May 2011

May 2011
In This Month's Newsletter:
Join Us at the 4th Annual Meeting & Green Living Awards

The votes are in and winners have been selected in the 4th Annual Green Living Awards, recognizing individuals, students, agencies, municipalities and businesses for sustainable practices!

Thanks to the sponsorship Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville in Key West,  the 4th Annual Green Living Awards Ceremony will take place from 4-7 p.m. Saturday May 7th in the courtyard of the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, where a reception offering drinks and appetizers will follow the awards ceremony.  

The GLEE Board of Directors selects Green Living Awardees in a blind vote; Popular Vote Awardees are decided by the number of online votes cast for each nominee.

Please come join GLEE and help honor those making sustainability a way of life!

The event is open to the public, free to GLEE members and $15 to non-members. For more information contact awards@keysglee.com.

 

Save the Date to Plant a Shade Tree

Keys Energy Services (KEYS) will host its 16th Annual Tree Giveaway at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, May 7. at KEYS’ Service Building in Key West (1001 James Street) and KEYS’ Cudjoe Electrical Substation (MM 22, Oceanside). 

The giveaway is on a first-come, first-serve basis for all KEYS customers, who will have their choice of two free native shade trees each – while supplies last.

KEYS’ Tree Giveaway, which began in 1994, is part of a nationwide public power program called TREE POWER sponsored by the American Public Power Association (APPA). The national goal is to plant one tree for every public power customer for a total of 16 million trees. KEYS received the Golden Tree Award from the APPA for reaching its goal of planting more than 27,500 trees, or one for every customer it serves, in 2004. To date, KEYS has given away over 36,000 native shade trees.

 

The 17th Annual Tree Giveaway is scheduled to take place in 2013.

 

First State Bank Sticks with Being Green

In honor of Earth Day 2011, First State Bank offices are providing complimentary Green Bumper stickers for the community to use to promote recycling.

Residents can use the green and white "Recycling" stickers on cars, bikes or to transform almost any container into a recycle bin. “We understand that many of our Keys communities have a shortage of recycling bins, and we want to make it easy to be green!” said Don Lanman, First State Bank of the Florida Keys SVP/Marketing Director.  

First State Bank takes a leadership role through its many “Going Green” community efforts that has included free reusable bags, in-house conservation of energy and resources and support of local environmental groups. Three of the First State Bank of the Florida Keys branches have been certified in the Green Business Program.

  

First State Bank’s Green Team (L-R, back row):  SVP/Marketing Director Don Lanman, Credit Analyst Jana Kosova, Administrative Assistant Sarah Bringle, Public Relations Coordinator Annie Hamer (front row), AVP/Public Relations & Communications Manager Angie Walterson and Branch Operations Manager Jeanette Williams.

 

Recycling Tips for Events, the Workplace & Public Spaces

Getting people to recycle outside the home is a challenge. Much of the success depends on the “system”, or how you set up your waste receptacles. The easier you make it, the better it works. Here are some tips to make your system work:

In public spaces, pair recycling receptacles with waste bins. By putting the two containers side by side, you’re providing people with a choice. Someone who might throw that Coke can in the trash will think twice when he sees the recycling receptacle. Place a recycling bin somewhere by itself, and you are guaranteed to collect non-recyclables that should have gone into a regular waste can. Same with trash cans. Think of them as partners. Where one goes the other should too!

Because the Keys attract so many people from around the world, it’s important to label your recycling container clearly with what is accepted. Place labeling or signage where it can’t be missed – on the container itself or just above the bin at eye level seems to work best. 

 

KeysReuse.com Announces New Blog 

The website that enables locals to donate unused or unneeded items to Keys non-profits announced that it has launched a new blog. 

A new blog at KeysReuse.com lets people know about new needs listed on the site, enables people to notify non-profits about items they would like to donate, and announces events sponsored by non-profit organizations. 

