January 2010

January 2010

Topics in this months newsletter

Green Living Awards are Open for Nominations

Green Living Awards

It’s that time of year again, when GLEE asks you to help acknowledge and celebrate those in our community who take extra steps to green their environment. Have you, your business or employer, your organization or your municipality done something to live lighter on the land in 2009? No matter how small or how big, GLEE wants you to nominate these efforts for a Green Living Award!

GLEE’s 3nd Annual Green Living Awards highlights progressive steps toward sustainability and carbon reduction taken by local citizens, businesses, agencies, organizations and governments. The goals of the Green Living Awards are to promote Keys initiatives, educate about possibilities, encourage social norms, identify local leaders and promote pride and spirit in our islands.

Award Rules, Nominations and Application forms are available now, so nothing is stopping you from starting your application right now. Deadline for nominations and applications is 9 p.m. Friday, Jan 29th. See here for past applicants and award winners.
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Elected Officials, Decision Makers Name Sustainable Goals for 2010

We asked elected officials and decision makers in the Keys to provide us with one sustainability goal they would like to support or initiate to be implemented in in 2010.

Here are the responses we received:

George Neugent, Monroe County Commissioner, Dist. II
“To establish a recycling policy for Monroe County that maximizes the R4 philosophy while hopefully convincing the City of Key West to join the county in going out for a countywide RFP when the existing contracts expire.”

Roman Gastesi, Monroe County Administrator
“I have several goals, but two are a must:
1. Finalize Monroe County’s Strategic Plan, including the initiation of a Solid Waste Master Plan
2. Pass legislation in Tallahassee that will organize Wastewater implementation including a time extension and a long-term funding mechanism.”

Mayor Pro Tem Heather Carruther, Monroe County Commission, Dist. III
“I’d like to see recycling bins next to every traditional waste receptacle in all County facilities, to educate everybody about separating trash and to actually DO it.”

Marathon City Councilman Pete Worthington
“I would like to support a resolution that when the city replaces staff cars it only replaces them with hybrid vehicles or vehicles that get at least 30 mpg or better starting Jan.1st 2010.”

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The UPS Store: Green Business Means Green Savings

UPS Store in Marathon

Arno Silva applies his Green Business decal

The Marathon UPS Store became certified through the GLEE Green Business Program in December.

Storeowners Arno and Sharon Silva, who were already on the path to greening their business, decided to take the few extra steps needed to become certified in GLEE’s new program.

Located at 5409 Overseas Hwy, the 1,500-square-foot-business already recycles packaging and packing supplies and is a member of the Plastic Loose Fill Council, which promotes recycling of packing “peanuts.” To meet the requirements of the Green Business Certification Program, the Silvas set up a recycling account. The addition of a 50-gallon recycling tote, with a once-a-week pick up currently costs $10 per month through Marathon Garbage Services.

Having reduced their average electric bills by 103 percent over a three-year period, the Silva’s conservation measures have served them well. Steps they have taken to reduce their energy consumption include installing a programmable thermostat, use of CFLs, turning off spotlights that are not needed, buying a smaller Energy Star refrigerator for staff use, and conducting regular maintenance on their HVAC system.

Although the business does not use water other than for staff restroom facilities, making for minimal water conservation possibilities, the Silvas have installed a water cooler to reduce the plastic waste created by bottled water. They also employ reusable cups, each labeled with an employee’s name.

The business uses recycled paper in the copy machines and sells greeting cards made from recycled stock, both of which support the market for recycled paper.

The Silvas also took advantage of the free energy audit offered through FKEC and learned that they could reduce their energy bill even more by insulating the space between their dropped ceiling and the interior roof.

“By becoming certified, we’re hoping to set an example for some of the other businesses similar to ours,” said Arno. “But I really want to see all Keys businesses get with the program.”

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GLEE Board Reflects on Accomplishments in 2009

Recycing with a comic twist4th Annual Expo

Recycling Education with a Comic Twist             4th Annual Green Living Expo in Marathon   

We all know that GLEE as an organization accomplished many things in 2009. A few highlights include: Sustainability education through free workshops; providing green CEU courses for the building trades; the 4th Green Living Expo, featuring green education, products and services; four R4 Fairs promoting how to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rot; recycling workshops; Keyswide Sustain-Ability Programs for local municipalities; Green Living Awards for the deserving individuals, businesses and agencies; and the launch of the Green Business Certification Program in November. All this and more was accomplished in just one year- an amazing feat when you consider the volunteer hours that have gone into each undertaking.

Keys women do Green Drinks at Finnegan's Wake  Key West Trash Talk Campaign

Keys women do Green Drinks at Finnegan's Wake               Key West Trash Trash Talk Campaign          

GLEE’s accomplishments stand as a testament to the dedication of the GLEE board and the hundreds of volunteers committed to a sustainable Florida Keys.

Key West Climate Action Breakout  Green Business Training Workshop

Key West Climate Action Breakout                              Green Business Training Workshop

Here are what a few of our GLEE board members consider their personal “green” accomplishments for the year.

