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How can the Cash for Caulkers program help you save on retrofits when you reduce your home’s energy consumption?

Posted by Our Green Atlanta on July 27, 2010

Cash for Caulkers is on its way! Earlier this summer the House of Representatives passed the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010. The bill still needs to be approved by the Senate, but supporters predict it will be approved before the end of the summer.

In the meantime, homeowners need to “do their homework.” The bill offers two rebate programs and each one has unique requirements:

The Silver Star program provides a $1,000 rebate for each retrofit described in the bill. The maximum amount paid out will be $3,000 or 50% of the total cost, whichever is lower. For example, if a homeowner spends a total of $4,000 on eligible retrofits, they will get $2,000 or 50% back as a rebate. If they spend $8,000 on eligible retrofits, they would only receive $3,000 in rebates instead of $4,000 (which would be 50% of the cost).

To qualify for the Gold Star program, homeowners must reduce their total home energy consumption by 20%. A $3,000 rebate will be rewarded for this reduction. Homeowners can receive an additional $1,000 for each additional 5% reduction, up to a total rebate of $8,000 or 50% of the total retrofit cost. Rebates may be provided for any of the retrofits listed under the Silver Star program, or for any other energy-saving measure, including: home energy management systems, high-efficiency appliances, highly reflective roofing, awnings, canopies, and similar external fenestration (window) attachments, automatic boiler water temperature controllers, energy-efficient wood products, insulated vinyl siding, and mechanical air circulation and heat exchangers in a passive-solar home.

The Home Star bill also outlines 13 different types of retrofits eligible for funding. Again, each one has unique requirements and rebate amounts. Fortunately there are many online resources that provide details. For example, Estimating Software Advice has created an easy-to-read table that lists the 13 retrofits, along with their eligibility details:

Find out what Cash for Caulkers projects will earn you a rebate for retrofitting your home for more efficient energy consumption
Click here to continue reading their report! And thanks to Houston of Software Advice for sharing this. I’ve been thinking of some energy improvements I’d like to do to my house – maybe I’ll take care of those this fall!

Posted in Energy, Environment, Homes | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Georgia Grove encourages individuals and communities to “plant your legacy” and increase Atlanta’s tree canopy

Posted by Our Green Atlanta on July 23, 2010

Thanks to Katherine for passing along the following information about a new way for families to get involved replanting trees in Atlanta:

I wanted to share info on a new social networking community for tree enthusiasts called The Grove (www.AmericanGrove.org/thegrove). The site launched this spring to encourage families to plant more trees in their neighborhoods, and we have our own community on the site – the Georgia Grove (http://www.americangrove.org/ga/).

The goal of the site is to inspire people to plant trees to counteract our shrinking urban tree canopy. The Grove helps potential tree planters get started by including a tree match tool that pairs tree meanings with life events — such as the birth of a child — or to honor the memory of a loved one. The site also shares tree care and planting tips and articles about sustainable living. Visitors to The Grove can even upload pictures with captions of trees they planted.

I hope this site can serve as a fun tool to help us keep Atlanta green.

Me, too!

Posted in Environment, Trees | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

White Provision Welcomes Shaun Doty’s YEAH! BURGER, an eco-friendly restaurant featuring local meats

Posted by Our Green Atlanta on June 11, 2010

Atlanta welcomed to the scene our newest sustainable restaurant in White Provision on the west side last night! “YEAH! Burger” will focus on locally-sourced meat (from White Oak Pastures – a favorite of Zack’s and mine), eco-friendly materials and practices, and organic foods with the ultimate goal of creating a zero waste zone. The trend of sustainable dining seems to be one that sticking, and one that I hope will become the norm in the near future.

Read on for the press release here and let me know what you think once you’ve had a chance to try it!

Oh yeah, BONUS! You know the car wash at the corner of Virginia and North Highland in the heart of Virginia Highland? That’s already slated for the next YEAH! Burger, opening this fall (thanks to my inside connection at work, who’s brother is one of the investors making this happen).

