Green Initiatives at Shallowford
Guided by the principles of Christian faith, we are called to action in being responsible stewards of God’s creation.
May our efforts reflect the earth and our hope for a harmonious world for current and future generations.
Cultivate Sacred Stewardship
Through prayer, reflection, and study we seek to enhance our understanding as caretakers of this sacred gift from God.
Lead By Example
Both on an individual and collective basis we aim to promote actions that create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way of life.
Promote Self Evaluation
These efforts will require ongoing efforts grounded in regular review, education and evaluation to consistently improve and change.
Community Partnership
- Power-Wise and Solar-Wise Assessments
- Zero-Waste Audits
- Water-Wise Audits
Campus Improvements
Elkay Bottle Filler
In 2023, the Green Team installed an Elkay water bottle filler on campus, complete with a total could of saved bottles. The bottle filler and water station is in the upper atrium, outside the Great Hall. The COVID fund made this project possible, and was completed after the Green Team received a request from a member.
Single Stream Recycling
Shallowford offers single-stream recycling throughout the entire building. Locate the black bins to discard landfill items and the blue bins specific for recyclable items. Signable is posted above each bin to help educate you on items that can and cannot be placed in each bin.
Green-Friendly Tips & Tricks
Conserve Water
Green Team TipTurn off the tap when brushing teeth, washing dishes & hands. Set a 6-10 minute timer for your showers- Get Clean and Get Out!
Turn off Lights, Electronics, & Small Appliances
Green Team TipTurn off lights, electronics, and small appliances when not in use. Unplug chargers and things with red or green ‘standby lights’. A monitor that’s on for 3 hours and in standby mode for 21 hours uses about 40% of its total energy in standby mode!
Reduce Meat Consumption
Green Team TipReduce your consumption of meat, as meat production requires a lot of water, food, energy, medicines, and other resources. And raising animals for slaughter produces significant amounts of greenhouse gases. Drawdown Georgia has said a Plant-Forward Diet is a high-impact solution to reduce emissions associated with meat production.
Carpool or Take MARTA
Green Team TipTake MARTA or carpool with others when you can. The airport is an easy ride straight down the Gold line from Chamblee and Doraville stations. And check out two of MARTA’s retired cars that have become part of Georgia’s artificial coastal reef.
Benefits of Cloth Diapers
Green Team TipDisposable diapers take 200 years to decompose. By the time a child is two they could have used 5,000. Try cloth diapers! You can wash them in warm water and hang them out to try. This makes them 40% better for the environment than disposables.
Importance of Meal Planning
Green Team TipIn the United States, 40% of edible food is thrown away by retailers and households. Try to buy less food by planning out your meals each week.
Recycle or Reuse Glass Containers
Green Team TipReuse glass jars for storage! Spice bottles, pickle jars, and jam jars make perfect small storage containers or flower/bud vases.
Carry Reusable Shopping Bags
Green Team TipAlways carry a reusable shopping bag and choose stores which allow you to bring your own containers to fill from bulk supplies, such as cereals, oils and shampoos.
Compost Materials through DeKalb County
Green Team TipOrder compost and mulch delivered to your property by Dekalb County! For $7.50 per cu.yd. (min. 10) they will deliver to you and you can get ready for spring. Click Here to learn more about composting.
Keep Art Supplies Out of the Landfill
Green Team TipDo you love arts and crafting? Check out Scraplanta beside TJMaxx at Northlake for their schedule of fun creative classes and how to donate materials.
Shop Second-Hand Clothing
Green Team TipCreate a ‘virtuous circle’ with the clothes you wear by taking your old clothes to charity/thrift stores and buying second-hand.
Waste Disposal
Green Team TipDo you want to get rid of things DeKalb County won’t take in their curbside program? Try Ridwell! For a small monthly fee they’ll take a variety of your ‘no longer wanted’ items and non-recyclables.