Jody Smith Williams

In 2009 I am most proud of two things:

1) The 20 percent summer energy savings we realized by installing six inches of spray foam insulation in the attic and under the floor. All credit goes to my handy husband Ross, who researched the best and most cost effective methods, and spent a few days on hands and knees making sure the foam got into every nook and crevice. Not only did our bills go down by 20 percent in the heat of the summer, but the house stays cool and less humid without the noise of air conditioning kicking on as often. An added bonus: the metal cans the foam came in are completely recyclable and were picked up curbside with a simple call to Waste Management. They collect these items every Tuesday.

2) The GLEE community garden. Started in 2008, the real abundance of this project blossomed in 2009, with a second productive season now underway. I would estimate that I harvested approximately $300 worth of organic produce from the four by10-foot plot, as I'm sure most of the other 40 plus gardeners did as well. The joy of saving money pales in comparison to the wonder and joy of working with neighbors and friends to reap the great reward of nature's bounty. I must confess that I am still working on my 2009 green resolutions of buying more fair trade products (coffee!) and investing in socially responsible companies. Our 6-month-old twin nephews will benefit from a Socially Responsible (SRI) college fund, currently being researched. Any suggestions, send them my way. Happy New Year!

Karen Beal

2009 has been a good year for 'green projects' for us. We try to make one "major" improvement to our home each year; this year we coated the roof with a super-white material that saved us $100 on our electric bill last September. We have found organic veggies, fruits and an organic bread baker here in the Keys and are enjoying the additions to our menu. And for the first time, I have used our own compost to build a raised bed planter for tomatoes, beans, spinach and eggplant - and it is growing like crazy. In other areas of our life, we are helping a son in Pennsylvania research sustainable building ideas for a new home he is building for his family.

Leda Dunmire

We’ve greatly minimized garbage - and even reduced our need to buy soil! - since getting into composting almost 2 years ago.

Kathy Kirkland

We installed two rainbarrels and a 300-gallon water collection tank on our house in Key West and on our house in the Panhandle. I also helped start a recycling program in my building at work.

Steve Grasley

Got the CO (certificate of occupancy) for our house after five years of construction…the only fully off-grid home in the city of Marathon! We buy no electricity. We buy no water. And we discharge no sewage. All electric power is provided by a solar system. Hot water is entirely solar. Water comes only from rain. The main shower discharges gray water. And the wastewater system is a hybrid compost-advanced treatment system that evaporates all residual water. It’s easier than you think to achieve zero net energy!

We have a collection of 10 canvas bags always in the car ready to use at the grocery store every time. NO MORE PLASTIC!

Now that recycling is a reality in Marathon we recycle as much as we possibly can. We are down to only one fairly full 30 gallon garbage can and two recycling bins a week.
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Readings to Inspire

Looking for hope or inspiring books about climate change and clean energy? Here’s a link that will simplify your search. Whether your looking for novels, exposés, histories, poems, or calls to action, Grist.org calls these the most inspiring climate and energy books of 2009.
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EPA Hosts Video Competition to Promote ‘Three Rs’ of Consumer Waste

Entries should be either 30 or 60 seconds in length. The video should creatively promote steps individuals and organizations can take to minimize negative environmental impacts within their communities on the following topics:

  • Reducing and reusing
  • Recycling
  • Composting
  • Consumption and its effect on environmental footprint

The winning submissions will be announced in April 2010 in time for the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Cash awards will be given to the top three videos for the following amounts. There’s also a special “Student Winner” category, exclusively for submissions by persons 13 to 18 years old at the time of entry.

  • 1st Place - $2,500
  • 2nd Place - $1,500
  • 3rd Place - $1,000
  • 2 Student Winners (13 to 18 years old) - $500 each

More information on the contest: http://www.epa.gov/waste/wycd/video
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ACTION OF THE MONTH

How to Recycle Your Greeting Cards

Wondering what to do with all the cards you receive during the holiday season? Sierra Club suggests you give those greetings a second life by sending them to St. Jude's Ranch for Children. The organization's Recycled Card Program accepts used cards through February 28, and the recycled cards created by the children can be purchased throughout the year.
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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

T.J. Patterson: GLEE’s Marathon Man is Still on the Move

By Chantez Neymoss

T J Patterson

TJ Patterson with kids Ariana and Evan at GLEE Biodiesel Rally

As a founding member of GLEE, retired board member T.J. Patterson is amazed by what the group has been able to accomplish since its inception in 2004. He counts among those accomplishments the widespread use of biodiesel in municipal fleets, increased recycling rates in some areas and a resurgence of residential solar systems throughout the Keys.

“None of this was happening before GLEE came along and encouraged the green movement,” says Patterson. “With an all-volunteer board of six or seven people, we were able to do an amazing amount of work.”

Patterson recalls that GLEE got its start when a small group of passionate environmentalists gathered at Marathon’s Public Library to discuss the launch of an event that would soon become known as GLEE- Green Living & Energy Expo. The event was destined to become an organization.

