WEB: gaconservancy.org

Founded in 1967, the Georgia Conservancy collaborates, advocates and educates to protect Georgia's natural environment

Through our focus on clean air and water, land conservation, coastal protection, growth management and education, the Georgia Conservancy works to develop solutions to protect Georgia's environment and promote the stewardship of the vital natural resources.

The Georgia Conservancy believes sustainability is a balance between what is good for people, what is good for the environment and what is good for business. We strive to illuminate the connection between personal choices and environmental results so individuals can choose to live more sustainable lives and organizations, government, industry and businesses can wisely choose to employ and advocate for more sustainable practices. Our hope is that these efforts will result in a sustainable system that protects our natural resources, improve our quality of life and ensure a healthy economy.

What We Are Doing at the Georgia Conservancy:

• use "real" cups, glassware, dinner and flatware for our everyday use and all meetings
• use a water cooler that filters water to eliminate the need for bottled water
• purchase fair trade, shade-grown, organic coffee
• purchase 100 percent recycled paper products, including copy paper, stationery, napkins and paper towels
• only print documents when necessary and print double-sided
• purchase non-petroleum based cleaning products and dishwasher detergent
• recycle all toner cartridges, cell phones, mixed office paper, cardboard, plastic, aluminum and glass
• turn off lights and electronic devices, including computers and monitors when not in use
• only run a full dishwasher
• replaced all incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents
• encourage employees to use public transportation whenever possible, and provide transit passes for workday use
• offer teleworking and compressed work week programs for employees
• participate in a shared car program so employees who use alternative transportation will have a car available when needed
• rent hybrid cars for out-of-town travel
• organized a staff "green team" to monitor our efforts and maintain a sustainable workplace

What We Are Doing at Georgia Conservancy Events:

• use "real" cups, glassware, dinner and flatware
• provide fountain drinks and water and reusable cups instead of bottles or canned products whenever possible
• purchase local, organic foods when possible
• encourage participants to carpool and ride public transit
• print invitations and programs on recycled paper
• recycle after the event
• purchase carbon credits to offset energy use at the event
• hold events at LEED-certified or green locations