Choices, investment, companies and people doing good things
Fellowship, groups at work, encouragement, thought
Health, recreation, outdoors, fun, good living,
Environment, conservation, wildlife, ecology, habitat;
What are we entrusted with and what are we leaving behind?
Smart growth, green technology, energy, conservation
Concensus, bridge building, volunteering, working together
Green Communities At Work by Richard Evans
One of the main reasons the Community Greenhouse Foundation sponsored the “Green Communities” program was the idea of communities sharing good news and stories about the way people and organizations are doing positive things as they related to green sustainable living in their communities. The web sites are geared to act as a conduit to all sectors of the community and other communities around the state.
This is a PERFECT example of what this program is supposed to promote and share.
Healthy Living Expo by Kris Urquhart
Central Florida’s largest and most anticipated natural health and green living expo will host their 6th annual show on March 8th at the Florida Tech Clemente Center in Melbourne. Each year the expo attracts over 2000 visitors interested in products and services for a naturally healthy lifestyle.
The expo boasts hundreds of door prizes, free product samples, free admission, and offers opportunities for massages, free chiropractic screenings, energy treatments and much more. “Each year it is a full day of fun,” explains Kris Urquhart, Natural Awakenings publisher and expo co-producer. “The workshops are intriguing and the exhibit hall is filled with fascinating products to try and services to experience.”
Cocoa Beach Hotels Join Green Lodging Program Environmentally-friendly hotels conserve resources, save money and attract customers
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today welcomed both the Hampton Inn and Courtyard by Marriott into the Florida Green Lodging Program. The designations are the first for Brevard County and the 37th and 38th for the program, a voluntary state initiative that provides the lodging industry with technical assistance and encouragement to adopt cost-saving “green” practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources.
“With a commitment to adopting innovative green practices and protecting Florida’s environment, facilities in the Green Lodging Program are leading the industry by example,” said DEP Central District Director Vivian Garfein. “Their dedication serves as an example and a challenge to other hotels to adopt innovative green practices, conserve resources and save money.”
Homebuilder Debuts Greener Home by Lauren Furey
Home builders are starting to see the light. The green light that is. Mercedes Homes revealed their commitment to helping the environment with the unveiling of the company’s second greener home in Brevard County. The ‘Green for Life’ program, was rolled out in Brevard County by showcasing a green-built home and introducing the company’s commitment to green building.
Scott Buescher, President of Operations for Mercedes Homes’, kicked off the program by mentioning, “Mercedes Homes’ Green for Life initiative combines earth-friendly technologies with reduced energy consumption and water conservation, translating into savings on utility bills and big benefits for generations to come.”
Heroes Fight to Save Dolphins
It’s hard to imagine that every year dolphins, mammals so similar to us and beloved by so many, are slaughtered in huge numbers in Taiji, Japan. Here in Florida, seeing a dolphin can be the height of a boat ride or trip to the beach. In Brevard county, we see them regularly, from a dockside restaurant on the Indian River or walking the beach at Holland Spressard Park. They are amazing.
Recent news reveals the brutality of those who don’t see them as intelligent, compassionate, creatures. Fishermen in Japan see them as an industry, a food source and a big money maker. Hayden Panettiere, from the NBC series, Heroes, shows us that when a few brave people act, we can change the world. Below are links and article excerpts to catch you up on the news, and then info on what you can do to help.
Florida Greenways and Trails
Emphasizing a commitment to a healthier lifestyle for all Floridians, Governor Charlie Crist and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is recognizing October as Florida Greenways and Trails Month. With more than 5,000 miles of trails and 80,000 acres of greenway, Florida provides residents and visitors of all ages and abilities with year-round access to a wide variety of free health and fitness activities. Greenways and trails provide recreational opportunities, protect Florida’s natural resources, preserve historical and cultural sites and connect communities.
“Florida Greenways and Trails Month offers Floridians a chance to come together and celebrate our natural resources,” said Jena Brooks, Director DEP’s Office of Greenways & Trails. “Greenways and trails provide nature-based recreational opportunities as well as encourage use of alternative, energy-saving forms of transportation.”
Alternative Energy Car Rally
Tired of driving that gas guzzler? Come out on October 6th-8th at the Florida Solar Energy Center in Cocoa, as they host the SunDay Challenge, promoting alternative energy technologies. Come out and see electric cars and alternative fuel powered vehicles as they show off their stuff and compete. This is an education EV-ent, all are welcome.
The free event includes performance testing, autocross, workshops and a popular road rally. All types of powered vehicles from solar, fuel cell, electric and hybrid will participate. Visitors to FSEC will be able to see vehicles that are prototypes of future car technologies as well as many available alternative fuel models.
Community Worth Writing Home About
Have you ever been to a city that has a great bike trail? Recently, we rode some of Orlando's bike paths, including the West Orange Trail, It took us straight through Winter Garden, FL and what a transformation this town has made to it's downtown. It is a thriving boom town and ties into its rich history, making for one of the region's prettiest, and revitalized downtowns. Besides the economic benefits, we saw literally hundreds of people, cycling and walking. From families out for a stroll under the forested pathway to groups of bikers on road bikes training for the latest Iron Man, the place was abuzz with energy.
