City Recognizes Local Television Station as a Green Business Member
February 26, 2008
COLUMBIA, SC – February 21, 2008 – WLTX, Columbia’s CBS affiliate, has been awarded a Green Business Member seal by the City of Columbia for its earth friendly practices.
The fast paced news organization began making changes to the way its does business with the purchase of one hybrid vehicle about a year ago. Given the price of fuel, WLTX General Manager Rich O’Dell tallied up the savings and ordered three additional Ford Escapes and one Toyota Prius with another on order to add to its fleet.
“WLTX has been a supportive partner of the city of Columbia’s green efforts since its inception. Rich O’Dell willingly accepted the challenge to implement a cultural change emphasizing measures that extend beyond simply recycling,” says Missy Gentry, Columbia’s Public Works Director.
To date, WLTX has recycled three tons (5,860 lbs.) of batteries, computers, monitors, printers, and other e-waste. The station will receive a certificate of proper disposal from its recycling company upon completion of a massive cleanup of storage areas. The next step is to replace the current heat reflective film on the majority of its windows with a newer, higher efficiency film and to “jazz up” its internal recycling program.
A Vista business also was recognized during Wednesday’s District Council meeting at Hand Middle School. The Print Machine (TPM) received the green seal having replaced 95% of conventional lighting with compact fluorescent low mercury light bulbs and turning off lights in unused rooms. TPM has established as its goal implementing a comprehensive recycling program for all bond paper and evaluating delivery vehicle efficiency, use of hybrids and/or alternative fuel vehicles, and e-invoice/e-check system.
Since implementing the Green Business Member program in September 2007, the following businesses have been recognized for green practices: B-P Barber and Associates, Carolina Imports, Cox and Dinkins, Roof Basket Works, Sonoco Recycling, and Studio 2LR.