Shaun Doty to Launch YEAH! BURGER at White Provision in June 2010
Established local chef will open a 2,400-square-foot eco-friendly, fast-casual burger eatery in Atlanta’s Westside community

ATLANTA (May 25, 2010) – Leading real estate investment firm Jamestown announced today that celebrated Chef Shaun Doty of Shaun’s in Inman Park and entrepreneur Erik Maier will open YEAH! BURGER at White Provision, a restored mixed-use project that delivers distinctive restaurant space, condo units, retail, showroom and office space in Westside Atlanta. Opening on Thursday, June 10, the restaurant will feature customizable burgers made with White Oak Pastures grass-fed beef from South Georgia, nitrate-free hot dogs, hand-cut French fries, organic salads and Straus Family Creamery organic ice cream, all served in a comfortable “California casual” setting. YEAH! BURGER re-imagines the classic American burger joint as a fast-casual eatery with a strong commitment to real, all-natural ingredients and sustainability.

“We are proud to welcome YEAH! BURGER to White Provision. Shaun Doty is an Atlanta industry veteran who will further establish our community as a premier dining and shopping destination on the Westside,” said Chris Faussemagne, principal of White Provision Development Company. “Doty has embraced the story of White Provision as he developed his restaurant, and we are confident it will be an excellent addition to our vibrant, sustainable mixed-use district.”

As the newest restaurant addition to White Provision, Doty’s burger venture will become part of a thriving culinary community that includes rustic and casual dining from acclaimed Chefs Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison at Abattoir, local favorite West Egg Café and the neighborhood tavern Ormsby’s from restaurateur Warren Bruno. Just steps away, Bacchanalia, Quinones at Bacchanalia, Star Provisions and JCT. Kitchen & Bar, as well as the casual eateries FIGO Pasta and Taqueria del Sol, add to the local flavor at Westside Provisions District, a joint community combining White Provision and Westside Urban Market.

Doty is a nationally acclaimed chef recognized for his ingredient-driven cuisine, simple preparations and responsible environmental practices. His namesake restaurant, Shaun’s, opened in Atlanta in 2006 to numerous local and national accolades, including a spot on Esquire’s Best New Restaurants list in 2007. Located at 1168 Howell Mill Road at 14th Street, YEAH! BURGER will serve organic burgers, salads, shakes and more Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, visit www.yeahburger.com.

White Provision
White Provision is a distinctive, modern destination forming Midtown Atlanta’s gateway to the Westside neighborhood at the corner of 14th Street and Howell Mill Road. Under the direction of developers Chris Faussemagne, Mike Millett, and Michael Phillips, and leading asset acquisition and management firm Jamestown, this sophisticated mixed-use project delivers an artistic, upscale synergy among office space, 94 innovative and elegant condominium units, and highly desirable boutique retail, showroom and restaurant space. In transforming the Westside Atlanta community, White Provision cultivates a complementary mix of commercial tenants and residential buyers to create a natural extension of the neighborhood identity. With a dedication to aesthetics and authenticity, the team’s vision for White Provision centers on lasting quality, long-term value and a sense of community.

The sales center at White Provision, located at 1100 Howell Mill Road, is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can be reached at 404.815.0460. Visit White Provision at 1170 Howell Mill Road or online at www.whiteprovision.com.

###

MEDIA CONTACT:
White Provision and Jamestown:
Kelly Spikes / Taylor Trepte
v. 404.888.9348
f. 404.888.9349
kspikes@thereynoldsgroupinc.com
taylor@thereynoldsgroupinc.com

YEAH! Burger and Chef Shaun Doty:
Melissa Libby & Associates
McCall Mastroianni
v. 404.816.3068
mccall@melissalibbypr.com

Posted in Environment, Food | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Green property designations aren’t just for Realtors – property managers can also benefit

Posted by Our Green Atlanta on June 8, 2010

A few weeks ago, Chris Thorman, who blogs about rental property software, shared with me an article about the mix of green housing and the rental market, which I found to be especially intriguing as it is a goal of mine to own several eco-friendly investment properties (maybe by the time I’m 60, but who’s counting?). As hot topics go, sustainable housing has ranked high on the list of select real estate agencies, new housing construction companies, and corporate offices (think Earth Share and LEED certifications), but how many property managers have green rental homes?

