Going Green

Augusta County offices are going green. An initiative has begun at the Government Center complex which includes administrative offices, Social Services, and the Virginia Tech Extension Services buildings. Current initiatives will include reducing electricity use by 10% and increasing recycling efforts.

A Green Team has been formed to include members from each office to work with their Departments on the efforts. These members are working hard to determine needs and how to reduce energy use.

Electricity reduction activities include turning off lights, computer monitors, processing units, the use of CFL bulbs, and removing lights that are not needed. It is hoped that the targeted 10% reduction set by the County Administrator will be exceeded. Electricity use is a concern, especially since Dominion Virginia Power increased rates by 18% as of July 1st.

Recycling activities include mixed paper, cardboard, aluminum, and plastic. In the past only paper was recycled, but it was not consistent in all Departments. Some Departments recycled aluminum cans on their own, some collected office paper, and some did not recycle paper at all. With this effort, all paper will be recycled.

In addition to mixed paper, cardboard, and aluminum, plastic will now be collected and taken to Sonoco in Fishersville for recycling.

In addition to the Government Center complex, other facilities such as the County Library, County Schools, and the Middle River Regional Jail are working on recycling programs.