The blog keeps users current and adds more possibilities for interaction.

Subscribe to the KeysReuse.com blog by logging on to the site and clicking one of the buttons in the upper left side of the home page. Subscribers can receive the blog either by email or via RSS. 

KeysReuse.com now includes 24 non-profits and over 200 items they need. As the site says, “Don’t throw it away, give it away.” 

 

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Upstream or Downstream, Jody Smith Williams Navigates the Currents of Green Living

Jody Smith Williams is a green activist who tends to look at the big picture. A former vice president of GLEE for three years, Jody has taken an active role in improving the downstream effects of consumerism in the Keys. She has also become a respected role model for healthy living and sustainable practices. 

In 2008, Jody led the collective effort to establish the popular Key West Community Garden, now serving more than 40 members. Over the years she has contributed countless hours to green outreach events, including Expos and R4 Fairs; lobbied for government accountability in waste reduction; and continues to educate the community in the connections between sustainability and healthy living in a monthly column she writes for the Solares Hill newspaper.

In 2009, when citizens of Key West demanded mandatory residential recycling from city elected officials, Jody led the movement that eventually brought about an ordinance approved unanimously by city commissioners. Though no fines were to be included in the ordinance until an education program could be launched, the support surrounding the ordinance created a greater awareness of the need for citywide recycling and recycling education

Following up on a promise to deliver recycling education, Jody was instrumental in launching the Key West Recycles campaign; collaboration with the city and GLEE volunteers to provide a recycling education program. Dispersing recycling handouts in a door-to-door campaign, the project involved many volunteers who gave countless hours to the program. But for Jody, efforts did not end there. 

Knowing that recycling is only part of the solution to waste reduction, she then introduced city commissioners to the possibilities of  “resource recovery” by arranging a workshop that introduced the concept of zero waste communities The potential outlined in the workshop, combined with support from residents, inspired commissioners to hire a waste consulting firm. Kessler Consulting, which specializes in innovative waste solutions that save money, will soon be negotiating the intricacies of an improved waste-hauling contract for Key West, vying to save money for the city and residents too.

Jody and her husband Dr. Ross Williams, a chiropractor who specializes in nutrition, often present workshops on healthy nutrition as a service to the community. Ross serves on the Key West Sustainability Advisory Board and both he and Jody use bicycles as their main mode of transport on the island. The couple grows much of their own organic produce at the community garden where member gardeners share produce, gardening tips and healthy recipes. A vegetarian, Jody also cans her vegetables, makes her own yogurt and grows her own herbs. Managing the compost operation at the garden brings Jody a great sense of satisfaction in diverting organics from the waste stream to make a rich soil amendment used in the prolific garden. “It’s a closed loop,” she explains. “Nothing goes to waste.”

Jody’s most recent honor was on Earth Day, when she took First Place at GLEE’s Nutritious & Delicious Finger Food Cook-Off. The blind vote competition included both sweet and savory delectables for participants to judge. Jody’s winning entry: Collard chips sprinkled with Good Tasting Nutritional Yeast and spices.

 

Sustainable Measures Help FKCC Save Green by Going Green

GLEE is pleased to give thumbs-up to the sustainable efforts of Florida Keys Community College, which have resulted in considerable savings to the budget and the environment. 

While students in the college Environmental Club launch an organic vegetable garden on campus, the administration’s steps to green campus operations have paid off with substantial savings. Some of that success is attributed to an energy audit conducted by a GLEE volunteer in 2009. The results has been an average savings of $5,000-$6,000 per month from the date of implementation last summer. 

Occupancy sensors installed in 14 Building C classrooms enable the lights and air conditioning to adjust when the rooms are empty.  An additional eight motion sensors were installed to control other lighting systems. 

“It just makes sense - and cents; we’re saving money while reducing our impact on the environment,” said FKCC President Dr. Larry Tyree.  

