What Is Sustainable Norcross?

Do you recycle, compost, xeriscape, use rain barrels? Would you like to learn how? Are you interested in organic and locally grown produce but cannot find it? Do you admire the fabulous tree canopy in Norcross? Ever wondered how to certify your yard as a Wildlife Habitat? Are you concerned about the quantity and quality of our water? Is it better to use paper or plastic bags at the grocery? What natural products are safe but effective? Ever considered sustainable alternatives for flooring, clothing and other products? Where can you discard old electronics?



Well, let’s learn together.



Starting a new organization can be a daunting task. Then an online training manual advised:



"Don’t wait - Get started without funding, expertise, or fear of adverse consequences.



Seek useful resources - Information on the web, in literature, in the community, in person, from experts.



Seek ways to scale up - Transform successful solutions into a movement of local significance.



Have fun projects – enjoy doing. Your efforts can result in important benefits, and you can have a good time while you’re at it!"




And that is exactly what a group of like minded citizens did. The organizational meeting was held June 1, 2008 and we've been busy ever since.



Learn more about us here on our blog or contact us now.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Signed, Sealed and Delivered

The application for Green Communities certification of City of Norcross is in the hands of the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). Sustainable Norcross Commission has been working closely with City leaders (staff, elected and volunteer) over the past 18 months to meet the deadline. A team of subject matter experts will review the submission for the next three months and also conduct a site visit. They will evaluate whether the City will be awarded Green Communities certification for its efforts to lead the city by example towards a more sustainable, environmentally responsible way of living and doing business.

The City chose from over 60 recommended initiatives in the following areas:
• Green Building
• Energy Efficiency
• Green Power
• Water Use Reduction and Efficiency
• Trees and Greenspace • Transportation
• Recycling and Waste Reduction
• Land Use
• Education
• Innovation

Each initiative is worth 5 or 10 points with NO partial credit available. Awards are at 3 levels:
• Level 1 - Bronze: 175 – 229 points
• Level 2 - Silver: 230 – 279 points
• Level 3 - Gold: 280 – 400 points

The ARC will notify the city in the Fall. Already the community is benefiting from the implementation of the initiatives. Additional ones are in the works, such as the upcoming process which will include public input to create the first citywide, comprehensive master plan for parks, green spaces and trails. This project championed by the Parks and Green Space Commission in conjunction with the City.

Read more about the ARC Green Communities Program, view the manual. And watch for more info about the Norcross specific aspects of the program or contact us.

For now, way to go Norcross, truly a place to imagine.

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