WASHINGTON, Jan. WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2008 - The USDA Headquarters Green Team, the BioPreferred Program, and the Sustainable Operations Council will host an exhibition on "Greening the New Year" in the South Building Cafeteria on Thursday, January 31 and outside the Whitten Building Cafeteria on Thursday, February 7.

"'Greening the New Year' seeks to educate USDA personnel in steps they can take to live and work in a more environmentally sustainable way," said Assistant Secretary Boyd Rutherford. "This event will also highlight steps the agency is taking to make USDA green."

Dr. Pat Millner of the Agricultural Research Service in Beltsville will demonstrate how the compostable food service products from the cafeteria are being returned as "earth friendly" soil amendments. In addition, employees will be introduced to new organic snacks that may become part of the USDA menu.

For more information, contact Shana Love, Special Assistant, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration, 202-205-4008 or Shana.Love@usda.gov or visit www.greening.usda.gov.