Other sustainable measures that have been adopted include:

  • Ongoing replacement of incandescent lights with compact fluorescent bulbs
  • A policy that all new computers and equipment meet Energy Star compliance
  • Energy efficient hand dryers installed in all bathrooms, which reduces paper towel usage and waste.
  • All copiers on site now offer double-sided printing capability.
  • A water purification system has been installed in two kitchen areas on the Key West campus resulting in a reduction of bottled water consumption and subsequent waste.
  • FKCC now uses a document shredding and recycling service. Containers are placed throughout campus for collection of office paper that is then shredded and then recycled.
  • Five large recycling bins are located throughout campus, while several small recycling bins, provided by Monroe County, are now in use throughout the administrative and student services offices.
  • LEED certified "Green" carpeting has been installed in two offices.

The FKCC Environmental Club has also initiated an organic garden project, which will be maintained by students in the club and as part of a biology class curriculum. Students from the Keys Center Academy will also be invited to participate in the vegetable garden pilot project.

This year, students in the Environmental Club cleared more than 4,000 lbs of trash and recyclables from the local environment during four cleanups. Club volunteers also worked at the Key West GLEE Expo in November; sent student protestors to the 350.org 10-10-10 event in Key West; wrote letters protesting offshore drilling; sent representatives to Senator LeMieux’s office in Miami in concert with OCEANA; and attended the 26th Annual Everglades Coalition Conference in January.

 

Homeowners Can Get Low-Rate Loans for Energy Upgrades 

Many U.S. homeowners are now eligible for up to $25,000 in federally insured loans to make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes. Upgrades include new HVAC systems, water heaters, solar panels and geothermal heating/cooling, adding insulation, sealing ducts or replacing windows.

Consumers with good credit scores, manageable debt and some equity in their homes can get PowerSaver loans at or below market rates to finance efficiency measures. 

Officials expect the loans will serve about 30,000 homeowners and will not only save them money on energy bills but also reduce pollution and create at least 3,000 construction jobs.

The loans are part of the Obama administration’s broader efforts to improve home energy efficiency.

In November, Vice President Biden announced a pilot program to test a new Home Energy Score, which ranks a home’s energy efficiency on a scale of 1 to 10. Similar to the miles-per-gallon label for cars, the score will tell consumers how their homes compare with others and how much money they could save with efficiency upgrades based on an energy audit.

The Home Energy Scores could help prove the payback for various upgrades, and the PowerSaver loans could expand demand for them that will prompt greater private investment.

The Federal Housing Administration will cover up to 90 percent of the loan amount in the case of default, leaving the remaining risk to the lenders.

Learn more about the PowerSaver loan program. 

 

Everyone Wins at GLEE Finger Food Cook-Off

No one went home hungry at GLEE’s Finger Food Cook-Off on Earth Day, and three contestants went home with goody bags full of fabulous prizes. 

First Place winner in the Finger Food Cook- Off, Jody Smith Williams, won for her unique Collard Green Chips seasoned with spices and nutritional yeast.

Taking Second Place was Jen DeMaria of Deer Run Bed & Breakfast who won for her strawberries filled with blackout mousse & vanilla cashew cream drizzle.

Coming in Third Place, among the more than 15 entries, Kerry Cromie won for her Island-style salad pinwheel wraps with bean, pepper-jack cheese, marinated bell peppers & tomatoes.

Everyone agreed that choosing just one dish was difficult, especially since there was no separate category for dessert! The event also featured a 50/50 raffle and the raffle of a backyard composter.  Celebrity bartenders were Key West Commissioners Teri Johnston and Jimmy Weekley, Doug Gregory, Todd German and Dr. Ross Williams. African drumming by Justin and Draven Steinbecker kept the crowd in synch, and with a lot of help from GLEE volunteers and friends, funds were raised to continue the work of sustainable education!