Of the over 4,300 people who have earned the Green Designation, approximately 60 of them are property managers. Even though NAR’s Green Designation is only a 18-hour course, it can lay an important foundation in sustainability for property manager.

And how can green property management make a significant impact on our environment? Chris explains:

One of the main reasons why green property management is becoming increasingly important is the fact that buildings account for 50-80% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Many experts are pointing to reducing building greenhouse gas emissions as the most effective and least cost-prohibitive way to fight global warming.

In addition, there are approximately 300,000 property managers in the United States, managing over 90 million tenants. That’s nearly one-third of the U.S. population depending on another person to manage their building’s sustainability.

Instead of just one home owner responsible for greening one home, a property manager has the opportunity to engage many residents in the practices of sustainable living and reduce their carbon footprint through community-wide changes to properties.

Read the full article here: Ask your landlord about their green credentials.

Posted in Energy, Environment, Homes | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Decatur family establishes Camp Scene – a green summer camp for kids, outdoor adventure, and environmental stewardship

Posted by Our Green Atlanta on May 13, 2010

We would like to welcome to Oakhurst the newest summer camp for Decatur and Atlanta kids! Founded by local residents Scott and Jennifer Seitz and inspired by their 9-year-old daughter, Camp Scene is a new summer day camp with a mission: fostering nature appreciation and teaching about environmental issues through adventure. The method is simple and one-of-a-kind in Atlanta. Camp Scene, for 8- to 12-year-olds, takes the classroom outdoors, offering fascinating hands-on field studies in awe-inspiring places around Georgia. Every day is a field trip, packed with adventure activities and ideas for green living.

The one- or two-week sessions of day trips out of downtown Oakhurst feature introductory, expert-trained fun in hiking, rock climbing, canoeing, whitewater rafting, geocaching, swimming, kayaking, boating/tubing and more to destinations including Callaway Gardens, the Chattahoochee Nature Center, the Georgia Nature Center, Amicalola Falls, Fort Yargo State Park and the Chattooga River.

Owner/director Scott Seitz is a middle school science and math teacher year-round, but his summer lesson plans, which complement the camp’s daily activities and destinations, exclusively cover the environment. Topics include Georgia wildlife and eco-regions, energy conservation, alternative energy, waste reduction, recycling, composting, stream/wetland ecology, water conservation and air pollution.  Camp Scene is a member of the Environmental Education Alliance.

“Without a doubt, there’s one irreplaceable way for kids to learn to appreciate nature and our interdependency,” Scott said. “And that’s to simply experience it. Start early, and then their daily life is infused with that natural sensibility.”

Scott, and his wife, Jennifer, also have an infant son, and they are excited to include him and expand their programming to feature all-ages family adventures starting in the fall. Already, families are encouraged to get in on the summer camp fun, with Weekly Green Challenges during each session and resources for at-home environmental exploration.

Discounted rates of $35 off each session are being offered with DISCOUNT CODE: GO GREEN before May 15. Visit www.campscene.com or call today! 404-502-3196. For information about financial scholarships, e-mail info@campscene.com.

Thanks to Jennifer for passing this along! I asked her is grown-ups could participate and she said they’re working on that. :-)

ABOUT CAMP SCENE:
Camp Scene, a summer day camp based in Oakhurst Village in Decatur for ages 8-12, teaches environmental stewardship through outdoor adventure. Hands-on field studies are based on lesson plans from the Environmental Education Alliance and adapted to the daily field trips and Georgia destinations. Rigorous procedures during travel and on site keep campers safe, happy and healthy, and the well-trained, professional staff consists of certified Georgia teachers who are also certified in first aid and CPR. Camp Scene donates 5% of proceeds to local environmental organizations and gives back to the community by offering financial scholarships and organizing volunteer service projects.

