November 2010
November is R4 Month
Eco-Invasion: November Events Provide Sustainable Options for Keys Future
November 15 is America Recycles Day and, this year, GLEE will outshine past Novembers by presenting four Green Expos as a sponsor and participant of the full-blown eco-invasion of EcoWeek Florida Keys, happening Nov. 1-7.
Creating more than 55 EcoWeek “happenings” that involve local businesses, volunteers and tourists, EcoWeek is destined to create an increased awareness in the Keys of the potential for sustainable tourism in the form of low carbon-producing events that have a lighter impact on the residents and the Keys fragile environment. We hope that EcoWeek Florida Keys becomes more than a tradition, but also a barometer for how our communities choose to develop our economy and only industry, tourism.
If you have not yet attended one of GLEE’s annual Green Living Expos, now is your chance to go, see, learn, eat and drink in all that your local community Expo has to offer. This year, because you asked for it, GLEE brings the show to your backyard. Don’t be the only one in the neighborhood to miss out!
The themes of the four GLEE Expos: Green Futures, Green Business, Green Home and Green Life, were created so that each would have a focus. But each Expo will host workshops and exhibits from all walks of sustainability, including renewable energy, resource conservation, rainwater harvesting, healthy living and R4 education.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Rot!
The four tenets of GLEE’s R4 education help Keys residents reduce waste and conserve natural resources, all of which help us save money, encourages strong recycling markets and leaves a better planet for future generations. Listed in order of importance, reducing what you use and what you buy, are the most important steps you can take.
Second, finding ways to reuse items by fixing, repairing or repurposing takes creativity, skills and can be fun to do.
Recycling is the low hanging fruit of the R4s. How hard can it be with single stream recycling to throw that item into the recycle bin rather than the trash bin?
Rot? Composting is good for the earth and the natural process for disposing of organic waste. Give it a try and feed your garden with the soil amendment you have created.
In these economic times, you don’t have to be a tree hugger to understand the value of the R4 philosophy as it applies to the bottom line. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Rot! How many of the R4s are you practicing?
Prius Owners’ Exclusive
Want to test your driving skills as they relate to MPGs. Check out the South Dade Toyota Prius Challenge for fun and prizes.
EcoSummit Brings Government Entities to the Sustainability Table
Did you know GLEE is working with local businesses, utilities and municipalities to save everyone money and help create a green economy?
Want to hear from your municipal employees and elected officials just what they are doing to green their operations and reduce waste? Come to the Keys Wide Sustainability Project’s EcoSummit, where individuals representing local government and other publicly funded entities will report on their progress to eliminate waste and implement sustainable operations. Come to the Harvey Govt. Center, 1200 Truman Ave, Key West, on Wed. Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. to noon to hear Sustainability Updates from Keys Policy Makers.
Keys residents are encouraged to participate from 1-4 p.m. with Keith and Schnars, P.A., the World Café Environmental Summit leaders and Keys to Peace to help find solutions for the Florida Keys future. Your participation could help guide the County Comprehensive Plan.
From 5-7 pm, join us for “Citizens Solutions: You Be The Leader,” a special session for businesses, non-profits and citizens. The EcoSummit is sponsored by Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, Keys to Peace, GLEE and South Florida Water Management District.
Recycling & E-Waste Disposal Changes: More Options for Resource Recovery
Did you know that what can be recycled in Monroe County has changed? That’s right, more recycling for more resource recovery and less charges for solid waste hauling services. Click here to get the scoop on New Recycling in Monroe County.
Everyone knows the dangerous impact of electronic waste when it is not disposed of properly. Monroe County has increased the hours for drop off of e-waste and other hazardous waste. Click here to find out where to take your old electronics to keep e-waste out of the landfill where dangerous substances are known to leach into and contaminate our ground water.
Find out how local businesses are saving money and at the same reducing impact on the fragile environment of our beautiful islands by participating in GLEE’s Green Business Certification Program.
Go to the Green Business Directory to see our Certified Green Business Partners and other local businesses that provide green services, products and offer support to GLEE through membership.
Keeping GLEE Sustainable through Membership & Volunteerism
Want to become a member? GLEE’s Fall Membership Drive gives you a chance to renew or sign up before the Dec. 31st rush. Get more membership for your money by signing up now. Or attend one of our Expos where you can get a free gift with membership sign up or renewal.
GLEE is a volunteer powered organization. Without our dedicated volunteers, there is no GLEE. If you like what GLEE is doing, offer your support as a volunteer. By giving a few hours of your time, you help us develop a stronger organization, while you become more informed on all things sustainable. Open your world to new collaborations and access to the green network that is spreading throughout the Keys. Send a message to our volunteer coordinator Carolyn Sheets at volunteer@keysglee.com.