Green Express Encourages Customers to Consider Earth Hour

Atlanta’s skyline will join buildings around the globe for World Wildlife Fund’s annual Earth Hour by turning off non-essential lights on Saturday, March 27, at 8:30 p.m. local time.

For 2010, Earth Hour Atlanta seeks metro area commitments to surpass previous participation and to make a lasting impact on energy savings.

The annual global event organized by WWF is held on the last Saturday of March. Households and businesses are asked to do something quite simple—turn off lights for one hour in a call for action on climate change.

The collective actions demonstrate what can be accomplished when working together to protect the planet for future generations. Earth Hour 2009 gained support from nearly one billion people in 4,100 cities in 87 countries.

Energy savings affect water supply, air quality and economic development, all critical issues for Atlanta. “Our goal this year is to provide more ways for people to participate in Atlanta and learn what they can do beyond Earth Hour to make our communities more sustainable,” said Executive Director of Sustainable Atlanta Lynnette Young.

Earth Hour metrics are based on commitments made at www.myearthhour.org. To list a building—business, church, school, university, government—add it after entering your name when pledging. More than 400 buildings participated in the 2009 metro Atlanta effort.

"The momentum built over the last two years is certainly evident in the interest in participation we have across the City of Atlanta. We are committed to reducing our energy consumption at this hour, on this day; and throughout the year in city facilities," said Director of Sustainability, City of Atlanta Mandy Mahoney.

The “go-to” web site for local information on Earth Hour Atlanta is http://www.southeastgreen.com/ with updates posted at http://www.twitter.com/EarthHourATL .

Activities include the Earth Hour Family Fun Festival on Saturday, March 27 at Atlantic Station from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Entertainment features the Seed & Feed Marching Abominable, arts and crafts, kids’ parade, environmentally conscious vendors and children’s poster contest winners.

To set up an account with GREEN Express, click on this link.

Recession Forces New Strategies for Courier Company

Atlanta, GA--In 2006 a marketing team was assembled to create Green Express, Atlanta's first eco-friendly courier. As the group explored reducing consumption of natural resources, it quickly became apparent that there would be an entire paradigm shift with a new company.

The conventional methods that were the status quo in the courier industry would not work going forward in a world that was becoming more energy conscious every day.

The group determined hybrid electric cars would work best for reducing fuel consumption and reduction of carbon emissions. There would be massive savings in fuel cost and less pollution with the hybrid cars. Eliminating paper could be done by e-mailing bills which the enviro-friendly customers would accept. Even the office could be replaced by tele-workers and laptop computers that were mobile.

The new company was launched in January 2007 with the idea that everybody in Atlanta, given the same price and choice of eco-friendly, would choose the green courier alternative. The core assumption was most people like clean air, energy efficiency and on a conscious level it feels good to use vendors who are doing the right thing. Green Express could be the next great company starting in Atlanta.

One variable that wasn't accounted for was the sub-prime mortgage meltdown. It's not a great idea to launch a new service company when the main customer base is moving to crises state. With a customer base dependent on the sale of homes, Green Express launched at the same time real estate went into a market free fall. Real estate attorneys, mortgage lenders and home builders businesses were cut by nearly 75% overnight and the courier business was down stream and took a huge hit.

For Green Express, the newly launched company had one choice. Find a new customer base quickly. Because of the market dynamics, fear kept some companies from making any changes which meant they would not be switching to the green couriers.

However, Green Express started pursuing customers like architects, engineers, commercial builders and non-profits who had a natural tendency to use eco-friendly vendors. Green Express started picking up new green friendly customers daily. Green Ex held their own in the toughest of economic times by replacing nearly all of their customer base.

As the economy worsened, Green Ex kept adding green friendly customers which offset the declining demand of the overall market. The Atlanta real estate market eventually hit bottom and managed to stay in a holding pattern which was bad news for the courier industry. Green Ex decided the only way to survive was to keep fighting for the newly targeted eco-friendly clients.