Posted in Be Active!, Education, Environment | Tagged: , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Is it time to get rid of paper receipts?

Posted by Our Green Atlanta on April 29, 2010

When is the last time you pulled out that folder or drawer stuffed with paper receipts and felt a sense of relief that you had held onto all of them? Do we really need them for our financial records anymore? Every transaction is documented online through your bank statement, your credit card bill, etc. And for cash transactions, your account is still noted when you withdraw funds, making it easy to keep track of what you took out (now, managing spending habits is another topic altogether).

A company called Software Advice (whom we have heard from on this blog before regarding paperless blueprints), offers a few stunning facts:

We think paper receipts are a wasteful vestige of the last millennium. There is no reason – legal or otherwise – why consumers or retailers need paper receipts. Electronic receipts are completely valid and far more efficient. Not to mention, the production of paper receipts do some real damage to our environment.

9,600,000 millions trees are cut down each year just to produce paper receipts.

249,600,000 gallons of oil are used to produce paper receipts.

The amount of CO2 emitted by producing one ton of receipt paper is equivalent to the amount of exhaust a car emits while driving for an entire year. That’s 640,000 cars driving 24/7 for an entire year.

1,220,800,000 gallons of water are used during the production process of receipt paper.

Approximately 2,278 lbs of trash is produced while producing a single ton of receipt paper. This means 1,457,920,000 lbs of trash are being fed into our landfill. This produces enough CO2 emissions to significantly damage the earth’s ozone layer, leading to global warming.

What are you thoughts? Take their short poll on paper receipts (it’s one question) and let’s start moving towards a more modern way of doing business!

P.S. I’m not going to miss those handy coupons on the back of my grocery store receipts that I have never, ever ended up using…

Update and results (May 20th, 2010):

Houston with Software Advice sent along the below chart with the results for the paperless receipts poll, with the overwhleming majority voting in favor of electronic records!

An overwheleming majority of poll-takers expressed their support of getting rid of paper recipts

An overwheleming majority of poll-takers expressed their support of getting rid of paper recipts

Posted in Environment | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Atlanta’s temporary public art project, Art on the BeltLine, needs your help with clean ups this weekend!

Posted by Our Green Atlanta on April 27, 2010

Art on the BeltLine needs your help on May 1st and 2nd in clearing and preparing artists’ installation sites on trails on the east and west sides of Atlanta! In addition to clearing artists’ specific sites, we will also pick up general trash as we prepare to launch temporary public art projects in June and to introduce people to newly opened sections of the BeltLine. We will meet at the intersections listed below on each day to be divided into teams and get tools before spreading out along the trail.

Please bring a reusable water bottle and gloves; tools will be provided.

  • The clean-up on the west side will be on Saturday, May 1st at 9 a.m. – meet at Gordon White Park.
  • The clean-up on the east side will be on Sunday, May 2nd at 1 p.m. – meet at the intersection of Somerset and the BeltLine.

Please visit the Hands on Atlanta site here for full details, directions, and to RSVP. You can also email me, Jenny, at jenny.p@mac.com.

Thanks so much to Gina with the Atlanta ToolBank, Kim with Hands on Atlanta, Keep Atlanta Beautiful, and the BeltLine team for helping to make these two Art on the BeltLine clean-ups happen!

About Art on the BeltLine:

Join us May through October 2010 as we celebrate the reawakening of old railroad corridor as Atlanta’s new public place with a kick-off arts event staged from late spring through summer. This spring, Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. plans to open nearly 8 miles of the future BeltLine corridor to pedestrians and off-road bicyclists via an interim trail. Visual arts, performing arts and historic site interpretation will direct the public’s attention to this amazing resource that encircles downtown Atlanta!  Potential projects are expected to include temporary sculptures and visual installations, environmental art, murals, transformations of building facades that border the corridor, public performances and more. There also will be a series of historic markers and way-finding signs to orient and introduce the public to Atlanta’s new linear greenway.

