2/17/08- As seen in The Citzen

Green group's membership skyrockets

BY ROB BUSWEILER

Heading into its second year of existence, Florida Keys Green Living and Energy Education (GLEE) President Alison Higgins marveled at just how much the program has grown.

GLEE recently wrapped up its first annual membership meeting, held at the Marathon Community Theater, which saw presentations by two speakers and many new faces in the crowd.

"I couldn't believe how many people in the audience I didn't recognize," Higgins said. "That speaks volumes about the potential that is out there."

The grass roots organization held two expos last year aimed at showcasing the different ways Keys residents, business owners and governing bodies could lessen their impact on the environment. The third expo is currently slated to be held at Marathon High School from May 9 to May 11.

The growth in popularity has created a sudden influx of ideas, and GLEE now looks to put those ideas into action. Environmental Consultant Jennifer Woofter, who spoke at Friday's meeting, discussed how important getting local businesses on board can be to a community.

"The participation of businesses can really drive everything else," she said.

On the forefront of that ideal is GLEE's work with Fishermen's Hospital in Marathon at bringing non-styrofoam alternatives in to help reduce waste.

"Something like that is huge," Higgins said.

Although the organization is comprised completely of volunteers at the moment, Higgins added that trying to raise enough funds to sustain a full-time employee is one of the major goals for 2008.

"As we continue to grow, our only limiting factor is having a full-time person dedicated to it," she said.

More information about the upcoming expo and GLEE can be found online at www.KeysGLEE.com.