When the Going Gets Tough, Go Green

The City of Richmond makes it a point to go green and make it easier for citizens to do so.

By Laura Peters petersle@vcu.edu

Going green has been a growing concept since the first Earth Day in 1962 by Senator Gaylord Nelson. With the city of Richmond trying to focus on a more green side and the environment is one of the focuses rather than the economy.

The City of Richmond is also making it a point to go green. Sharon North, public information manager for the city of Richmond said that the city offers compost and recycling options, while educating through schools and businesses and working closely with the Central Virginia Waste Management Association on events and recycling efforts.

“We are encouraging citizens to recycle, from last year to this year we’ve recognized an increase in electronic as well as household recycling,” North said. “This past weekend, as part of Earth Day events, the Clean City Commission sold 37 Earth Machine composters and orders are still coming in.”

Recycling, reusable bags, organic foods, and eco-friendly cleaning products are some alternatives to other products and a greener approach to living.

“Last month we had an e-cycle event where Richmonders brought in more than 34,600 pounds of electronic equipment to be recycled,” North said.

Thad Williamson, assistant professor at the Jepson School of Leadership Studies at the University of Richmond is a going green activist.

“Being an activist is probably the most important thing you can do. It’s more important than all recycling combined,” said Williamson. “These are public, political issues they’re not individual issues, we can’t solve them by simply changing our lifestyles, although our lifestyles have to

Williamson said that the country does need to fix the economy, but global warming is also a big issue.

“I think compared to the past there is a lot of awareness about the global climate change issue, said Williamson. “We have to act pretty dramatically now to stabilize the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. Global warming is going to happen…it’s already happening.”

North thinks the economy may be an issue for more people to go green, but in the end it might end up benefitting many citizens.

“Right now people are trying to save money, and reusing, reducing, which helps save money,” North said.

The City of Richmond “wants to be a good steward of our environment” said North.

Businesses like Ukrop’s Supermakets in the Richmond area have been going green for some time, with their recycling efforts, organic food, and their efforts with the production of biodiesel fuel, according to Susan Rowe, public relations for Ukrops.

According to Rowe, Ukrop’s also has one hundred percent recyclable plastic and paper bags. Ukrop’s also collects cans, bottles, and glasses from eight stores and partners with Central Virginia Waste Management Association for annual electronics recycling drives at selected stores, according to Rowe.

Going green is becoming a big part of the City of Richmond’s businesses and people’s lives. And according to North, the City of Richmond has a responsibility to the community to “exercise due diligence in being a good steward of the environment.”