The new, incentive-based effort will recognize faculty and staff who are making efforts to conserve resources and tackle the Presidents Climate Commitment -- an effort by institutions of higher education to set climate neutrality as a target -- through everyday office practices.

Starting this week, members of Ohio University's green network will work with volunteers from custodial services to distribute door hangers sporting the emblem "You've Been Caught Green Handed" to selected departments on campus. The hangers will be placed on the office doors of individuals who are demonstrating conservation efforts, including recycling and turning off lights, computers, peripherals and air conditioning units.

The goal, according to Sustainability Coordinator Sonia Marcus, is to shed a positive light on sustainable practices in the workplace.  Recipients also can submit their names into a drawing for a solar cell phone charger, compliments of the Office of Sustainability.

"In order for us to have any chance of success in meeting the great climate challenges of our generation, including the Presidents Climate Commitment, we all have to get involved and do our part," Marcus said. "This campaign seeks to commend and support those who are doing just that, often without any special recognition at all."

A list of all green-handed "offenders" on campus will be posted at the Office of Sustainability's Web site, www.ohio.edu/sustainability.