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 [...]

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 [...]

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- [...]

Santee Cooper wants to build a new coal plant on the Great Pee Dee River, and because they are a state-run utility, you and I have some influence. Coal plants are one of the dirtiest ways to generate electricity, and now is the time to tell our government that we want clean alternatives. The SC [...]

For the past five years, Mount Pleasant has opened their maintenance facility to residents for used motor oil and oyster shell recycling. I know a lot of DIY oil changers, and there’s an oyster roast around every corner, so it’s nice to know there is a recycling option for both activities. The site is located [...]

We all know how fast the area is growing, and the perpetual construction of I-26 between Summerville and Charleston is certainly a symptom. Even though traffic continues to grow, adding lanes will not solve this problem alone. Using public transportation, working remotely, moving near your office, and carpooling are all things you can do to [...]

Sorry for the late notice, but I just received word about a Regional Forum this Saturday that will help shape the future of the Charleston-area (thanks Josh!). Our Vision, Our Plan will feature discussions covering community growth, natural resources, quality of life, and more. From the website: Launched in 2008 by the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of [...]

Seeking out alternative transportation is a great way to reduce your impact on the environment and save a few bucks. Jen has been blogging about riding the bus and driving abstinence, and I’ve been rocking the hybrid – but are always looking for ways to go farther. We would like to integrate cycling into our [...]

Trying to reduce trash is a major goal in our house, and probably many of yours as well. So when I find a biodegradable item that is normally trash (think packaging), I feel better about throwing it away when I know it is returning to the earth by decomposing in a landfill.  But when trash [...]

Last night, the Charleston Green Committee delivered its first set of recommendations to the city. This act is symbolic and encouraging, and it demonstrates a shift in thinking towards a more sustainable future. Yes, I find it shocking that it requires a volunteer committee to get the city moving on what could very well be [...]

Last week, Melanie sent me a link to Santee Cooper Green, the state-owned energy company‘s environmental portal. They generate and provide electricity to Berkeley, Georgetown, and Horry county residents, as well as 20 electric co-ops around the state. In fact, they provide the juice to 41% of South Carolina – a statistic that makes anything [...]

We’re always trying to bring you coverage of local environmental news, so here are three stories that caught my eye this week. Alliance for Planet Earth Cleans up C of C Campus College of Charleston students and faculty got out last weekend to perform trash audits around campus. The group, formally knows as the Alliance [...]

When Gregory blogged about Mount Pleasant being interested back in August, I remember thinking there is no way the town could wrestle Shem Creek’s Mason property away from condo developers. I’m still hoping I’m wrong, so the news yesterday that the property might be condemned, and therefore easier for the town to get, was encouraging [...]

One of the primary goals of this site is to educate readers on the little things they can do to lead a greener life. But despite our efforts, we still need elected officials to tackle larger issues like mass transit, renewable energy, and vehicle emissions. So let’s say you have the ear of your local [...]

Just wanted to check in and mention the results of the Summerville Town Council elections that took place on Tuesday. It was a pretty dismal turnout overall with only 10.8 percent of eligible voters casting a vote. Amazingly, even with the overall low turnout, District 4 set a new record for voters casting a ballot [...]

If you’re a Summerville resident, like me, who’s concerned about where you live and the environmental impact of uncontrolled development, vote for change during the upcoming elections scheduled for May 8th. Currently, the Summerville town council majority vote is controlled by a group of very comfortable incumbents who some might describe as self-serving. If you [...]

Mayor Joe Riley says they’re going to do it, and that’s a start. As reported by the Post and Courier, Mayor Riley has renewed this mission by naming the Charleston Green Committee. This is great news, and reflects Mayor Riley’s commitment to follow the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement which he signed in 2005. Here [...]