Posted in Atlanta BeltLine, Environment, Events, Volunteer | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Join Oakhurst Community Garden and the City of Decatur for a 40th Earth Day celebration this Sunday!

Posted by Our Green Atlanta on April 14, 2010

Earth Day in Decatur's Oakhurst Community Garden

Earth Day in Decatur's Oakhurst Community Garden!

A mere 40 years ago, the first Earth Day was proudly declared in April and, this year, the City of Decatur and the Oakhurst Community Garden invite you out for the city’s official Earth Day celebration! If you didn’t make it out for the spring plant sale in the garden last week, now is your chance to explore the blooming garden in the weekend sunshine (I ended up going to the plant sale twice last weekend, once to sneak in early so I didn’t miss out on the Romaine lettuce this year and another time to take friends back!).

  • What: Earth Day in Decatur
  • When: Sunday, April 18, 2010
    12:30 p.m.: kick-off parade in Harmony Park
    1 – 4 p.m.: Earth Day festivities at the community pavilions within the Oakhurst Garden
  • Where: Oakhurst Community Garden (map it!)
  • Cost: Free!! So bring the whole family!
  • Events include:
  • Kids’ crafts
  • Live music, including the Tessitura Drummers, Morgan Rowe, Sydney Rhame and others
  • A live raptor show!
  • Special Earth Day t-shirt contest
  • Checkin’ out the resident chicks and bees in the garden
  • World Famous Cake Contest
  • Book reading event
  • 30 tables with educational and environmentally-friendly vendors

The Decatur Earth Day is brought to you by the City of Decatur Environmental Sustainability Board, Decatur Active Living Center, Agnes Scott College, the Waldorf School of Atlanta, the Oakhurst Cooperative Preschool, the Decatur Farm to School Initiative, and Oakhurst Community Garden. You can friend the Earth Day in Decatur festival on facebook, too!

Thanks to Gary Garrett, the Chair of Decatur’s Environmental Sustainability Board, for sending this along!

Posted in Environment, Events, Gardening | Tagged: , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Fernbank Science Center’s 2010 Spring Plant Sale this Saturday!

Posted by Our Green Atlanta on April 12, 2010

Spring wouldn’t be the same without Fernbank Science Center’s annual tree, shrub, and plant sale! This year’s plant sale will be held on Saturday, April 17th, 2010 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Check the Science Center’s website for the plant list to be posted online closer to the sale.

Questions? You can contact Mary Larsen, Volunteer Coordinator of the Fernbank Science Center at 678-874-7116 or larsenm@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us. I’m sure she’d be happy to add you to her mailing list to find out about all of the plant sales.

Posted in Environment, Gardening | Tagged: , , , , | 2 Comments »

“Save water, drink beer!” with the Georgia Conservancy’s Generation Green kick-off at the Sweetwater Brewery!

Posted by Our Green Atlanta on March 23, 2010

The Georgia Conservancy is welcoming spring and celebrating Earth Month one beer at a time with “Save Water, Drink Beer!” at Atlanta’s favorite local brewery, Sweetwater! Next Monday, join the Georgia Conservancy and Generation Green members for a beer tasting, cookout, live music event to kick of another year of green Atlanta events. And it won’t break the bank – it’s just $10 for members!

Not yet a Georgia Conservancy member? No worries – it’s just $15 for friends and you get a one-year membership. Information will be available to sign up for Generation Green events and trips for 2010.

  • What: Save Water, Drink Beer!
  • When: March 29th, 2010 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: Sweetwater Brewing Company (map it!)
  • How much: $10 for Georgia Conservancy members and $15 for non-members (includes a one-year membership)

Click here for full event details on the Georgia Conservancy website (and look for it on facebook!) and register today!

If you would like to pay by check, you can also contact Bryan Schroeder, membership coordinator, at (404) 876-2900 x 110 or bschroeder@gaconservancy.org.

Posted in Donate, Environment, Events | Tagged: , , , , , | 1 Comment »

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