Greetings!
On Earth Day I announced BeGreen Tulsa, a new initiative to heighten awareness on environmental issues and educate Tulsans on ways they can conserve energy and help our environment. The website for that awareness campaign, www.BeGreenTulsa.com, includes information about Tulsa's existing programs and future goals as well as "green" tips. The BeGreen initiative is the umbrella for all the City of Tulsa efforts, including Regreen Tulsa.
Next week is National Volunteer Week and this week's ENews includes information on how to get involved. In Tulsa, we will double the attention on volunteerism this month as the City of Tulsa partners with Tulsa Community College on Super Service Week to help Tulsa Achieves students earn their required 40 hours of community service. The week will kick off on May 5. This is a time to concentrate all local efforts on making connections between organizations and volunteers, and to also recognize Tulsans who give freely of their time to non-profits, fundraising and helping others. Through the Tulsa Achieves program, TCC students are required to pay back the community for their education through 40 hours of community service. They will be helping the City of Tulsa with many jobs, as well as working with corporations and organizations across the city.
As we recognize volunteers, I also want to take this opportunity to publicly commend and congratulate one of our top leaders in Tulsa, who also happens to be part of my staff. Hillary Parkhurst was one of 22 honorees recognized last week for her dedication to fundraising for cystic fibrosis. Hillary is a wonderful young woman who understands the importance of giving back to her community. We at the City of Tulsa are very proud of her.
Sincerely,
Kathy Taylor
Monday, April 28, 2008
Mayor launches
BeGreen Tulsa
On Earth Day, Mayor Taylor launched the city’s latest initiative, BeGreen Tulsa! and introduced Tulsans to a new website, www.BeGreenTulsa.com. The website highlights the City of Tulsa’s energy accomplishments as well as “green” programs and goals.
According to Mayor Taylor, “BeGreen Tulsa is a resource for businesses and individuals seeking ways to be more energy efficient and environmentally aware.”
Photo caption: BeGreen Tulsa logo artist Chelsea Cornell and Mayor Kathy Tayloor during the kick-off of BeGreen Tulsa
Mayor's Budget
Presentation to City Council May 1
Mayor Kathy Taylor will present the 2008-2009 Budget to the City Council on May 1, at 6 p.m. Citizens can watch the presentation on TGOV - Cox Channel 24. The presentation and the full City Council meeting will be rebroadcast beginning Tuesday, May 6, at 6 p.m. For further schedule information, visit TGOV Online.
Energy Conservation
A new feature is being introduced with e-news this week. Each week, we’ll be providing you with a tip on how you can save energy, water and fuel as we all work to make Tulsa a more sustainable community.
This week’s tip concerns how you can reduce your energy consumption at home. Here’s how:
Unplug Unused Electronics
Ten percent of the average electric bill is leeched by phantom electric use. The reason for the slow “phantom” leakage is because most electronics are created to power up at the touch of a button. But they need to have enough power running through them in order to instantly respond to your request. You can oftentimes tell if your electronics are oozing electricity if the little red light is on or if the plug is warm. Don’t leave TVs on when you aren’t watching them- simply turning down the noise isn’t enough. Unplug toasters, hairdryers, fax machines, printers, electric toothbrushes, dust busters, bread makers, coffee grinders, and any other unused electronics.
Tulsa Leads the Nation
in Volunteerism Hours
Tulsa is famous nationwide for the kind hearts and helping hands of its volunteers. The National Volunteer Week, April 27 – May 3, organized by Volunteer Central, celebrates the commitment and service of Tulsa’s many citizens who have embraced charitable causes. It also reaches out to public service ‘beginners’ who want to learn Volunteering 101 and explore volunteering options from reading to elementary school kids to cleaning up parks or helping at the Animal Shelter.
Great Buys to be Found
at May 3 City Auction
Shoppers may find what they’re looking for at the semiannual City of Tulsa Surplus Auction on May 3 at 10 a.m. The auction will be held at the City’s surplus property facility, 108 N. Trenton Ave., two blocks north and one block west of the I-244 and Utica Avenue intersection.
Merchandise will be available for viewing on Friday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 3, before the sale begins. Children under the age of 16 are not allowed at the auction site.
Free Woodchips
Available for Your Yard
Tulsans who still have tree debris to dispose of can take it to the City’s greenwaste recycling site at 10401 E. 56th. Street North.
The site is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. except on official City of Tulsa holidays.
Tulsans can also pick up free wood-chip mulch there for landscaping and gardening use.