It can be easy to be green; Gwinnett treasure promotes green lifestyle

It’s a living, breathing example of green stewardship at its best. The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center, which opened in 2006, was the county’s first LEED-certified building, blazing a trail of environmentalism for the region. As an active model of sustainable construction, with water reuse, a one-acre vegetated roof and other sustainable building features, the 59,000-square-foot Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center is also a mecca for education for people of all ages.

“The center is a great example of sustainable components that people can replicate in their homes, including water conservation and energy efficiency,” said Jason West, director of development for the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center Foundation “And we have programs all year long to help adults and children understand the ease of being more green and environmentally aware.”

Programming at the center reaches all ages. “This past year was the first year of our Green Living Program, geared toward teaching adults how to make positive lifestyle choices that affect the environment,” West said. Concurrent programs for children ages 4 to 9 were also offered. “It’s amazing how much parents learn from the excitement of their children. It was very successful.”     Topics included Gardening & Landscaping, Food & Shopping, Stormwater Management and Backyard Wildlife Habitat.

This summer, camps for youngsters will be offered in a wide array of subjects – Camper vs. Wild, Art in the Environment, Designing Our World, Global Forests and Feathered Friends, Waters Wonders and Little Saplings.

“It’s all about presenting information about sustainability, nature and the environment,” West said. “People just don’t get outside as much anymore, so we’re here to provide the opportunities to show them that there is a world outside of our four walls.”