Go Green Charleston • Your Local Guide for Sustainable Living, Environmental News, Community Action » Local Projects http://www.gogreencharleston.org Living Green. Here. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:00:50 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Are You Ready for the Green Office Challenge? http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2010/01/21/are-you-ready-for-the-green-office-challenge/ http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2010/01/21/are-you-ready-for-the-green-office-challenge/#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:21:27 +0000 Chad Norman http://www.gogreencharleston.org/?p=1182 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 businesses, property owners, and residents focus on sustainability and become more energy efficient. This pilot program will kick off later this year, and they are asking interested parties to sign up soon (technically by January 21, but I’m sure they’d budge on that deadline a little). The competition format will benchmark local businesses and conclude with awards handed out by Mayor Joe Riley. This is a great chance to green up your business AND get a little recognition. Details after the jump >>

The Green Business Challenge is a voluntary friendly competition that takes participants through a process of benchmarking the energy use of a building using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. It also helps them pursue a variety of conservation and efficiency opportunities over the course of a one-year program.  The program concludes with an evaluation of participant progress towards goals, and successful achievers will be publicly recognized by Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr.

The Green Business Challenge is a partnership with the City of Charleston. It is a free assistance program that will not result in any penalty should you begin but later decide you no longer wish to participate. The City is seeking interest from local commercial property managers, business owners, and office tenants to participate in a pilot demonstration program. Your participation in the Green Business Challenge will result in reduced operation costs as well as the amount of pollution and waste generated from your property and/or business.

We ask that if you are interested in the program, or simply wish to support the idea of creating this program, that you return a letter of interest and/or support to Brian Sheehan, Director of Sustainability, 75 Calhoun, Charleston SC 29401 or e-mail a copy to sheehanbp@ci.charleston.sc.us, no later than close of business on Thursday, January 21, 2010.  We appreciate your support and look forward to working with you in the Green Business Challenge.

Good luck everyone!

]]> http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2010/01/21/are-you-ready-for-the-green-office-challenge/feed/ 1 Show Your Support for the Charleston Green Plan http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2009/12/05/show-your-support-for-the-charleston-green-plan/ http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2009/12/05/show-your-support-for-the-charleston-green-plan/#comments Sat, 05 Dec 2009 19:07:49 +0000 Chad Norman http://www.gogreencharleston.org/?p=1096 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 Charleston City Council in hopes that its recommendations are adopted. The Council is already hearing from those that oppose the plan, so it’s crucial for all local greenies to come out in support of the Plan. This is a great opportunity to really make a difference, and let the City Council hear from those of us that believe a sustainable future is one to reach for.

Please consider doing one or all of the following:

Again, please share this information with each and every greenie in your sphere of influence. Thanks to everyone who has been participating in the Charleston Green Committee’s development of the Plan – you’re all rock stars! Now it’s up the rest of us to do our part to help make the Plan a reality!

]]> http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2009/12/05/show-your-support-for-the-charleston-green-plan/feed/ 4 Local Green Nonprofits to Support on National Philanthropy Day http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2009/11/12/local-green-nonprofits-to-support-on-national-philanthropy-day/ http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2009/11/12/local-green-nonprofits-to-support-on-national-philanthropy-day/#comments Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:25:56 +0000 Chad Norman http://www.gogreencharleston.org/?p=1087 Today is National Philanthropy Day, so I thought this would be a great chance to call attention to the amazing green nonprofits that serve our local community. Whether you give your time, energy, or money to these organizations, you’re helping to keep our local community sustainable, clean, green, and efficient. Please take the time today to consider making a donation or committing to volunteering with one of these fine local nonprofits:

Happy dogooding everyone!

]]> http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2009/11/12/local-green-nonprofits-to-support-on-national-philanthropy-day/feed/ 0 International Day of Climate Action :: Mount Pleasant Event on October 24 http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2009/10/20/international-day-of-climate-action-mount-pleasant-event-on-october-24/ http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2009/10/20/international-day-of-climate-action-mount-pleasant-event-on-october-24/#comments Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:59:33 +0000 Chad Norman http://www.gogreencharleston.org/?p=1074 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 that 350 parts per million CO2 in the atmosphere is the safe limit for humanity – we are currently at 387. The intent is to use community photos collected from around the world to advocate for a reduction in CO2 emissions.

Jennifer Mathis, the founder of The Little Green Bag Project, is has created Lowcountry 350 – an opportunity for all of us to participate in this global event. On Saturday, October 24, head down to the Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park via alternative travel (walk, run, bike, skate, swim, row – just don’t drive!) for the Lowcountry 350 Climate Action Day Photo <- RSVP on the Facebook page. The event starts at 3 p.m., and the photo will be taken at 3:50 p.m. Hope to see you there!

]]> http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2009/10/20/international-day-of-climate-action-mount-pleasant-event-on-october-24/feed/ 0 Charleston Waterkeeper Says Water the Future http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2009/09/28/charleston-waterkeeper-says-water-the-future/ http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2009/09/28/charleston-waterkeeper-says-water-the-future/#comments Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:56:14 +0000 Chad Norman http://www.gogreencharleston.org/?p=1051 Like a lot of you, the ample supply of local water has become threaded into my family life. We play in the marsh behind our house, swim at the beach, fish in the creeks, and surf in the ocean. We love it all, and I bet you do too. That’s why we all need to protect it.

