New Resident Solutions Members Take Green Steps Toward a Better Environment

By Elizabeth Shugg

In just one year, a single office worker uses approximately 10,000 pieces of copier paper, computers burn $1 billion worth of electricity and commuters emit 1.3 billion tons of carbon dioxide, according to a June 7, 2007 Time Magazine report. These actions deal a heavy blow to the environment—and our wallets. The case for “going green” has been made, and businesses large and small are taking action.

Companies representing every industry have found creative ways to recycle, reduce and reuse resources. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is one way the building industry can go green. LEED certification provides independent, third party verification that a building project is environmentally responsible, profitable and a healthy place to live and work.

Consumers are watching. They know green products help the environment and their wallets. In 2005, GE’s “Ecomagination” product line generated $10 billion in revenues and could produce around $20 billion by 2010, according to a 2006 CNN report.

So in Chapel Hill, businesses of all types and sizes are going green whenever and however they can. LEED-certified Carolina Closets Plus uses a 100-percent recycled particleboard from Roseburg Skyblend to build closets. Sturdivant’s Auto and Tire is one of only a handful of companies in the nation filling tires with 100-percent nitrogen for all vehicles serviced—an inexpensive way to improve vehicle performance, increase safety and save money in gas and maintenance.

Goldworks Fine Jewelry offers accessories inspired by nature such as the Fallen Leaf and Oak Dish pieces show in the accompanying images, and Great Earth Vitamins encourages consumption of green foods containing barley, wheat, chlorella, spirulina and alfalfa. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, fiber, nucleic acids and chlorophyll. Great Earth Vitamins also offers green food powders and tablets that serve as an excellent source of supplementation for diets lacking leafy green vegetables.

As new residents of Chapel Hill, you’ll find it’s “easy being green” when it comes to choosing products and appliances for your home, filling your tires, decorating your home and planning healthy meals. Check back often for new ways Chapel Hill’s green ambition can serve you—and the environment.