall’s address, “Prehistoric, Contemporary, Futuristic: For Water, It’s All The Same, Or Is It?,” will focus on water issues and the correlations to climate change, while offering ideas on sustainable ways individuals and businesses can help conserve Georgia’s environment.

• Earth Day Party: This year’s party is April 24 at 7 p.m. at the Defoor Centre and will feature locally sourced food, music, eco-silent auction stocked with deals on eco-friendly products, unique getaways, outdoor gear and jewelry. Beverages provided by VeeV Fruite Cocktail and UVA Imports. Presented by Kaiser Permanente. Tickets are $60 per person and available at earthsharega.org.