Green Ex started spending more time communicating to their customer base and building the relationships. The company took a new look at the drivers and how they were representing the company. Green Ex invested in new green uniforms which helped brand the service in a refreshing, new way. The company changed out the standard clipboards that hold the signatures, for a green presentation notebook which had a better presentation and marketing value.

The drivers were encouraged to keep their cars clean and continue to put their best foot forward because the best way out of the recession was new customers and drivers with great attitudes. Every process was re-evaluated to insure that loyal customers were given great service.

Nothing came easy. It wasn't the vision that was birthed three years earlier when the market was at an all time high and the courier business was thriving. However, sometimes persevering is success. After two and half years in a difficult economy , the green courier company has a new appreciation for good customers, loyal clients and a faith that better days are ahead.

For more information on Green Express, go to http://www.greendelivers.com/ or call 770-394-3131.

Green Express Couriers Joins US Green Building Council--Atlanta Chapter

Green Express couriers took one more step in delivering their earth friendly services by joining the U. S. Green Building Council--Atlanta Chapter. The hybrid car courier company could add LEED points to architects, engineers and builders who use their eco-friendly courier company.

Green Express delivers packages in hybrid cars which use less fuel, emit less carbons and are better for the environment. By switching to hybrid cars, Green Express reduced fuel consumption by 50% and carbon emissions by 80% within the first year.

Green Express was named Innovative Company of the Year in 2007 by the
Clean Air Campaign of Georgia. The green couriers have been featured on the Weather Channel and CNN for their work to improve the Atlanta environment.

The U.S. Green Building Council Georgia State Chapter was formed in November 2008 to advance and promote sustainable and environmentally responsible planning, design, construction and operation of the Georgia's buildings, landscapes, cities and communities.

The purpose of the Georgia State Chapter is to:

Provide regularly scheduled opportunities for members to exchange information with other persons having similar interests;

Raise awareness of Green Building principles and practices among the design, construction and real estate communities as well as the general public;

Provide forums for the exchange of ideas;

Form partnerships with other local building-related and environmental organizations; and Promote membership in the U S Green Building Council.

The Georgia State Chapter is the local voice of USGBC, and chapter members are key to raising awareness about green building. Chapter membership also provides excellent networking opportunities, the chance to serve on committees, and chapter member-rate discounts on chapter events.

The Georgia State Chapter is 501(c)3 non-profit organization with branches in Atlanta and Savannah. All branches of the Georgia State Chapter hold monthly meetings and/or monthly events for our members, in addition to holding LEED workshops and sometimes LEED User Groups.


For more information on US Green Building Council, visit http://www.usgbcga.org/ and for Green Express couriers, visit http://www.greendelivers.com/

GREEN Express Couriers Deliver During Atlanta Fuel Shortage

Energy shortage. First the problem was high gas prices. People complained that $4 gallon gas prices were eating up their discretionary income. Then when Hurricane Ike came through, Atlanta experienced a whole new problem. No gas. Refineries knocked off-line had reduced supply.

Atlanta gas stations had either no gas or a significantly smaller supply which usually went dry within a few hours. Many people were wasting gas by driving around looking for service stations with long lines. Fear and chaos prevailed.

Hybrid cars use less fuel. During the gas crises, Green Express couriers kept on driving and delivering packages around Atlanta. Green Express had converted their fleet of cars to hybrid vehicles in 2007. The hybrid electric cars were getting 50 miles per gallon and could go around 1100 miles before re-fueling. As most Atlanta drivers were getting stressed about finding fuel, Green Ex drivers just kept driving and delivering rush deliveries.

Managing partner Jay Holgate said, "Long lines at gas stations are stressful. We are glad our green business model of hybrid vehicles supported our customers during a fuel crises."

Finding gas stations with fuel, no problem. Since the company has GPS tracking on their cars, the dispatcher could go on-line and communicate to the drivers when they were near gas stations that had fuel. Most gas stations only had fuel for a couple of hours so the key was to get to a station quickly before long lines ate up supply.

