Being Green (not with envy) but for Our Planet
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These days everybody knows the term “green” means having a conscious mind to recycle, reuse and clean 
up our environment. We as residents of this earth need to do our part to ensure a lasting relationship between us and Mother Nature. I tend to look at businesses around me to see if they are doing their part since a lot of waste comes from today’s commercialism.
When I think of Boulder, Colorado, I think of technology, quality of life and an amazing effort to becoming and maintaining a “green” and eco-friendly lifestyle. As a Coloradoan, I definitely have found myself adopting a regimented recycle program to do my part for my family and everyone around me. I would like to expose some of the green efforts currently going on in Boulder.
City of Boulder Green Points Program
This program outlines and enforces issues on home energy, construction waste recycling, deconstruction plans and new construction for additions and remodels. Boulder building codes are now strictly following green standards and sustainable development practices.
For recycling construction waste, new construction sites 
must donate, reuse or recycle 50% of all the waste material generated. Being energy efficient in reducing the amount of energy used and carbon emissions is the city’s green goal. By simply using energy efficient light bulbs, one can reduce about 75% of the energy normally used up in incandescent bulbs and the efficient light bulbs last generally 10 times longer with a $30 plus savings in electricity costs over time.
Boulder Recycling Program
Waste management companies are providing more simple ways to commingle your recyclables from your trash. Just knowing some tiny details about what is accepted and what is not adds up when you are talking about just under 100,000 people living inside the city limits. 2008 was called “The Year of Zero Waste” and I’m sure that mantra will continue for years to come until zero waste is achieved.
Boulder Local Businesses
I see a little bit of green consciousness going on around me with the local businesses and that’s uplifting. Hotels are one type of business that being green can be very beneficial. A hotel can become a green hotel in a multitude of ways. The Hotel Boulderado, a downtown Boulder, CO hotel does this by recycling, donating, reusing and eliminating waste. This can all be done with little effort. Old linens are used for rags and items that cannot be reused are donated to homeless shelters and local charities. Leftover banquet food is donated to the Boulder Community Food Share Program. Habitat for Humanity and regional Indian Reservations also benefit from donations. Using environmentally friendly products such as biodegradable solvents and non toxic cleaners make a positive impact as a whole. Saving energy and water can be done by simply setting thermostats at a median temperature and using low water toilets use less water as a result.
Let’s encourage each other as well as local businesses to embrace green standards and practices this new year. If you make an honest effort, a positive impact can result for all to see and experience all around the world.
Flat Irons in Boulder, Colorado by jebb
Recycling Sign by akeg
Downtown Boulder by Brian and Shannon
Hotel Boulderado by davidburn
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