On top of working to draw more visitors downtown, Main Street Gainesville officials are working to make the visits more green.

During the nonprofit group's advisory board meeting Friday, Main Street Manager Angela Thompson introduced the idea of launching a recycling campaign.

"Free Green Can provides containers that look like our trash cans," Thompson said. "The goal is to have one by every trash can. We can't ask people to recycle if we don't give them the option."

According to Thompson, the free containers are being used at Zoo Atlanta and in numerous athletic arenas nationwide. They feature multiple panels for advertising.

"We would be able to control what type of advertising would go on the panels. We could even reserve one or two spots for announcements," Thompson said. "The container company would handle the advertisements, but we would get a portion of the revenue."

Although no formal vote was taken, the consensus from the group was they'd like to pursue a recycling program downtown. There was even discussion about researching commercial recycling programs for the restaurants and other businesses on the square.

During the meeting, the group also discussed Thursday night's Jingle Mingle, which featured carolers, a visit from Santa and train rides for kids. It was also an opportunity for visitors to stop in downtown businesses and have a look around while enjoying specially provided treats.

Scott Dixon, chef and owner of Scott's on the Square, said this year's event has been the best he's experienced, since opening three years ago.

Main Street Gainesville is a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, whose goal is to increase economic development in downtowns nationwide.