For more information about Green Express couriers, visit www.GreenDelivers.com or call 770-394-3131.

Green Express Partners with The Clean Air Campaign

We made it official and now we are partnering with The Clean Air Campaign of Georgia. The mission of The Clean Air Campaign is to motivate Georgians to take action to improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion. Green Express has made it our mission to improve the quality of life for the people of Atlanta through enviro friendly delivery services. Green express primarily couriers packages from office to office throughout Atlanta.

Green Express is proud to be a member of the Clean Air Campaign. Green Express has already reduced our carbon emissions by over 40 tons which is a start on improving air quality. Our Toyota Prius investment was expensive but it is in the best interest for this great community. Green Express is also reducing the total traffic in Atlanta. For every package we deliver, that is one less car on the road reducing the total traffic in Atlanta. Green Express is also partnering with nearly one thousand customers and is making an impact with e-billing, recycling and awareness to environmental stewardship.

Atlanta still has problems that need to be addressed. Atlanta is still the #1 city in the country for kids with asthma. Atlanta is still exceeding state and federal guidelines during the summer months. When car and truck fumes and a hot sun mix for a toxic air quality, it is dangerous for our kids and immune systems.

Working together, Atlantans can reduce emissions that contribute to smog formation. We are excited about being a problem solver in this arena. We hope you will join us. Please visit our website and partner with us at http://www.greendelivers.com/

For Last Minute Shipping in Atlanta, Call a Green Courier...

The Christmas season can get extremely busy with parties, family get togethers, gift buying, decorating and cooking. There is too much to do and not enough time to do it.

At this time, it is basically too late to send a package by UPS. The US Postal Service is out of the question for delivery by Christmas. If you want the gift to arrive before Christmas, you better call a green courier.

Green Express has it's hybrid vehicles all ready with the batteries at full charge to handle the last minute delivery needs of businesses and individuals with busy schedules. Our drivers want to make sure that all packages get to their destination before Christmas. Green Express drivers will be working late for the final days leading up to Christmas.

Even if you are not a current customer, Green Express can take care of your delivery need if you can pay by credit card. All it takes is a phone call with the pick up location and the delivery location and the order is in place. All orders must be called in between 8 am and 6 pm Monday thru Friday. To order a delivery today, call 770-394-3131.

For more information about Atlanta's Only Eco-Friendly Courier Company, go to www.GreenDelivers.com

Green Express was Awarded the Innovative Company of the Year for 2007 by the Clean Air Campaign.

Food Shed Planet Interviews Green Express

The following article was recently published in Food Shed Planet.

Jay Holgate considers himself to have been just a regular guy who went about his business. However, his business is a van-based courier service, and when he saw what happened with gas prices after Hurrican Katrina, he had an "aha" moment at the gas pump.

"I was angry at what the gas companies were doing," he told me recently, "and I was shocked to realize how fragile our society really is."

Jay, the father of two children, also discovered that Atlanta is number one in the nation in childhood asthma. The city had 47 days of smog alert last year, which means the air quality exceeded both state and federal air quality standards. Yet more and more cars pile onto Atlanta's roads each and every day. Jay was concerned about being part of the problem.

"I decided right then and there that we were going to change the way we did business," he said. "I believe we gotta' do the right thing."

So Jay's company did a complete overhaul, purchased $100,000 worth of hybrid vehicles and emerged in January 2007 as Green Express, the first courier company in the nation to use hybrid vehicles in its fleet. Since then, Jay has aquired 135 new customers, mostly businesses that have made environmental commitments as well. He has converted 92% of his clients to e-billing, reducing his company's paper use by 82%. He has reduced carbon by 34 tons so far this year. And Green Express was just presented with the PACE Innovator Award by the Clean Air Campaign.

But Jay Holgate is not stopping there.

