While the National Geographic has created a Green Guide for everyday living, DeKalb County goes a little further and provides an outlet of learning and physical practices for community members to get involved in with the Go Green Initiative.

“Our mission is to get a lot of people informed about going green in their homes, businesses, etc.,” said Pat Vary, DeKalb County Board member of the Go Green Initiative.

The DeKalb County Board’s plan has been to provide leadership in the conservation of natural resources, water and energy within the county.

“The initiative started two years ago, and we’ve had informational workshops on green practices each year,” Vary said.

The Go Green Initiative Board brought in expert speakers that could help with buildings, gardens, businesses and the planet as a whole. The goal of many of the events the Go Green Initiative Board hosts is governed by conservation strategies to enhance society as well as environmental health.

“The county is doing an awful lot..with solar panels, geothermal and efficiency within several buildings to conserve on energy,” Vary said.

DeKalb County has attempted to set an example in the community and is taking it one step at a time. The Go Green Initiative has started by giving the board a bigger booklet at the beginning of the meetings to cut paper usage.

“We find even the little things that can in the long run help our environment, and it does help,” Vary said.

The Go Green Initiative has expanded throughout the DeKalb County area and hopes of reaching more people to make the expansion even bigger. Both the legislature building and court house have been transformed in some way to embody “going green” practices such as lighting. The Go Green Initiative is also urging others to take advantage of the information provided on the website and help with changing the environment to make it better.

“We have the website to give info to people especially students to get key tips on the environment,” said Mary Supple, DeKalb County Board coordinator. “The information given we hope has an impact…saving money for tax payers and generating money for revenues.”

The Go Green Initiative is hosting several upcoming events geared towards students.

“One of our events coming soon is our small business expo, we really encourage students to come out,” Supple said. “We want to help students bring their cause into fruition.”