Mayor Coleman Unveils New GreenSpot Initiative
New Initiative encourages and recognizes Columbus residents for Getting Green
For more information contact:
Antone White, Mayor's Office, 614-645-0849
Susan Ashbrook, Environmental Steward, 614-645-0807
(COLUMBUS) Today Mayor Michael B. Coleman along with area businesses unveiled the new GreenSpot program designed to inspire, educate and recognize those in our community who are taking steps to get green. The first City of Columbus GreenSpot was given to Elizabeth Lessner and Carmen Owens Co-owners of the Surly Girl Saloon.
"I'm proud to see new ways that Columbus residents of all ages, students, businesses and others are getting involved and Getting Green," said Mayor Coleman. "GreenSpot will recognize and encourage everyone in Columbus to step up and do some simple tasks to help protect our environment and save money in the process. I encourage everyone to get involved."
The new GreenSpot program is an innovative approach to learning what people can do each day to protect the environment and it's a way for Columbus residents, businesses and community groups to be recognized for the work they are doing to promote a sustainable future which means that we are using our resources in a responsible way that will conserve and protect them for future generations.
"We are thrilled to be the first GreenSpot in Columbus," said Elizabeth Lessner, Proprietor of the Surly Girl Saloon. "GreenSpot is something everyone can do—small or large businesses. It just requires some focused effort on things like recycling, buying green products and paying attention to how much waste you are producing."
Households, businesses, organizations and community groups can apply for a GreenSpot. A new website will be active in the next few days at www.columbusgreenspot.org where groups can receive valuable program information and begin the application process. Those that qualify will receive a GreenSpot decal that can be displayed in there home or business and GreenSpot businesses will be listed on the web site and can use the logo in their advertising.
"Assisting the City with GreenSpot has been a high priority for the Mayor's Green Team this year," said David Brehm, Principal with DesignGroup and co-chair of Mayor Coleman's Green Team. "GreenSpot shines a bright light on those businesses, organizations and individuals who truly are committed to sustainable practices. Our environment and the people living and working in our City are the big winners."
Members of Leadership Columbus, a local community leadership program, were instrumental in developing several of concepts of the program as well as the GreenSpot logo and creation of the GreenSpot website.
Representatives from Bricker and Eckler, Porter, Wright, Morris and Arthur, Calfee Halter and Griswold, Weisenbach Recycled Products, All-A-Cart, Williams Creek Consulting, Anheuser-Busch, Brown and Caldwell, Design Group, SYSCO, Short North Business Association, The Ohio State University, Huckleberry House were on hand and helped shape GreenSpot by reviewing the business commitments and providing valuable feedback.
Mayor Coleman launched Get Green Columbus in 2005 to make the City more environmentally friendly. In 2006 the Mayor's Green Team of business, community and environmental leaders was created to help guide City policy and community action. To date we've had many successes in making our operations and our City greener. For a full report, see www.GetGreenColumbus.org.
