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How To Be Sustainable |
The following is designed to help you practice sustainable development principles. Acting in a sustainable manner is common sense, but not always common practice. Many of us - whether at home or in the office - already try to recyle and conserve energy. But, as you can see below, there are many more ways that you can help create a more sustainable Florida. Click the link below to go directly to your area of interest.
It is important for us to realize the impact we have on our environment. Our daily routines affect the world around us on a much larger scale than we’d like to think. But we have the ability to shape the future. It is up to each one of us.
There are simple steps we can take that will create a brighter future for us and generations to come.
Start learning about your impact now and find out what your ecological footprint is. What about global warming? Is there really anything you can do personally? See for yourself by learning how to offset your carbon emissions (it sounds worse than it is.)
Education
The key to becoming more sustainable is education. The more we know, the more we can do to make a difference. Expand your environmental literacy and then tell others what you learn!
Implementing sustainable practices in schools can have an effect too. It has even been shown that energy-efficient schools improve learning. Learn about the importance of sustainability and schools.
Home
You want to reduce your impact on the earth, but where do you start? The answer lies right in your own backyard. And not only will you be helping the environment, but your wallet too! Find out just how much money you could save by improving the energy-efficiency of your home.
Here are some other ways you can help:
- Get energy and water conservation tips for around the house.
- See what you can do to save energy and money in your home.
- Learn to conserve water at home.
- Get tips on sustainable lawn care.
- Learn more about composting in your own backyard.
- Get tips on green home cleaning.
- Learn more about what you can recycle and the recycling services in your area.
- Learn more about household hazardous waste and what to do with it.
Shopping
As consumers, we can make a difference through our personal purchases. We can reduce waste and save money by thinking twice about what we buy. Check out these green shopping tips for some ideas.
When shopping for home appliances, look for the Energy Star label. These products will be better for the environment and reduce your energy bill.
Food/Dining
You can make a difference in virtually all aspects of your life, including what you eat.
- With Wal-Mart’s new organic products and Publix’s Greenwise Market, organic foods are easier to find than ever. But what exactly does it mean to be labeled organic and why should I buy it?
- There are growing concerns about the safety of seafood regarding mercury and other toxins. Plus, the way fish are caught or grown can be harmful to the environment. Choose fish that are healthy for the oceans and you.
- You can promote sustainability when you dine out too. Here is a directory of “green restaurants” where you can eat environmentally friendly foods in environmentally friendly facilities.
Work
It’s not just in our homes that we can make a difference. Although we may not think about it, there are things we can do at work too. So why not take some steps to green your office?
One of the biggest ways we can help is by reducing waste. Did you know the average American uses 650 pounds of paper a year? If all of that paper was recycled, 100 million tons of wood could be saved! Save some trees and start a recycling program at work.
Vacationing
Want to know how you can take a vacation and help the environment at the same time?
- Ecotourism is a growing industry, especially in Florida. It’s a great way to have fun and support Florida’s natural resources.
- If you’re looking to travel beyond Florida, consider “responsible travel” options. It’s a way to discover new places while benefiting the environment and the local people.
- When looking for hotels, search for certified green hotels.
Transportation
We are all aware of the ever-increasing gas prices. And along with that comes the ever-increasing need to look at alternatives. But don’t worry; there are ways to save gas without buying a new hybrid car. In fact, there are ways to improve the fuel efficiency of your car without spending a penny!
Learn…
- Ways you can save gas and money.
- What you can do for the environment by driving less.
- How you can save gas with your current vehicle.
- About the benefits of Hybrid cars.
- About carpooling.
- About alternaive commuter services in Florida.
- How you can carpool, ride the bus, bicycle, and Park & Ride in North Florida.
- About the different alternative fuels to gasoline.
Health
Sustainability isn’t just about a healthy environment. It’s about a healthy community too. It’s important to be aware of environmental health risks such as…asbestos, lead and mercury.
Learn about environmentally responsible health care and environmental sustainability in healthcare.
Finance
We can also help the planet through our investments. With the Dow Jones Sustainability Index outperforming the general Dow Jones Index, right now is as good a time as ever. Put your money where your mouth is with socially responsible investing.
Community Action
Living sustainably is not just about the individual. We are members of larger communities and it is our responsibility to be active citizens. So get out there and get involved!
- Volunteer in your community.
- Help out at Florida’s State Parks.
