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Cool Commute: Hewlett Packard Rated 11th Best FORTUNE 500 Workplace for Commuters
The EPA recently announced their first ever list of Best Workplaces for Commuters from FORTUNE 500 companies. According to the EPA, Americans spend an average of 46 hours each year stuck in traffic and gridlock, producing more than $63 billion in congestion costs per year. Kudos to Earth Share partner Hewlett-Packard who was rated the 11th best workplace in part because seventy-percent of HP's employees telecommute at least occasionally. In Georgia, HP also offers $40 transit subsidies, holds regular meetings to discuss commuter issues, and subsidizes all vanpool expenses beyond the cost of gas. In collaboration with the Perimeter Transportation Coalition, the Atlanta work site offers a "Commuter Reward Program," rewarding carpooling commuters with gift certificates.
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Is Urban Sprawl Hazardous to Your Health?
A new study links health problems with sprawl. Particularly in areas like Atlanta, the association was significant with conditions like arthritis, respiratory problems such as asthma, stomach problems, headaches and urinary tract infections. The researchers from Rand Corporation, a nonprofit research organization, also found some evidence of an association with heart disease and high blood pressure, but contrary to what you might think, no link to impaired mental health was found. Past studies have also linked sprawl to obesity because of the inadequacies of healthier transportation options like biking and walking. For more on these studies visit www.rand.org and www.smartgrowthamerica.org
Read what the Sierra Club is doing to help curb urban sprawl at www.georgia.sierraclub.org. [back to top]
Tiptoe Through the Treetops: Oxbow Tree Canopy Trail Grand Opening
Construction is nearly complete on the treetop trail at Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center in Columbus, Georgia. Grand Opening celebrations are planned for October 30, from 12-4 pm. The new 35 foot high canopy trail will begin an exciting era for Oxbow Meadows, according to the center's director, Dr. Becky Champion. Guided outings on the completed trail will provide new educational and interpretive opportunities for Oxbow Meadows' public and school programs, research and educational opportunities for Columbus State University students, and a new reason for visitors to come to the Columbus area. Crews have attached platforms to two trees and constructed a tower before stretching the trail through the treetops. The trail design will use a unique tree attachment system that doesn't penetrate the trees or keep them from growing. The 192 feet of canopy walkway is seen as the
first component of a canopy trail system that may eventually expand to include multiple loop trails. For more information visit oxbow.colstate.edu.
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Book Tour Review: Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Makes Stop in Atlanta
In September, Earth Share of Georgia and Borders bookstores welcomed Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for a discussion and book signing of his new book, "Crimes Against Nature." Kennedy is senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council, chief prosecuting attorney for Riverkeeper, and president of Waterkeeper Alliance. Crimes Against Nature is uncomplimentary, to say the least, of many of the administration officials appointed to be our environmental custodians. This highly charged book, accounts a long list of weakened environmental laws that were put in place to protect and preserve the commonwealth over the last thirty years. Attendees were eager to discuss why the media does not adequately cover environmental issues. Read the article that the book is based on at Alternet.org
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Earth Share Announces New Workplace Partners for Campaign 2004
As Earth Share of Georgia kicks off the workplace campaign season, we're pleased to welcome three new business partners who now allow their employees to give 'green' at work-- Manning Morris & Martin, PRG Schultz and Turner Enterprises. Thanks to these companies for investing in our communities the natural way. For a full list of partnering businesses and to find out how easy it is for your company to become an Earth Share workplace partner visit our website, www.earthsharega.org.
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Executive's Corner
At Earth Share of Georgia, we get so caught up in our mission that we sometimes forget why we're so dedicated to it. Day in and day out our committed staff and volunteers are actively reaching out to businesses and their employees to encourage environmental philanthropy and stewardship.
But last week I took a few days to recharge my batteries and remind myself why this all matters. With a small group of childhood chums, I hiked 60 miles on the Appalachian Trail in Southwest Virginia. The highlight was a couple of days in Grayson Highlands, an area of open meadows, conifer clusters and rock outcroppings reminiscent of Colorado. As we enjoyed the gaudy sunset and shooting stars, we were reminded of how essential it is to have management plans and committed experts to keep this kind of wilderness intact to be enjoyed – we hope – forever.
A few weeks back, our small staff enjoyed an overnight retreat at the Len Foote Hike Inn in North Georgia. This backcountry lodge is an environmental showplace where nature lovers see the best part of North Georgia away from the tourist traffic jams.
Each time I return from one of these sojourns I realize that all of us in the green community need to break away and breathe the fresh air of the wild lands we strive to preserve. Don't let fall come and go without doing this yourself. In fact, if you want directions to the Grayson Highlands or the Len Foote Hike Inn, drop me an email. Then, go have fun!
Richard Judy
Executive Director
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