going-green

41 NBC first launched Going Green | Saving Green in January 2009 and it has been a staple of our consumer and environmental news coverage since then.

Every week Brittany Gonzalez brings you stories focusing on the economic benefits of living a “greener” life. Her segments highlight the financial advantages of conserving our natural resources and taking better care of the environment.

If you know an individual, business, or organization that's found a smart way to go green and save green, we want to hear from you. Send us an email us at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

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MCCG's Green Efforts Improve Patient Care

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- The Medical Center of Central Georgia is making strides to go green.

In the last month the hospital started a single stream recycling program.

"We diverted 3,000 pounds of waste going to the local landfill," says Assistant Director of Environmental Services, Paul Kany.

Kany says there are more than 275 green smart recycling containers.

"Currently, we recycle about 30%. With implementing the single stream program our goal is to hopefully increase that to around 50%," says Kany.

According to Kany, part of the Medical Center's mission is to be good stewards of the environment.

"We encourage employees to bring their recycled material from home just to continue that diversion from the landfill," says Kany.

The hospital has also added new upgrades to its newest wing to be more eco-friendly.

"We've replaced incandescent light bulbs with efficient fixtures... like florescent fixtures and LEDS," says Manager of Safety and Compliance, Drew Elrod.

Elrod adds, "We've also installed no-finish floors, which doesn't require strippers or wax. So it's a cleaner more durable environment." That treatment also makes them less time consuming to clean, which gives employees more time to work with patients.

"We save numerous man hours, so it's not just financial savings it's labor savings as well," says Elrod.

According to Kany, the Medical Center's new recycling program is expected to cut waste costs by 10% in time.

Arbor Day: Free Tree Giveaway

In honor of Arbor Day this weekend the Macon Tree Commission is giving away tree seedlings.

This Saturday from to 9am to 1pm you can pick up a free seedling at the Kroger on Presidential Parkway or the Piggly Wiggly on Rocky Creek Road in Macon.

There will also be an opportunity to pick up a free tree seedling from 11am until 1pm at Tattnall Square Park.

A brief program will be held at Tattnall Square Park recognizing the canopy restoration project throughout the city.

The free seedling will be available while supplies last. The hope of the giveaway is to help restore the tree canopy damaged by the Mother's Day tornado in 2008.

41NBC.com