- Get involved with Keep America Beautiful.
Sustainable Florida devloped the following standards with the assistance of hundreds of individuals and business across the state. Adopt and implement these principles and you are on your way to becoming a sustainable business. Implementing these standards in your business will be steps toward a sustainable future.
Taking the pledge shows you care about Florida's future and will do your part to create a more sustainable Florida. Take the Pledge Today! See who has taken the pledge. 
1. State Your Values - Identify your principles and goals in a public statement
2. Be Involved - Make a commitment to citizen involvement, collaborative approaches, and community partnerships.
3. Promote Stewardship - Be a leader on environmental quality and resource conservation.
4. Meet People’s Needs - Promote opportunity, equity, and improved quality of life.
5. Manage for Sustainability - Adopt best management practices, systems and new technologies.
6. Generate a Fair Return - Sustain your program through productivity and efficiency.
Small Businesses
Looking for a way to draw positive attention to your business or organization? Put into action sustainable practices and then tell people what you’re doing! You’ll be seen as cutting-edge and environmentally aware.
Learn…
- What your business can do to be more sustainable.
- How to manage your waste effectively.
- How to create a waste reduction program.
- How to make your meetings environmentally responsible.
- How to buy clean electricity for your small business.
- How to make your own clean electricity.
- What actions you can take to be more energy efficient.
- Additional ways to save energy.
- How to save energy and money with Energy Star.
- Steps you can take regarding transportation.
- About Green Purchasing.
- How you can offset your carbon emissions.
- What resources Greenbiz.com has to make your business sustainable.
- About DEP’s Small Business Environmental Assistance Programs.
Large Company
Do you want to stand out in your field? Do you want to be seen as a step ahead of the other guys? You can by making your company sustainable! Not only will you benefit from this positive public image, but you’ll benefit economically too.
Find out how your company can adopt the Ceres Principles, a code of environmental corporate conduct, and become part of a national network.
The ISO 14000 family of environmental management standards is another great resource for implementing actions toward sustainability.
Transportation
- Learn about the alternative fuels to gasoline.
- Discover alternative commuter services in Florida.
- Encourage your employees to carpool to work.
- Find out how an employee transportation plan can generate happier employees and tax breaks.
- Make your Fleet vehicles green.
Tourism
- See how the areas of travel and leisure can be sustainable.
- How can cruise ships be more sustainable?
- Make your hotel sustainable.
Learn…
- How to conserve energy in your main lobby.
- What to do in your hotel office to save energy and reduce waste.
- How to reduce waste in your conference rooms.
- How to maintain more sustainable guestrooms.
- How to conserve resources in the laundry.
- How your restaurants can be more sustainable.
- How parking lots and landscaping can be changed to be more sustainable.
- How to maintain a sustainable swimming pool.
- About sustainable storage practices.
- How maintenance of your hotel can be sustainable
Healthcare
In the healthcare industry it is crucial to comply with environmental standards. The Healthcare Environmental Resource Center can help you understand and follow both federal and state regulations.
Manufacturing
- How can industries and manufacturing companies save energy?
- Learn about how Design for the Environment is working with industries to prevent pollution.
- Learn ways to practice sustainability in all areas of a Chemical Process Industries plant.
Construction
If you’re thinking of building, think green! Learn about LEED Green Buildings and how to get your new building certified.
Confused about environmental regulations? Find out how Construction Industry Compliance Centers can help explain the environmental rules for the construction industry.
Marketing
So now that you’ve implemented these sustainable practices, you want to brag! How do you market your company as “green”? Check out this Guide to Marketing and Sustainability.
Model Resolutions and Municipal Ordinances
Government action can create new markets and set the bar for other organizations to follow. This overview prepared by the UF Program for Resource Efficient Communities provides a look at government actions in Florida and other states.
Education
Our children are the future. It is vital that we teach them now about environmental issues because they will be the ones making important decisions tomorrow. And what better way to lead than by example? Have kids ride to school on alternative fuel buses and learn about sustainability in energy-efficient schools.
- Why teach kids about energy?
- How do we get them interested?
- Check out Florida DEP’s Environmental Education programs.
Local
Are you a local official looking to get some more information on an environmental issue? Check out the Local Government Assistance Network.
Find out how you can work to create a healthy and sustainable community in your area with the Local Government Commission.
Learn about what DEP is doing to protect Florida’s natural resources through these programs:
