A Newsletter of ARC's Green Communities Program March 2017 Sustainable Connections Internship ProgramSustainable Connections 2016-17 interns (from left): Joy Harris, Maggie Kelley, Sid Kande Veera, Bennet Ritvo and Daiyon Kpou Georgia Tech student Joy Harris applied for ARC’s Sustainable Connections Internship Program (SCIP) last spring, because “I wanted to learn how I can incorporate sustainability into my current career and throughout my life….Everyone should play a part in developing sustainable communities,” said Ms. Harris. Ms. Harris was one of five interns that took part in the pilot program for SCIP during the 2016-2017 academic year. The internship program, a win-win for university students and communities, promises to:
Ms. Harris was successfully paired with Cherokee County in the program to work with their Office of Economic Development. "Our talented intern has brought a fresh perspective to how we consider and promote sustainability locally as well as how we engage our business and civic partners,” said Misti Martin, President of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development. Applications open for 2017-2018 SCIP Metro Atlanta area college and university students are invited to apply for the 2017-2018 SCIP, as well as local governments and non-profit organizations in the ARC region who would like to be matched with an intern. Student applications and sustainability-related project proposals from local governments and non-profit organizations are due by May 12, 2017. Read more about the current SCIP interns and their work here... Green Communities SpotlightCommunity Education Local governments can earn points for Green Communities Measure #67 by creating a public outreach program to create awareness and a culture of sustainability in their communities. When local governments educate the public, schools, professional associations, businesses and industries about the Green Communities measures they have implemented, they set an example for other organizations to follow. The City of Roswell is a good example of a local government that offers public awareness and outreach programs to educate its citizens on its sustainability efforts. These efforts use various media - a Green Expo event, Roswell City Television, Roswell Connections e-newsletter and the Roswell Green web page. The City’s outreach program offers assistance on curriculum needs, service projects and environmental programs for schools, community groups, civic organizations and homeowner associations. Make it PersonalFind New Ways to Promote Environmental Consciousness in Your Life Visit a national park – Get a first-hand look at local flora and fauna by visiting a national park in your area or a local park close to home. Go to a farmers’ market – There are a lot of reasons to shop at a farmers’ market. If close enough, walk or bike with your family to a local farmers’ market. Find books and other information about the environment –Take a trip to your local library and check out some books about the environment. Sustainability News ClipsGreen news from near and far: Mass transit bills advancing in General Assembly Metro Atlanta residents urged to conserve water as state declares ‘Level 2’ Drought Response Atlanta to allocate $3 million for Proctor Creek trails City of Atlanta moving forward with solar power at 24 locations ARC’s Livable Centers Initiative Awards $985,000 for community planning studies Georgia 3rd fastest-growing solar power producer in the U.S. Solar panels laid atop road surface in pilot program at West Point visitor center Solar accounts for 1 in 50 new U.S. jobs in 2016 Hartsfield-Jackson now has more than 100 electric vehicle charging spaces Atlanta area universities show the way on food sustainability Tech Gets Fresh: The Georgia Tech Farmers Market Home-grown Atlanta business harnesses technology to improve waste and recycling St. Charles Co. expands recycling to include Household Hazardous Waste Zero Waste: Ethical investment andiInnovation that saves money How to create big opportunities to save energy for small businesses The State of Green Business 2017 We knew energy efficiency employs a lot of people, and now we know how many Community tree canopy programs made easy How the tree outside your window helps you save money 5 reasons to start a carpooling mandate in your office Cities can reduce traffic fatalities by taking Vision Zero to the next level in 2017 Get Green for Going Green Upcoming Sustainability Funding Deadlines Design and Resiliency Teams (DARTs) Technical Assistance Let it Grow Contest & Grant Funding for Local Food & Farmers Markets in Communities It’s NOT A Sewer! High School Video Contest Funding for Scrap Tire Clean Up Urban Land Institute 2017 Technical Assistance Panels Kresge Fdn. Healthy Housing & Neighborhoods Initiative Ford Fdn. Sustainable Development Grant SolSmart Community Designation Green by the Numbers 3.1 million: number of jobs associated with production of green goods and services 500,000: number of lean economy jobs added from 2003-2010 61: percent of firms that employ an individual or team dedicated to sustainability. Sustainability HappeningsSustainable Atlanta Roundtable Climate Policy from Paris to Peachtree and Beyond Greenprints Conference Green Wednesday Let Them Climb Trees! Tree Risk Management Workshop Revel in Reuse: A Fundraiser for Lifecycle Building Center Leverage Big Energy Savings with Advances in LED Lighting Water Drop Dash Fix a Leak Week Creating Value: Assessing the Return on Investment in Complete Streets Introduction to Life-Cycle Analysis for Sustainable Materials Management Earth Hour Park Pride's Parks & Greenspace Conference Sports Turf Management: Making the Case for Water Efficiency GAWP 2017 Spring Conference & Expo in Jekyll Island 2017 EcoDistricts Summit Green Infrastructure – Learn the Environmental, Community and Economic Benefits Resilient Atlanta Survey Congratulations to the 2016 Certified Green Communities!
The Green Matters e-newsletter is designed to give you a glimpse of important sustainability initiatives happening around the metro Atlanta region and beyond. Whether it's the latest research, new educational offerings, environmental stewardship efforts or potential funding opportunities, this e-newsletter will help you stay abreast of what's happening in this important subject area. |