"We are using the daily routes our drivers already cover to transport recyclables from our clients' offices to recycling locations," Jay explained. "And we are about to launch a healthy snack program for breakrooms where we will set up, stock and replenish alternatives to high-fat, high-sugar snacks. In short, we have expanded our borders for a traditional courier company."

And so, I asked Jay how I can use his services. He told me that many of his clients are teleworkers like me and Green Express picks up packages and documents to deliver to home offices and clients every day. What's more, Green Express delivers personal packages as well, for an average cost of about $25 (you can probably get that down to $15 if you can give him a few hours). Need a holiday gift picked up from a store at the mall? Save gas, save time and save your sanity by letting Green Express get it for you, especially during that last week of holiday shopping when UPS doesn't guarantee delivery and you just need that one last gift from the overcrowded, nowhere-to-park mall.

I asked Jay if he felt as if he had changed as a result of his Green Express epiphany. He told me, "We started being more conscious of the products we use on our bodies and in the environment. I eat a lot better now. I really care about improving Atlanta's air quality. Once you get aware of these things, then you just continue to grow."

Jay's "aha" moment reminds me of 9/12/2001, when I stood there at Publix supermarket, picking out toasted oat cereal and powdered milk for my emergency food kit and wondering about the security of our nation's food supply. And in that moment, I decided to plant my garden, which has since fed my family something every single day for five years now.

Jay's "aha" moment reminds me of the surreal conversations we're having here in Atlanta now about this drought situation--there are those who think it's nothing (the majority of people to whom I talk, unfortunately), and those on the other extreme who think Atlanta is going to dry up and become a ghost town and we need to start thinking about hightailing it out of here.

Consider that it rained the other night and the level of our main reservoir, Lake Lanier, was down the next morning rather than up (one little rain and my rainbarrel is full again, by the way). I've read reports that say that we need three solid years of above average rainfall to get our water level back to normal. I've read that this winter and next spring are predicted to be dryer and warmer than usual, and that by next summer we will be in a truly catastrophic situation.


Federal and state authorities announced yesterday that we have 79 days drinking water left in Lake Lanier. 79 days, folks. This is not a little issue. If my calculations are correct, that takes us to exactly Ground Hog Day--or should I say Ground Dry Day. And that would be precisely when farmers in Georgia would be planting their spring crops. Theoretically.

And I want to tell you out there--Atlanta is a lush city in the eastern part of the United States, at the foothills of mountains. If we are having a water crisis, it could happen anywhere. The burning question, of course, is what are we going to do about it? How can we use this as an opportunity to showcase the very best of humanity with innovative solutions that truly work?

Click here to find out more about Green Express and the Clean Air Campaign. By the way, I have located only three other couriers that use hybrid vehicles--one in Portland, Oregon; one in Ontario; and one in London. If you know of any others, tell us about them!

As for the drought, we're not done with that one yet.

For full story, go to http://www.foodshedplanet.com/search/label/Green%20Express

How do you get Recycled Items to an Atlanta Recycle Center?

They don't make it easy to recycle. We needed to get rid of some older computers, printers, and other computer components. Our goal was to get the items in a place where they could be recycled and potentially re-used for some other neat product.

We didn't want to send more junk to the landfill and see another report on TV of how our landfills are over filled and toxins are finding their way into the drinking water.

So as we searched the internet, we found all the locations in Atlanta that take older electronic equipment for use in recycling. Then I realized I have three computers in my basement that should be recycled and our staff members said they had old equipment stored away.

Another business opportunity. If you help people, you will always have a successful business. So Green Express decided we would provide a service for Atlantans who want to recycle electronics but don't have the time to wait around for a once a year event. Many of us want to send our stuff to the right place but we just don't have the time to find out where to go.

For a reasonable delivery fee, Green Express will pick up electronic equipment from your office or residence and deliver it to a recycle center. We provide this service year round and customers can even pay with a credit card.

It doesn't get any easier than that. You just make a phone call, our courier picks up your recyclables and we take it to a recycle center so you can go back to doing other more important things. If you have any questions, please call Brent at 770-394-3131.

