When most people think of quote sustainability quote I think about installing CFL like bulbs in their home or business, a manufacturing facility that uses renewable energy, or corporate and consumer recycling; the thought of sustainable practices and the sales and marketing cycle rarely come to mind.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE), “the average office worker in the US uses 10,000 sheets of copy paper each year. That’s 4,000,000 tons of copy paper used annually. Office workers in the US generate approximately 2 pounds of paper and paperboard products every day.”Furthermore, ” if all the computers sold in the US meet Energy Star requirements the savings in energy costs will grow to more than $1.5 billion each year, reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 2 million vehicles.” This presents a tremendous opportunity to “Green” business services in the United States. This is where the Sustainable Business Development Group is a market leader.

The Sustainable Business Development Group is a business development consulting firm that manages the sales and marketing cycle for small to medium-sized businesses. This means that the primary focus of the Sustainable Business Development Group is to create and implement a sales and marketing plan that involves sustainable processes in the business cycle.

The EPA and DOE highlighted a fact that workers in the US use a lot of paper and could replace old computers with Energy Star certified computers. Using recommendations from the EPA and the DOE, the Sustainable Business Development Group analyzed the sales and marketing cycle and developed a process to eliminate waste by using modern software, hardware, and new best practices in sales and marketing.

To reduce corporate dependence on paper, several software programs combined with increased dependence on paper scanners allow employees get used to transferring all paper records to electronic storage and move forward in a paperless environment. With the invention of cloud computing, data backup is now more secure than having dozens of closets full of historical records and document collaboration can be done completely online. Furthermore, as humans become more dependent on PDAs, laptops, and net books, transferring all sales and marketing campaigns to electronic formats will become much more viable. In fact, corporations that stick to paper for advertising will most likely lose a burgeoning generation of younger consumers that rely heavily on electronic devices for communication.

To reduce corporate dependence on energy, the Sustainable Business Development Group recommends several computers that are certified as Energy Star compliant. Imagine the possibilities if the vast majority of businesses used Energy Star compliant devices and completely eliminated the use of paper in the sales and marketing cycle. The Sustainable Business Development Group believes this is not only a possibility, but a competitive advantage for corporations that make the change; small businesses now have the opportunity to increase revenue while making the world a better place.

To learn more about the Sustainable Business Development Group visit: http://greenbdg.com

NEWS RELEASE

Gorilla Sacks Announces Partnership with SunTrust Bank

to Create “Green” Tote Bags

SunTrust Donates 22,000 sq. feet of Recycled Vinyl Materials
ATLANTA – August 16, 2010 – Gorilla Sacks is pleased to announce a partnership with SunTrust Banks, Inc. (NYSE: STI) to collect and repurpose more than 22,000 sq. feet of used vinyl banners for the production of a line of environmentally-friendly tote bags.

Based in Atlanta, Gorilla Sacks designs and produces a variety of handmade bags and purses from the vinyl material in reclaimed billboards.  The company plans to create a messenger bag, a handbag and an accessories bag out of the SunTrust banners, with additional products under consideration.

Lisa Zawacki, designer and founder of Gorilla Sacks, said, “We’re excited about working with a forward-thinking company like SunTrust to produce memorable and fashionable products while at the same time reducing waste and helping to protect the environment.”

“SunTrust is proud to partner with a local company to create innovative yet practical products out of discarded banners and billboards; what a unique approach to combine art with recycling,” said Denise T. Johnson, senior vice president and director of marketing & planned communications at SunTrust.

This project joins broader SunTrust initiatives to support “greener living” through small changes in everyday activities, from using e-statements to a tree replanting program with the National Arbor Day Foundation.

Gorilla Sacks encourages companies to donate unwanted banners and billboards to prevent nonbiodegradable vinyl materials – which never decompose – from piling up in landfills.  The Gorilla Sacks’ team uses a process that cleans and sterilizes the vinyl with non-toxic soap after which they flatten and cut the material into designs.  Each product is handmade by local artisans in Georgia. A portion of the proceeds from each Gorilla Sack sold goes to benefit the Gorilla Haven, a sanctuary for zoo gorillas.