Patterson is driving force for many of Florida Keys Electric Cooperative’s (FKEC) green initiatives, serving as the utility’s Member Service Representative, handling customer service, public relations, legal issues, and, in his words, “pretty much anything unusual that comes up.” As for FKEC’s innovations — it’s the first utility in the Keys to install two grid-connected solar arrays, one of which is the second largest in the state of Florida.

By his own initiative, Patterson is now the “go-to solar guy” to many. Trained at Florida Keys Community College in the design and installation of residential solar systems, Patterson can now offer FKEC members information and services to meet the ever-expanding interest in solar energy.

With more than ten FKEC members now using solar systems connected to the FKEC grid, and more applications in progress, solar net-metering numbers are expected to continue to grow in the FKEC service area. “I’ve worked with a lot of these members from the beginning,” says Patterson. “Where to go for solar rebates, incentives, lists of all the known solar contractors -- this is the kind of information I provide to help get their projects off the ground.”

By sponsoring the popular Green Living Expos held in Marathon since 2004, Patterson and FKEC have made a major contribution to the GLEE mission of sustainable education. In addition, FKEC’s monthly magazine provides a good deal of coverage on GLEE, including a double-page spread promoting Expo that reaches FKEC’s 31,000 members.

FKEC’s commitment to the environment has not gone unnoticed. The staff’s efforts have earned the utility three Green Living Awards for providing such community services as free recycling bins, free energy audits, and free mulch.

But for Patterson, caring doesn’t stop with the environment. As a retired GLEE board member he now has more time to dedicate to the community in other areas. He continues to coach youth baseball and soccer each year, serves on the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYOSO) board of directors, is an appointed member of the Monroe County Green Initiatives Task Force, and provides outreach and education about environmental issues, electric safety and solar power.

Most recently, Patterson hosted nearly 200 children from Stanley Switlik Elementary School, providing both classroom instruction and a tour of the FKEC facilities, including showing off FKEC’s 100,000-watt solar array.

Overall, the hard work has been a rewarding experience that has had a lasting impact on Patterson. “The people that I’ve been able to meet and become involved with are some of the brightest minds in the Keys -- especially when it comes to green initiatives,” he says. “Working with the GLEE board and all the other volunteers I’ve met along the way has been an incredible experience.”
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THUMBS UP: Solar Panels Installed at FKNMS Will Generate Power for Visitor Center

Over Christmas week 209 photovoltaic panels, with the capacity to generate 27 kilowatts (AC), were installed on the roof of the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center in partnership with Florida Municipal Power Agency and Keys Energy Services.

The panels were energized and functioning on December 23 and began generating enough power for approximately 30 percent of the Eco-Discovery Center, which is the sanctuary’s free public science and visitor center. The “peel-and-stick” technology of the panels is the new wave in solar technology and the 18-foot long strips are attached to the roof and are rated to withstand 150 mph winds.

The FKNMS and ONMS are working to develop an interactive kiosk and educational display for the Discovery Center that will provide information about global climate change and renewable generating technologies.

The display is scheduled to be completed in early spring 2010. The addition of this solar technology further demonstrates NOAA’s commitment to resource conservation and provides visitors a firsthand look at steps they can take to increase energy efficiency in their own homes and businesses.

By applying and demonstrating new technology, the FKNMS hopes to inspire others to save energy and help to preserve natural resources, reduce pollution, and enhance energy independence.

Calendar Girls Raise $4,000 for Community Gardens

“Women Sustaining the Earth,” a calendar project produced by Erika Biddle with help from local women and photographers, has raised $4,000 for community gardens. Even better, news of the calendar has been posted on websites, covered in newspapers, picked up by the AP and aired on several television stations. The publicity and unique nature of the calendar – women ranging from 40 to 75 in various natural states – has raised awareness of GLEE and the many environmental projects in which the women are involved. A second printing is in progress and will benefit the Mana Project at Nancy’s Secret Garden. Find out how to buy one.
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Rainwater Cisterns Given County Health Dept. Approval

Monroe County Health Department administrator Robert Eadie, JD, recently issued a statement that said given the proper maintenance, " there are no inherent public health concerns that automatically preclude the use of a rainwater cistern for a source of potable water. In fact, from a historical perspective, cisterns have been safely utilized throughout the Keys for a long period of time." This statement was particularly important to residents of No Name Key and other homeowners who make use of cisterns.
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Keys Homeless Shelters Green Operations, Save Needed Funds

The Florida Keys Outreach Coalition’s five shelters for homeless families and individuals has saved $10,000 this fiscal year, according to an article in Keys Sunday. The 10 percent reduction in costs are attributed to investments in Energy Star-rated central air conditioners, programmable thermostats, hot water heaters and other appliances.

The coalition also switched out 44 toilets that used 6 gallons per flush, for new low-flow toilets that use 1.6 gallons. The upgrade was made possible by funding through Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority. Other green developments include new solar panels at the Neece Center that provide all hot water needs. Encouraged by the results of their investments, the coalition has committed to spending $50,000 of a $150,000 grant to upgrade the shelters’ lighting for energy efficiency.
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