April 2012 marks the 42^nd anniversary of Earth Month. What started as one-day, feel-good reminder to do something because it’s good for us, has become a complete month celebrating and promoting sustainable resource management.

This month we’re bringing you perspectives of how organizations are positioning sustainability as an investment in resource management that can be measured on an Excel spreadsheet.

Read on for Earth Month inspirations that are less Birkenstock, more bottom line.

Feature Partner Perspectives

Making Austin Greener, One Trash Truck and a Gazelle at a Time
By Kathryn Cramer of Forefront

When Keep Austin Beautiful's Green Teens visited a landfill, they expected trash and odors. Instead, they found recycling, composting and some surprising, four-legged neighbors. That's how Texas Disposal Systems turns Austin's discards into environmentally-friendly products—and profits>>

The Green that PeopleFund Spreads is Good for Business and the Community
By Amy Lemen of Forefront

Nurturing the growth of small businesses that provide jobs and benefits to the Central Texas community is PeopleFund's mandate. One successful client shows how a demand for recycling and composting led to its growth>>

Water is a Resource We Borrow, Not Own
By Catherine Q. Morse of Samsung Austin Semiconductor, LLC

Can you imagine watering the landscape on a 300-acre campus with only recycled air-conditioning condensation? That is just one of the resourceful approaches to saving water initiated at Samsung. See how this semiconductor chip plant invests in conservation and is a leader for employees, vendors and other Central Texas businesses>>

Two Solid Green Investments: A Large Retrofit and a Smaller New Build
By Abby Sandlin of Forefront

When is going green a sound business decision in the building industry? Two Austin examples show the thought process and the potential return on investment behind the decision. The Austin Convention Center and LifeWorks chose sustainability despite challenges>>