Gorilla Sacks items can be purchased online at www.gorillasacks.com and from independent boutiques across the United States, such as Twelve Boutique in Atlanta.

About SunTrust Banks, Inc.

SunTrust Banks, Inc., headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the nation’s largest banking organizations, serving a broad range of consumer, commercial, corporate and institutional clients. As of June 30, 2010, SunTrust had total assets of $170.7 billion and total deposits of $118.7 billion. The Company operates an extensive branch and ATM network throughout the high-growth Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states and a full array of technology-based, 24-hour delivery channels. The Company also serves clients in selected markets nationally. Its primary businesses include deposit, credit, trust and investment services. Through various subsidiaries the Company provides mortgage banking, insurance, brokerage, investment management, equipment leasing and investment banking services. SunTrust’s Internet address is suntrust.com

About Gorilla Sacks

Gorilla Sacks is an Atlanta-based company that has reclaimed more than 500 vinyl billboards  from around the country. The artisans employed by the company are families in North Georgia, and each bag is hand-sewn. A portion of the proceeds from each Gorilla Sack sold goes to benefit the Gorilla Haven, a sanctuary for zoo gorillas. Gorilla Sacks makes handbags, laundry bags, messenger bags, totes and slings, all durable, functional and affordable. Because vinyl is designed to last, each bag is truly “gorilla tough.” For more information, visit www.gorillasacks.com.

CONTACT:

Lisa Zawacki, Gorilla Sacks, zawacki@gorillasacks.com or 404.723.3518

Cookerly PR, Ada Hatzios, ada@cookerly.com or 404.419.9234

Welcome to the 2nd Quarter 2010 Atlanta Green Home Sales Report.

In the 2nd Quarter I am happy to announce that certified green homes represented 12.3% of the total new construction market.  This is the highest percent of market share for green homes in Atlanta since I began reporting this in 2008.  Green homes sold for 97.1% of asking price in 99 days compared to 92% of asking price for conventional new construction in 110 days on the market.

Here is a link to the 2nd Quarter 2010 Atlanta Green Home Sales Report.

This study looks at detached single family homes that were built 2007 or later and sold as “new construction”.  The Green Home Sales Report looks at homes listed between $250,000 and $2,000,000 in Fulton, Dekalb, Cobb and Gwinnett Counties.  The green homes have all been certified by a third party Green Building Certification including EarthCraft House, LEED for Homes, NAHB Green Building Standard and Energy Star.

Please leave your comments if you have any thoughts or questions about green home sales in Atlanta.

This article was written by:

Carson Matthews is an Associate Broker and Certified EcoBroker with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty in Buckhead. Carson was raised in Macon, GA, attended prep school in Christ Church VA, and graduated from Presbyterian College in 1996. He has lived all over the country in places like Kitty Hawk, NC, Jackson Hole, WY, and most recently Charlotte, NC. He earned the Rookie of the Year award in his first year as a REALTOR® and is a consistent member of the Atlanta Board of REALTORS® Million Dollar Club. As an EcoBroker, Carson concentrates on educating his clients on the positive impacts of living in a healthy high performance home. He lives in the Chastain Park neighborhood with his wife Martha and their two children, Henry and Ben.

Keep up with Buckhead and the Green Scene

by visiting my blogs:

www.GreentotheScene.com

www.TheBuckheadBlog.com

www.ChastainParkBlog.com

Most people recognize that the quality of products, appliances, furnishings has gone down with the influx of imports from China.  Knock offs of everything exist in our culture and all you have to do is spend a day walking the streets of any large city to see the prevalence of recreated products.  But how do we change our lives to begin to reduce our participation in this vicious cycle?  Are there real steps we can take?

Absolutely! We can ask some important questions when buying merchandise.  Ask yourself a few simple questions:

1. Can I find this at a second hand store and does this need to be the “bright shiny new version”?
2. How can I take what I already have and make do?
3. If I do buy the product new, how can I have a positive impact on our society as a whole?

