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.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

What We've Been Up To


It was a beautiful morning for a stream clean up. About 15 people joined Mayor Bucky and Sustainable Norcross founder Connie to clean up in and along the stream on the city owned Fickling green space that includes Ruby Pond. They picked up litter and removed invasive plants on the 5.5 acre property and adjacent tributaries as part of the annual Rivers Alive statewide waterway clean up.

Fantastic weather continued and the freshly spiffed up town center Sparkled. Fourth grade Girl Scout Troop from Simpson Elementary School placed recycle containers in historic downtown Norcross on Friday before the kick off to the holiday shopping season. Then they walked to 3 of the houses on the Holiday Tour of Homes collecting litter prior to the annual event coming Saturday December 5. The service project was part of the scouts observance of national America Recycles Day and work towards their Bronze award.


See more photos in the side bar.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Energy Efficiency Puts Money in Our Pockets

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Upcoming Walton EMC Energy Seminars Put Money in Your Pocket

Contact Jennifer Broun, 770/266-2572

MONROE, Ga. - There is no better time to have a few extra dollars in your pocket than the approaching holiday season. If you learn how to lower energy use around your home, you'll have extra money all year long.

Walton Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) is hosting a home energy seminar in the local area. Experts will show consumers how to save money and energy on heating and cooling (the largest part of an energy bill), water heating, lighting and other energy uses.

"Our energy experts have the practical knowledge to teach you easy ways to reduce your power bill," says Walton EMC's Jennifer Broun, youth and community representative. "Not only will these measures save money; they'll also make your home more comfortable."

Programs begin at 7 p.m. and run approximately 1-1/2 hours. Admission is free, but registration is required. To register or receive more information, call 770/267-5551or email Jbroun@waltonemc.com.Seminar date and location is November 24-Brookwood High School, Snellville.

Each participant will receive a gift and be entered to win door prizes. Civic and religious organizations are welcome to attend as a group. The group with the most members present at each program will receive $100 to use toward charitable activities.

Walton EMC is a customer-owned power company that serves 118,000 accounts over its ten-county service area between Atlanta and Athens.

Join others from Sustainable Norcross Tuesday November 24 at Brookwood High School, Snellville at 7 PM. RSVP. Attend, learn how to save and help earn a chance at $100 towards Sustainable Norcross volunteer activities.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

4 in 1 Results - Guest Post By Phil Robertson, Norcross Code Enforcement Supervisor



Below you will find all the final totals for our recent Clean-Up Day, Recycle and Shredding Events and Canned Food Drive held on October 24th. All four events had a great turn out and I want to thank all the staff, volunteers and participants – without all of you the success of these events would not be possible. The participants were very enthusiastic and appreciative that the City of Norcross offered these services and that we are environmentally aware.

Again, thank you everyone for your support!

Regards,

Philomena M. Robertson
City of Norcross Code Enforcement Supervisor

Electronics Recycled:
• 10,951 lbs of metal, plastic, glass computer housing and peripheral equipment.
• Eighty-two (82) participants

Shredded Papers Recycled:
• 8,080 lbs of sensitive and confidential records.
• One Hundred-twenty seven (127) participants

Clean-Up Event:
• 12.67 tons of bulky items, trash, old appliances/furniture, yard debris.
• One Hundred-five (105) participants logged – not the complete count

Participating Cities (21):
• Alpharetta
• Berkeley Lake
• Buford
• Decatur
• Duluth
• Dunwoody
• Flowery Branch
• Grayson
• Johns Creek
• Lawrenceville
• Lilburn
• Loganville
• Norcross (city)
• Norcross (county)
• Peachtree Corners
• Roswell
• Sandy Springs
• Snellville
• Sugar Hill
• Suwanee
• Tucker


Added Activity to Recycle/Clean-up Day Events:
We also collected on the same day, non-perishable food items for our local food bank. Participants did not need to make a donation in order to participate in the Clean-up/Recycle Events but it was greatly appreciated. Donations of these items will be given to members of our community in need. We collected a total of 771 non-perishable food items.

Upcoming Event Dates:For 2010, the Spring Event will be held on Saturday, April 10th and the Fall Event will be held on Saturday, October 9th.