Help Yourself, located at 829 Fleming St., has been awarded an Honorary Green Business Certification by GLEE. The first honorary certification to be awarded by the Florida Keys green organization, the presentation to owner Charlie Wilson during Earth Week was in recognition of the green practices she and her staff employ daily. A vegan café that serves fresh organic food, grows their own herbs and hosts a Monday Farmers Market, the business is also exemplary in its sustainable practices. From recycling and composting to rainwater collection, Help Yourself is a model green business that offers healthy food and has become an asset to the community. From left are Molly Baehr, Tori Mata, Charlie Wilson, and Christine Zapka. 

 

 

 

?Mike Mongo and GLEE board members Karen Beal load donated computer equipment headed for Jamaica. Mongo repairs and delivers donated equipment to an elementary school project in Jamaica. These donations came from the Upper Keys Mac Users Group.

 

 

 

GLEE Want Ads

Help GLEE Continue to Green the Florida Keys!

Want to know more about organizing grass roots efforts and events? Want to collaborate with like

minded individuals, promote green business and sustainable practices?

Now more than ever, GLEE needs individuals like you to help sustain the momentum with programs,

outreach and implementation. In exchange for your efforts, we'll teach you useful skills that you can

use in many aspects of your life and work.

Please review the volunteer jobs below and contact us if you can help! Send an email to

volunteer@keysglee.com for more information.

 

Volunteer Position: Green Business Program Ambassador

  • Description: GLEE seeks highly motivated, energetic individuals to help inspire businesses to become Green Business Certified.
  • Location: Keys-wide
  • Responsibilities: Recruit and visit identified businesses and help them become Green Business Certified; deliver presentations about the Green Business Program; assist in and eventually lead Certification assessments. Follow up and document the successes of certified businesses. Report to Green Business Committee Chair.
  • Required Skills: Strong verbal communications, interpersonal and presentation skills. Promotional skills a plus but will train.
  • Time Commitment: 10-15 hours/month

 

Volunteer Position: GreenGov Assistant

  • Description: GLEE seeks future-minded individuals to assist in creating learning opportunities for our local policy makers.
  • Location: Keys-wide; also possible to work outside the Keys with regular access to phone and Internet.
  • Responsibilities: Assist in planning/implementing bi-annual GreenGov program, including speakers, attendees, sponsors, site and meal arrangements; maintain policy maker contact list; communicate and email items of interest to policy makers. Reports to Executive Director.
  • Required Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills and attention to detail. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Experience in event planning is a plus, but will train.
  • Time Commitment: 10-15 hours/month

 

Volunteer Position: Sustainable Solutions Series Assistant

  • Description: GLEE seeks imaginative, energetic individuals to help schedule and coordinate our Sustainable Solutions Series, which provide monthly programs on how to go green.
  • Location: Keys-wide; also possible to work outside the Keys with regular access to phone and Internet.
  • Responsibilities: Research potential speakers and sponsors related to GLEE's sustainable themes; Schedule presentations and write/email press releases; Coordinate with hosts for presentations. Reports to the Executive Director.
  • Required Skills: Strong written and communications skills; Ability to work independently and as part of a team; familiarity with various keys organizations a plus.
  • Time Commitment: 10-15 hours/month

 

Volunteer Position: Green Drinks Teams (Middle and Lower Keys regions)

  • Description: GLEE seeks happy hosts to help greenies in their region meet up and have a good time.
  • Location: Middle and Lower Keys
  • Responsibilities: Coordinate with and set up visible meeting space at your regional Green Drinks restaurant once per month; Chat up attendees and find out what they are interested in; help fill volunteer needs; inform attendees about upcoming events; Collect contact info from attendees for GLEE database; announce event one week before via email and Facebook. Reports to Executive Director.
  • Required Skills: Strong interpersonal skills and good note taking abilities; Good memory for names and faces a plus.
  • Time Commitment: 5-10 hours/month

 

Write to volunteer@keysglee.com if you are interested in making a volunteer commitment!