Most people don’t even set foot in a Goodwill or Salvation Army, and what a shame too, because so much of what we need can be found in second hand stores.  This is especially true when you consider the low quality of everything that is new in our society.  Most of us can form an alternative to purchasing the newer, shinier, cheaply made version but it requires and some effort on our part.   It may require us to do some research, or shop at  a different place, or maybe just reconsider the purchase all together.  But if you can’t pass up the newer version, remember that quality trumps mass production in sustainability every time. Who are the retailers that focus on sustainability?  Formulate your own list of sustainable businesses, pass it around to all your friends, and don’t forget to ask the important questions before you buy.

As we answer these important questions you will begin to develop the mindset necessary to move away from being an active member of the “Throw Away Society” to the conscience consumer necessary to propel our culture to more responsible and sustainable. Let’s stop being the consumer of a toaster costing a mere $10 at Walmart, to the consumer that may find the vintage version that looks cooler, works better, and makes us more responsible overall.

Can you do it?

Brooke Schultz

Re-inspiration Store

Atlanta Westside

Article By Beth Remmes

Over the last few years, it seems like the green movement jumped from trying to define what it means to be green to addressing concerns about “green fatigue” and “greenwashing” – all before many green changes were actually made in homes across the US.

Zola Goods makes it fun, easy, and affordable to go green by using the home party model to educate people about environmental issues and then also have the products available to order. Zola bridges the gap between information and action and helps people to take action while they are motivated to make changes in their homes.

Zola Goods makes it fun, easy, and affordable to go green by using the home party model to educate people about environmental issues and then also have the products available to order. Zola bridges the gap between information and action and helps people to take action while they are motivated to make changes in their homes.

Zola’s model is somewhat of a hybrid. Most direct sales companies are structured as multi-level marketing companies with promises of great fortune, while most sustainable living educators come from the non-profit sector. Zola has created a new model which takes the passion and commitment of an environmental non-profit volunteer and gives her or him the opportunity and support necessary to carry an inspirational message into homes across America, while having the chance to earn a supplemental income. Zola Coordinators are paid 20% commission on all sales, and they are not required to recruit other Coordinators nor are they expected to meet sales quotas.

Zola’s product line is scrutinized using the 3Ps criteria- People, Planet, Profit. We focus on products that reduce energy, water, or waste; or have been made with fewer chemicals or less energy than other commercial alternatives. We also select products made in the USA, endorsed by Green America, or Fair Trade Certified whenever possible.

Zola, of Italian origin, means “piece of earth.” By making small changes, each of us can heal our own piece of earth and together create an abundant future for our planet.

Article by Lisa owner Gorilla Sacks

Hundreds of billboards line our highways urging us to try this new product or use that new service. Aside from the visual pollution, the material these billboards are made from creates environmental pollution. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or vinyl, is a virtually indestructible material that cannot be incinerated because it emits toxic gases. Therefore, it is simply thrown away. It now represents a substantial portion of the PVC that exists in the world’s overburdened landfills. However, because it is so durable, is UV protected and designed to withstand the elements, billboard vinyl is also an ideal material for reuse.

Gorilla Sacks has found a great second life for this vinyl by creating a line of messenger bags, tote bags, sling bags and giant market bags. They collect used billboards, mainly from Georgia and California, but also vinyl misprints from local printers. Each pattern piece is hand cut to create a bag that doubles as a piece of art. Therefore, every Gorilla Sack is one-of-a-kind, since each is cut from a unique billboard.

Gorilla Sacks also keeps all of their manufacturing local. Production is not blindly outsourced and their contract sewers work from the convenience of their homes. Keeping production local require less transportation and therefore, less pollution. It also helps to strengthen the economic base of the community.

And there is more; with every Gorilla Sacks purchase, you’re helping protect gorillas too! Gorilla Sacks donate 10% of all profits to Gorilla Haven, located in north Georgia. Their mission is to “help make every captive gorilla’s life as enriched and natural as possible through husbandry and research and to promote education about gorilla conservation in zoos and the wild”. More information about Gorilla Haven can be found at their website www.gorilla-haven.org.

Gorilla Sacks embraces recycling by taking billboards, a symbol of mass consumerism, and reusing them to create a symbol of sustainability. This durable material deserves a second purpose which also helps to keep it from our landfills. Gorilla Sacks are eco-friendly, unique and affordable.