Charleston Waterkeeper has kicked off the Water the Future campaign.They’re asking lowcountry residents to share images of local waterways, give a little to support the cause, become a member, and spread the word about the Charleston Water keeper mission.

]]> http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2009/09/28/charleston-waterkeeper-says-water-the-future/feed/ 7 9 Reasons You Can’t Miss the Charleston Green Fair This Sunday http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2009/09/23/9-reasons-you-cant-miss-the-charleston-green-fair/ http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2009/09/23/9-reasons-you-cant-miss-the-charleston-green-fair/#comments Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:17:25 +0000 Chad Norman http://www.gogreencharleston.org/?p=1038 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 tent – we’d love to see you! Here are 9 reasons you can’t miss the Charleston Green Fair:

  1. Exhibitors – There are well over 100 exhibitors to check out, including green builders, food providers, nonprofits, transportation, and energy solutions.
  2. It’s FREE – There are no doors to Marion Square, so come on down.
  3. The KidZone – Inspiring our kids to be more sustainable is an important part of the solution, and there will be plenty of cool activities in the KidZone.
  4. Live Music – Check out headliner Jesse Colin Young on the main stage, which is sponsored by the fabulous Coastal Conservation League.
  5. Speaker Tent – The learning never stops, so check out the speaker tent for a wide array of sustainability-focused presentations.
  6. Nonprofit Education Tent – Come check out all the local dogooders (including us!) that are making a difference in our community.
  7. Sustainable Seafood Cooking Contest – Watch as local chefs are challenged to create tasty meals using local and sustainable ingredients that you get to sample.
  8. Inspiration – Sometimes it feels like you’re the only one trying to make a difference. It’s not true, and the Green Fair will inspire you to continue your efforts.
  9. You Can Meet Us – OK, maybe not a can’t miss reason, but we can’t wait to meet YOU!

The Charleston Green Fair kicks off at noon on Sunday, September 27.

]]> http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2009/09/23/9-reasons-you-cant-miss-the-charleston-green-fair/feed/ 2 Green Events Abound in September http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2009/09/08/green-events-abound-in-september/ http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2009/09/08/green-events-abound-in-september/#comments Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:31:06 +0000 Chad Norman http://www.gogreencharleston.org/?p=995 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 Block Party on Sunday.  Later in the month, the Charleston Green Fair will be happening along with all its satellite events, including the Green Business Expo and Green Flix.

Be sure to check out all the events on our updated calendar, and let us know if we’ve missed any!

]]> http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2009/09/08/green-events-abound-in-september/feed/ 0 New Additions to the Go Green Local Guide http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2009/08/12/new-additions-to-the-go-green-local-guide-3/ http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2009/08/12/new-additions-to-the-go-green-local-guide-3/#comments Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:46:48 +0000 Chad Norman http://www.gogreencharleston.org/?p=929 Go Green Local GuideNot 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 categories, we’re excited to see the local scene grow by leaps and bounds.

Here are the 14 new additions to the Local Guide – Give ‘em some love!

If your organization or business should be on our guide, just let us know.

]]> http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2009/08/12/new-additions-to-the-go-green-local-guide-3/feed/ 0 Carrotmob Charleston :: The Movie http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2009/07/10/the-c/ http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2009/07/10/the-c/#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:23:22 +0000 Chad Norman http://www.gogreencharleston.org/?p=909 Did you participate in Carrotmob Charleston last April? If not, here’s your chance to get a feel for the project and what it was able to accomplish. Carrotmob was organized by Green Drinks Charleston and Carolina’s Eco-Unit, and helped raise $1600 to help the Queen Street Grocery green up their building. Carrotmob is a great way to support local business, the sustainability movement, and encourage community involvement (here’s our coverage). Enjoy this short film from The Cut Company:

]]> http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2009/07/10/the-c/feed/ 1 Water Week Featured Org – Coastal Conservation League http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2009/07/09/water-week-featured-org-coastal-conservation-league/ http://www.gogreencharleston.org/2009/07/09/water-week-featured-org-coastal-conservation-league/#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:42:29 +0000 Chad Norman http://www.gogreencharleston.org/?p=905 The Sustainability Institute has been hosting Charleston Water Week to help encourage local residents to conserve this precious resource. And since we want to help the cause, we’re featuring different water-related nonprofits that serve our local community.

The Coastal Conservation League, who is celebrating their 20 year anniversary, is working hard every day to preserve our beautiful Lowcountry coast. They have a wide range of programs that are making a lasting impact on our community. The Coastal Conservation League is fighting bridges to small marsh islands, protecting freshwater wetlands, fighting port expansion, and watching out for our rivers just to name a few. With all of these active programs, plus a major effort to get local residents involved, their legacy can been seen throughout the Lowcountry.

Be sure to check them out online, get involved, and make a donation!

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