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You're taking the first step to making your home, business, or community group part of a cleaner, healthier, more sustainable Columbus. We're glad you're here.
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 20,000 current members consisting of households, businesses, organizations, and community groups. Collectively they have saved more than $13 million, reduced CO2 emissions by 41 million pounds, reduced water consumption by 145+ million gallons, and recycled 32 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!
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther announced the winners of the 2020 GreenSpotLight Awards for large, medium, and small businesses. Congratulations to:
View a list of their accomplishments and watch the video here.
Additionally, the Mayor congratulated Indianola Informal K-8 as the first Columbus City School to be designated as a GreenSpot School. Councilmember Emmanuel V. Remy recognized the graduates of the GreenSpot Sustainable Business Course: Ashland, Civil and Environmental Consultants, and OBLSK. He also recognized Clintonville as the newest GreenSpot Neighborhood.
Is your business looking to create a sustainability manager position? That role plays a critical component within any organization. They help ensure that a business is committed to an agenda that will lead to a secure future, target and eliminate wasting resources, and help overall operations. Check out our video which highlights the benefits of a sustainability manager position.
Starting a green team at work can be a daunting task. Where do you start? Who do you include? What type of structure is right for you? With the help of the GreenSpot Advisory Board we have come up with a how-to guide to start your own green team at work. This guide covers how to tailor your message to each department, tips on forming a green team, areas to focus on, implementing ideas, tracking success, and more! The 14-page guide is easy to follow and can set up for launching your own green team. Check it out!
The GreenSpot Advisory Board had much success in 2020. They finalized and distributed the "New Homeowner's Green Guide," worked with CTV in creating videos on tree planting, tree pruning, green transportation options, and climate education. The GSAB compiled a clearinghouse of green lesson plans and activities by local organizations for educators, and created nine webinars covering a variety of sustainable topics. The also worked in making Clintonville the fourth GreenSpot Neighborhood.
We are proud of our board members! There are citizens as well as several organizations such as Cardinal Health (co-chair), Grange Insurance Audubon Center, The Ohio Nature Conservancy, Smart Columbus, OBLSK, MORPC, Green Columbus, Franklin County Public Health, Franklin Park Conservatory, Hikma, COSI, Councilmember Remy's office, CLEAResult, Columbia Gas, Sierra Club Ohio Chapter, IGS Energy, The Ohio State University, Huntington Bank, Ohio EPA, Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services, and several city departments.
Moving forward the GSAB is looking at projects covering climate, trees, member engagement, community outreach, OSU-specific outreach, Earth Day events, neighborhood outreach and more!
Whether buying your first house or tenth, GreenSpot's New Homeowner Green Guide is meant to help you make your home a little more sustainable. Check out ways to conserve and protect water, conserve energy, reduce waste, and green your transportation. Whether you are new to going green or an old pro, this guide has something for everyone! By adopting sustainable practices you are saving money, improving our environment, and setting an example for your neighbors. Remember, it only takes one to inspire many. Read more.
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!
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.