Arkansas Business

Kermit the Frog once sang, "It Ain't Easy Being Green." Apparently, he never visited North Little Rock.

The choice of North Little Rock as a 2011 City of Distinction in the category of green and energy conservation initiatives was an easy one. City government not only goes green itself, but encourages residents to go green. In fact, it makes it easy for them to do so.

Terry Kessinger, North Little Rock’s sustainability manager, said practicing green at a grass-roots level has resulted in substantial greenhouse gas reductions, energy savings, quality-of-life improvements and job creation in the city.

A simple look around town proves his point. The city identified seven areas in which it could help residents embrace sustainability:

• Responsible revitalization of downtown businesses and neighborhoods.

• Expanding trail and transportation options: The city’s completion of the northern portion of the Arkansas River Trail helped land it a Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community Award, and a public CNG fueling station was opened in 2010,

• Enhancing the city’s services for recycling materials.

• Becoming a healthy community by promoting good nutrition and healthy lifestyles.

• Saving energy and money for both local government and citizens (the city offers free energy audits).

• Becoming better stewards of the environment, evidenced through 18 consecutive years of Tree City USA designation.

• Encouraging citizens and businesses to take an active role in the city’s future.

Enhanced Recycling