ATLANTA (February 13, 2009) — A champion for economic development in Georgia, Sen. Chip Pearson (R-Dawsonville) gathered several of Georgia’s sustainable and environmentally friendly businesses in the Senate Chamber this week to commend them for their contributions to the health of the state and the economy.
“Countless Georgia companies are implementing sustainable business practices that create jobs for our state while protecting the environment,” said Pearson. “They deserve to be commended for their corporate citizenship and efforts to keep our state healthy and economically viable.”
Sustainable businesses are conscious of their impact on the surrounding environment and often incorporate principles and environmental management systems to reduce waste and improve air and water quality. Sustainable businesses contribute more than 60,000 jobs and $28 billion to Georgia’s economy. Georgia is home to numerous companies that are developing alternative energy options, and implementing energy and resource-efficient building and manufacturing processes.
Several Atlanta-based companies that are leading the way for a more sustainable Georgia include Coca-Cola Recycling LLC, Zipcar, Radiance Energies, Perkins + Will Architects, TRANE Commercial & Residential Air Solutions, Winter Construction, MCX Distributing, Citizens for Progressive Transit, Farmer D Organics, and Earthscapes. As one of Georgia’s largest companies, Coca-Cola launched an effort in 2007 to recover and recycle packaging materials used in North America, aiming to reuse 100 percent of its plastic packaging in the U.S. By recycling and reusing plastic and aluminum, the company will use less energy than it would to produce bottles with new materials, and can reduce its waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
State agencies have also committed to operating resourcefully, such as the Georgia Environment Facilities Authority which is participating in the Environmental Protection Agency’s new voluntary Clean Energy-Environment State Partnership Program. Georgia’s involvement in the program will increase the state’s clean energy practices by developing and implementing cost-effective clean energy and environmental strategies. The program will support the state in achieving public health and economic benefits.
The Georgia General Assembly honored these companies at the sixth annual Sustainable Business Day at the State Capitol, where representatives from more than 35 sustainable businesses were available to answer questions. Attendees also saw the kick-off of “Greening the Capitol,” an effort to make the Georgia State Capitol a model for sustainability among capitol buildings in the country. As a part of this effort, the Georgia Recycling Coalition has procured 500 recycling bins to be given to the Georgia Building Authority.
For more information on the Georgia State Senate or to view Senate Resolution 254, please visit www.senate.ga.gov.
Sen. Chip Pearson serves as chairman of the Economic Development Committee. He represents the 51st Senate District which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Pickens, and Union counties and portions of Forsyth and White counties. He may be reached at 404.656.9921 or via e-mail at chip.pearson@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 13, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Kallarin Richards, Senior Communications Specialist
kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028