Yes, you read that correctly: Charleston County Recycling is now accepting all plastics for curbside pickup! This means you can start throwing plastics labeled #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7 into your blue bin along with the #1 and #2 plastics. They will accept all plastics except plastic wrap, plastic bags, and Styrofoam (all things [...]

Back in October we blogged about Brian Sheehan, Charleston’s new sustainability director. The community was, and still is, excited to have someone focused on greening up our fair city. Well, Brian and his team have been hard at work, and are about to unleash the Charleston Business Challenge! The Green Business Challenge will help local [...]

Happy New Year everyone! We thought we’d kick off 2010 with a few new additions to the Go Green Charleston Local Guide. Thanks for helping us keep the directory curated with top-notch local green options. With over 150 entries and new categories, we’re excited to see the local scene grow by leaps and bounds. Here [...]

For the last few years, the Charleston Green Committee has been working hard to keep the city focused on sustainability. Earlier this year, the Committee finalized the Charleston Green Plan (download), a comprehensive set of studies, ideas, and recommendations to improve the city’s sustainability. On Tuesday, December 15th, the Plan goes in front of the [...]

This Saturday, October 24, is the International Day of Climate Action – a chance for communities around the world to unite behind a cause that affects us all. 350.org is facilitating over 3700 community actions in 163 countries. These actions will feature photographs of the number 350 taken in iconic locations. Why 350? Scientists say [...]

On Monday, Brian Sheehan began work as Charleston’s first ever director of sustainability – the only new city position funded this year. Brian has tons of eco-experience, and most recently worked on sustainability initiatives for the city of Portland, Oregon (they are doing awesome things!) SC Biz Magazine says, The sustainability director will create long- [...]

The 2009 Charleston Green Fair is upon us, and I hope you’re planning on heading down to Marion Square on Sunday to revel in our community’s greeness. Last year’s event was a huge success, and all signs point to even better results this year. Please come visit the Go Green Charleston booth in the nonprofit [...]

Spring is usually the busy season for green events, but this September looks to be giving it a run for the money. There are 5 events just this week, including a Green Drinks Gathering, Green Business Networking Event, and fundraiser for Lowcountry Earth Force. This sustainable tour de force culminates with the Green Drinks Neighborhood [...]

Not only has it been a while since we’ve updated the blog (sorry, you know, summer…3 kids…2 jobs…eek!), but we have quite a backlog in local businesses/organizations to add to the Local Guide. We’ve also done some housekeeping, moving the majority of the listings to the Local Guide page. With over 150 entries and new [...]

Buying locally is a big part of living sustainably – both for us AND our community. Lowcountry Local First is asking local residents to take the 10% Shift Pledge and start buying more from local businesses. The goal is for local businesses, organizations, and families to shift an additional 10% of their annual spending to [...]

Wow, did we really leave that poll up for 4 months? When the year is new, you never know what people are going to do. We asked you what your priorities were for 2009, and the results were interesting. At first, supporting the local economy had a strong lead, but in the end, 43% of [...]

I just wanted to wish all of you the happiest of Earth Days. We’ve been so inspired by you, this community, and the momentum our area is creating for sustainability. I truly believe that the work we’re all are doing is laying the foundation for a future we can be proud of. Earth Day is [...]

If you’ve ever wanted to directly support the green initiatives of a local business, now’s your chance! This Saturday, April 11th, Carrotmob Charleston will be in action at Queen Street Grocery (map | street view). We often talk about “voting with our dollars” when it comes to green purchasing, but it’s often difficult to see [...]

I just wanted to thank the SC Aquarium for featuring Jen and I in the latest edition of Tributaries, their quarterly member newsletter. Members on a Mission is a new program that recognizes SC Aquarium members who are doing work in our community that aligns with the Aquarium’s mission. We were certainly honored to be [...]

The Sustainability Institute has been chosen as the Whole Foods Market 5% nonprofit recipient for Tuesday, March 31st. The Whole Foods 5% Day project is part of the company’s community giving program, and does a great job supporting local nonprofits around the country. If you want to support The Sustainability Instititute, be sure to stop [...]

On April 18th, The Green Village Tour will once again wind its way through the streets of North Charleston’s Park Circle neighborhood. The 8k race will begin at 8 a.m. sharp, and will end at the after party in the Mixson development. There is also a 5k walk for non-runners, so there’s no reason not [...]

Local organizations, businesses, people, growers, and activists are the heart and soul of every green scene. Our Go Green Local Guide is a great place to look for local eco-friendly options (check the sidebar…down and to the right → ↓ ) Here are a six new additions to the Guide: EcoBilt - sustainable constuction and retrofitting Charleston Green [...]

As part of Kiawah Island’s Earth Day Greenival, there will be a 5K fun beach run on April 19th. Runners will start at 9:30 a.m., and all proceeds will go towards green initiatives on the island.  Beth says: 2 race options: 1-mile Fun Run & 5K Race. Pre-race registration is $15 per person. Registed participants can pick [...]

Both major green events here in Charleston have announced their dates and other details. So mark those calenders, bust out your walking shoes, and prepare to get your green-on. Charleston County Earth Day Festival This year’s event will be back in Park Circle on April 18, and should top the 7,500 attendees and over 70 [...]

At this month’s Green Drinks Charleston gathering, the topic at hand will be energy efficient mortgages. Daniel Island Realty has become Charleston’s first myEnergyLoan provider, and Jeff Cole and Gary Harwyn will be on hand to speak to their benefits.  Energy efficient mortgages sound interesting, as they help bundle in sustainable add-ons to the home during [...]