We are excited that November 15 is National Recycle day. For more information about recycling, go to http://nrc-recycle.org/americarecycles.aspx

Earth Share of Georgia announces Partnership with Atlanta’s Only Earth Friendly Courier

ATLANTA, GA – Earth Share of Georgia joins forces with Green Express, the first courier in the country to switch to hybrid cars. For every new account that mentions Earth Share of Georgia, Green Express will donate one dollar to Earth Share on each delivery.

According to Madeline Reamy, Executive Director of Earth Share, “Our partnership with Green Express is a perfect fit. We work closely with Atlanta businesses who look to us for new ways to ‘green’ their workplaces. Here’s an easy way to reduce air pollution and save fuel.” Earth Share of Georgia is the state’s only dedicated environmental fund, and raises money for 61 leading environmental groups through employee giving campaigns and Earth Day events.

Jay Holgate, managing partner of Green Express courier knew it was time for a change when gas hit $3 a gallon last year. “Affordable gas is the lifeblood of any courier company,” Holgate explains. “With gas prices at an all-time high, our hybrids are delivering significant savings.” He sensed that Atlanta companies would share his commitment to reducing their own use of imported oil, as well as their desire for cleaner air. The response has been tremendous. After all, every time a courier is used, that’s one less car on Atlanta’s roads. And now through Green Express, people will support Earth Share of Georgia.

Green Express estimates the hybrid cars use 46% less gas than traditional cars. Their drivers travel at least 2,500 miles every day delivering packages throughout metro Atlanta in 16 counties. Green Express hybrids average 47 miles per gallon, while their traditional cars get just 25 miles per gallon.
Plus, the hybrids are zero-emission vehicles while idling or going below 30 miles an hour. At higher speeds, they put out one ton of greenhouse gases to every 3.4 tons spewing from conventional cars.

Holgate and his team all have young children which was another motivator to go green. He notes, “with Atlanta’s frequent smog alerts, we have more cases of childhood asthma than almost any city in the country. Reducing air pollution matters. It matters to our kids. And it matters to our customers.”

Once Green Express took the leap of faith going green, it became a crusade – a kind of challenging game – to filter every process through an environmental microscope. To boost efficiencies even further, the most advanced GPS mapping technology is used to reroute drivers to alternate roads to avoid the worst traffic – another way to save fuel. One wrong turn can waste a gallon of gas every day times 10 cars; that’s at least 2,200 gallons a year.

Holgate encourages his customers to rethink how often they use their own cars for trips Green Express can easily handle. “We are already on the road using the most efficient routes driving zero-emission cars,” Holgate remarks. “It makes sense to let us run personal errands as well as business deliveries to save gas and people’s precious time.” Learn more at www.greendelivers.com.

Earth Share of Georgia offers citizens one smart and simple way to care for our air, land and water. As Georgia’s only dedicated environmental fund, Earth Share partners with businesses and employees to support 61 leading environmental groups through workplace giving campaigns, Earth Day and other activities. For more information on how you and your company can help carry on the Earth Day message throughout the year, call Earth Share of Georgia at 404-873-3173, or visit www.earthsharega.org.


For photos and to schedule an interview, please contact Elizabeth Patrick at
404-873-3173 or elizabeth@earthsharega.org.







Green Express Partners with Earth Share

Atlanta Traffic—Courier Companies Could Reduce Total Volume of Polluting Vehicles

Our Goal: Reduce Atlanta Traffic. Every time our courier is used, that's one less car on Atlanta's roads. In some weeks, we have reduced 1000 cars a week from the roads of Atlanta. That is a difference. Heavens knows, we need it.

If Atlantans would call a courier instead of jumping in the car and making a special trip, we could significantly reduce the number of cars on the road. As more and more corporate companies partner with Green Express for courier deliveries, we will continue to reduce the total number of cars on Atlanta’s roads and polluting toxin emissions.

