GOVERNOR O’MALLEY HIGHLIGHTS MARYLAND BUSINESSES COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY

Maryland Green Registry recognizes Maryland business for their environmental efforts

BALTIMORE, MD (September 30, 2009) – Today at the Baltimore Coca-Cola Bottling Facility, Governor Martin O’Malley highlighted the Maryland Green Registry, a voluntary self-certification program designed to promote and recognize “greening” efforts by organizations of all types and sizes in the State. The Governor toured the facility, one of the first Maryland Green Registry members, to learn about Coca-Cola’s corporate responsibility and recycling, water, and energy conservation sustainability efforts. The Maryland Chamber of Commerce endorsed the program at today’s event, which was attended by Maryland Green Registry members who shared information and best practices, Coca-Cola employees, and other State and local officials.

“Maryland businesses and other organizations already know that even relatively simple steps to reduce our impact on the environment save money and create a healthier workplace,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “The Maryland Green Registry provides an opportunity for these organizations to share their stories and inspire others to take steps to protect our air, land, and water, including the Chesapeake Bay. We’re fortunate to have nearly 80 organizations in our State who have agreed to come forward and participate – including this Coca-Cola bottling facility – and we hope to have hundreds more organizations join us.”

Membership is free and encourages businesses, churches, schools, governments, and other organizations to share information on the practices they have in place to reduce the environmental impact of their facilities and services.

Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Shari T. Wilson said: “The Maryland Department of the Environment’s mission protects the environment and public health in part through enacting and enforcing strong environmental laws, but we also work to help Marylanders – organizations and individuals – voluntarily take action to be “green.” The Maryland Green Registry is a great example of this.”

To become a member, Maryland organizations are encouraged to visit the Maryland Green Registry website at www.green.maryland.gov and complete a best practices profile. The registry includes checklists for best practices in the areas of environmental management and leadership; waste reduction; energy and water conservation; transportation; and green building design. The checklists offer examples of activities to be included in the organization’s profile, as well as inspiration and ideas for future efforts.

Participating organizations receive a Green Registry window decal for display, and their profiles are be posted online to demonstrate each member’s environmental commitment.

Introduced by Governor Martin O’Malley in October 2008, Smart, Green & Growing was created to foster a smarter, greener, more sustainable future for Maryland families. The Initiative is bringing together state agencies, local governments, businesses and citizens to revitalize communities, improve transit, create green jobs, address climate change, conserve energy, preserve land, and restore the Chesapeake Bay.