Last year’s recipients AIDS virus. “…This helps us generate a buzz, which helps open doors for future funding.” The new centralized HVAC system is projected to save the nonprofit $30,000 in 10 years. For the Alliance for Affordable Energy, the Green Games and LifeCity membership has provided a forum for discussing energy issues with an interested audience, and opportunities to engage them. The Alliance partnered with LifeCity to do a New Orleans City Council candidate debate, which gave the Alliance great exposure to LifeCity’s network. “It’s a way to cross pollinate issues,” Roberts said. “People get a broader understanding of what their impact is and how they can help in other ways.” The Alliance-LifeCity candidate debate is an example of how members can utilize the network to help fulfill their mission – and Roberts encouraged members to seek out these opportunities. Moreover, members of the public who carry the LifeCity Green Card could do the same – teach as well as learn. Christo said the Green Cards have helped to educate and engage the community in supporting the green economy. “It is a way of raising public awareness about the fact that there are green businesses and there is a financial incentive to patronize them,” Christo explained. “…In Portland I saw the same kind of card – everyone had one. It was like, you are not cool if you didn’t have one.” ZukaBaby customers who carry the LifeCity card get double the points of a loyalty card holder, Pelias said. This Magazine Street shop, which offers
sustainable and locally-sourced infant and toddler items, has competed in the Games from year one, has since reduced is carbon footprint by 6,526.6 pounds through green shipping, and is actively greening its supply chain. “The main thing is to be able to feel like you are walking the talk,” Pelias said. “…And you are held accountable – and have a reason to find ways to keep improving.” The Green Natties is the event
where all of this comes together - where environmental nonprofits are recognized for their work, businesses are honored for achieving their sustainability goals, and green consumers can mingle with the leaders in the city’s green business movement. They may even be inspired to be a part of it. “We were really honored,” Roberts said of the recycled wine bottle the organization received for its work last year, which included prodding the Public Service Commission to adopt energy efficiency rules and the city to increase the budget for the EnergySmart program. “It really meant a lot to us.” This year’s event begins with the patron party at 6 p.m. at the Eiffel Society at 2040 St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans. By 7 p.m. the awards ceremony begins. Early bird tickets are $35 until May 1. Tickets for the May 15th event can be purchased at www.greennatties2014. eventbrite.com. Colleen Morgan is a free-lance writer and environmental editor for Natural Awakenings-Southeast Louisiana. She may be reached as Colleen. NOLAHealthyLiving@gmail.com
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