Green Express is also better for the Environment. Our hybrid cars put 80% less toxins in the air than most cars and we get 50+ miles to the gallon with our electric hybrid vehicles.

Green Express is the Only courier company in Atlanta to drive hybrids so it gives responsible consumers one more reason to Go Green in Atlanta.

I Prefer to Call a Courier than to Make the Drive Myself. Many times throughout the year, I will have an item picked up at a store or a package delivered to a friend instead of making the special trip. I save fuel, time and it’s better for my stress level to stay out of the traffic. Our drivers are already on the road with package carpooling so it is easy for them to include it on their route.

If you are going to do it, do it the right way. Some people say they make the trip to make sure it is executed the right way. The beauty with Green Express Couriers is that their isn’t the black hole with other delivery companies wondering if the package got to it’s destination.

Green Express has an instant email notification that sends you an email with 10 seconds of delivery with the name of the signature of who signed for the package. It takes a lot of the mystery out of delivery. We also have GPS on every driver so we always know where they are.

Heavy Traffic for Labor Day is Expected. As we approach the Labor Day weekend, Atlanta’s roads will be jammed packed starting at about 12:30 pm on Friday. Highways 85, 75 and 400 will be bumper to bumper as always. I-20 will be loaded as travelers going to the beach for the last time make their journey through Atlanta. I hope your trip is a safe one.

Just remember, the next time you need something picked up, make an effort to reduce traffic, call a Green Express courier at 770-394-3131 and let us reduce traffic together.


GO GREEN!

My Story of Why We Converted to Green Express Couriers

By Jay Holgate
Green Express Couriers

In 2005, three major storms collided and it completely changed my life and my perspective on the world. When my heart and mind changed, I made radical changes to my courier business. The reality for all of us is that the world is fine until a problem affects you directly. Then you make changes. This is my story of how I became involved in Atlanta’s environmental world.

Strike One-In August of 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit the northern gulf coast killing almost 2000 people, and destroying 81 billion dollars in homes and businesses. As the people of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi fled inland to Atlanta they were greeted by gas gougers who had bumped gas prices to over $3.50 per gallon . It disturbed me that as churches were volunteering and making resources available to help families that had lost everything, some unscrupulous businesses were trying to profit in their time of crises.

Strike Two- When the price of gas increased over a dollar a gallon in a short period of time, it created panic in Atlanta. Everybody started buying gas in case we had a shortage. I was leaving to go out of town on a Friday and three gas stations were out of fuel and at the fourth one, I had to wait 15 minutes in a line of cars with highly stressed out people to buy high priced fuel. At that very moment, sitting in that hostile line, I told myself I would do what I could to get my company away from dependence on fuel.

The following week, for my drive home from work, I put down the top on my car on Highway 400. When the traffic went bumper to bumper and stop and go, the fumes from all the cars and trucks were intoxicating. The smell of diesel and idling cars is a terrible smell. It’s hard to enjoy a car, the fresh air and freedom when you’re choking on dirty air.

Strike Three- Not long after my experiences with high priced fuel, gas shortages, and dirty air my wife and I started to seek out other areas for a better quality of life for our family. We soon changed our diet to get away from the preservatives and dairy products. We became a lot more conscious of clean water and clean air. In the process, I decided I was going to change my company. We changed to Green Express with an environmental message reflecting our core belief in doing the right thing. We started buying hybrid Toyota Prius cars; we moved away from paper and started e-billing, and started taking office waste to recycle centers.

Our Progess: So far this year, Green Express has reduced our paper consumption in the office by 75%. Through our hybrid cars, we have reduced consumption of gasoline by 650 gallons saving $1700 in fuel costs. By switching from tradional courier vehicle to hybrids, we have reduced our greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 30 tons. So we have reduced 30 tons of emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane from Atlanta’s air. Atlanta is excited about going green and we have picked up over 60 customers in a couple of months. Green Express is growing and plans on bringing on more hybrids by the end of the year as more new customers come on board.