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United Way of York County, SC and the organization’s changes to environmentally friendly practices have been highlighted in a new book, Nonprofit Guide to Going Green. Nonprofit Guide to Going Green is a comprehensive guide to help nonprofits take proactive steps to protect the environment and become more environmentally sensitive.
United Way of York County, SC is featured for reducing the use of paper in their campaign practices. The local United Way moved to a one-page pledge card instead of the traditional three-page pledge card two years ago, eliminating two-thirds of the paper used in the pledge cards alone. Additionally, United Way of York County, SC, discontinued informational brochures during campaign presentation, which were often left behind on tables or disposed of after the meetings. Instead, United Wayfollowed the suggestion of a local volunteer and began printing table tents with agency information for break rooms and cafeterias. By asking input from Employee Campaign Coordinators, company employees who run United Way campaigns within the business, United Wayfound less expensive and “greener” options that accomplished the same goal.
Images of United Way’s one-piece pledge card and table tents are also included in the book.
Grace Lewis, United Way’s Resource Development Director, met with one of Nonprofit Guide to Going Green’s authors, Adrienne D. Capps, about the agencies move to greener actions. “All of this is yet another step non-profits can take to be good stewards of donors’ money,” Lewis said. “Not only was it a ‘green’ move to help the environment, but the extra benefit was that money was saved, which allowed us to invest more money into the local community.”
Other green moves by United Wayof
York County, SC include printing fewer materials overall and encouraging people to access the information on the agency’s website.
“We make a conscious effort to upload our materials online for easy access,” Beth Covington, United Way’s Marketing and Communications Director said. “By printing a limited number, we are reducing the cost to United Wayand reducing the waste of natural resources. Everything is accessible on-line whenever needed.”
Covington said United Way’s website included:
· The 2008 Community Report Card and the 2009 Update
· The 10-Year Plan to Reduce Homelessness
· Help for Hard Times brochure
· 2-1-1 marketing materials
· Free Tax Preparation and E-filing information posters
· Printable Free Prescription Drug Discount cards
· All Campaign marketing materials, including pledge cards and posters
· Most recent Annual Report
· Agency Allocation Application for Funding Requests
· Most recent IRS form 990
“We have also moved from paper newsletters to e-newsletters,”
Covington said. “On our website is a place to sign-up to receive our e-newsletters, as well as links to all previous emails.”
United Way of York County, SC even went as far as removing disposable kitchenware and replacing it with reusable dishes, glasses, mug, flatware, etc. No longer are meetings held with Styrofoam coffee cups and saucers, but with ceramic mugs and plates. Staff members make an effort to turn off lights when leaving rooms or the office. A small reminder is taped to the break room light switch reading, “Please turn off lights to conserve energy – Thx!”
“I noticed when we began turning off lights in the common areas of our office building, others picked up the habit, too,”
Covington said. “We felt the cost savings to our agency and the impact on the environment would make it worth the change.”
For more information about Nonprofit Guide to Going Green visit www.greenonprofits.org. Nonprofit Guide to Going Green is available at Amazon.com and the publishers website at www.wiley.com.
For more information about United Way of
York County, SC , visit them online at unitedwayofyc.org or call 803.324.2735.
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