Why join GreenSpot? For a couple of really good reasons, actually. One, it's a small thing you can do to make a big impact on the health and future of Columbus. Two, it couldn't be easier.

Our green community is growing daily and currently has more than 19,000 current members consisting of households, businesses, organizations, and community groups. Collectively they have saved more than $13 million, reduced CO2 emissions by 40 million pounds, reduced water consumption by 133+ million gallons, and recycled 31 million pounds. 

GreenSpot inspires, educates, and recognizes households, businesses, and community groups that adopt green practices. GreenSpot is a membership-based program that provides a framework to think about sustainability and a way to log your successes. It is free to join and there is no fee or cost. If you live in Franklin County or surrounding counties you are eligible! 

On April 20th Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and the City of Columbus recognized the GreenSpotLight Award winners for their achievements over the past year to help make our community beautiful, healthy, and prosperous. The winners:

• Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction
• Corporate Cleaning, Inc.
• Sunny Glen Wellness/Sunny Glen Garden
  
  Councilmember Emmanuel V. Remy the recent graduates of the GreenSpot Sustainability Initiative class:

• Corporate Cleaning, Inc.
• DHL Supply Chain
• Experience Columbus
• Huntington Bank
• OhioHealth
• Scotts Miracle-Gro
  
  Sponsors for the GreenSpotLight were Green Columbus and AEP Ohio. Read more about the event here.

Reducing the amount of plastic in your life is good for the planet and our community. Below are some items which you can switch to plastic free!

• Soap. Is that bar of soap wrapped in plastic? If so, consider purchasing soap that is sold in a paper wrapper or cardboard. Additionally, ditch the plastic soap dispenser and put out a bar of hand soap. 

• Shampoo. There are shampoo bars you can use that will displace that plastic shampoo bottle. 

• Mouthwash. Check with your dentist, but a simple solution of xylitol, water, and a couple drops of essential oil can do that trick. No more plastic mouthwash bottles to deal with!

• Dental floss. Skip the plastic and go for the compostable silk floss.  

• Toothbrush. You can purchase a toothbrush with a bamboo handle or one that has replaceable heads. 

• Shaving. Try a shaving bar instead of shaving cream that comes in a plastic tube or bottle and skip the plastic razors and try a safety razor instead. 

• Toilet paper. Some toilet paper comes wrapped in plastic. Ditch it and go with TP that is wrapped in paper. 

• Deodorant. This is probably the most difficult. There are alternatives that come in tins or you can make your own (search the internet). 

Installing a WaterSense labeled showerhead can save the individual 912 gallons of water a year.

Columbus residents love recycling, that is why the RecyColumbus program has more than 75% participation rate.  To learn more about the program visit RecyColumbus.

Changing out your light bulbs to LEDs can save money.  An LED bulb can have a useful life of 25,000 hours (25 times longer than traditional bulbs). Annual operating cost for an LED is 90% less than that of a traditional bulb and more than 50% less than a CFL.