We invite you to join us on April 7, 2011, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, for a Florida 2011 state energy legislation briefing, including an overview of the renewable energy scene and time for open discussion with George Cavros, Esq., and Susan Glickman. Please register today.

The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) invites you to join us for a webinar on April 7, 2011, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM to learn about what’s happening in terms of energy policy for Florida in the current legislative session – and what’s not. The webinar will be hosted by those directly engaged in Tallahassee: SACE’s clean energy consultant George Cavros, Esq. and our lobbyist in Tallahassee, Susan Glickman.  Read more... (451 words, 2 images, estimated 1:48 mins reading time)

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer of his plans to leave the home building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife, enjoying his extended family. He would miss his paycheck, but needed to retire.

The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but in time, it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career.  Read more... (259 words, 1 image, estimated 1:02 mins reading time)

The Green Futures Foundation is a non-profit organization that partners with local restaurants to recycle waste vegetable oil into clean burning biodiesel fuel. Proceeds from this fund raising activity are used to fund local green education programs and scholarships for students interested in studying renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living topics.

A simple idea that turns a waste product into needed fuel, Green Futures has hit upon a novel way to incetivize restaurants into greening up their operations.  Read more... (403 words, 3 images, estimated 1:37 mins reading time)

There’s a new trend in big cities–sharing bicycles to get around town. Broward County just announced that bike sharing program is about to begin here in Ft. Lauderdale. As a cycling enthusiast, I love the concept and hope to see more people taking a quick ride from the office for lunch. It’s a great lifestyle changer that will save money, gas and congestion. Tourist or local, I hope this takes off.  Read more... (390 words, 3 images, estimated 1:34 mins reading time)

How do you measure and track energy use in your building? Have you ever heard of the Energy Star Portfolio Manger? With this tool, you can manage and see energy and water usage in your building, and rate its performance.

Portfolio Manager is an interactive energy management tool that allows you to track and assess energy and water consumption across your entire portfolio of buildings in a secure online environment. Whether you own, manage, or hold properties for investment, Portfolio Manager can help you set investment priorities, identify under-performing buildings, verify efficiency improvements, and receive EPA recognition for superior energy performance.  Read more... (454 words, 1 image, estimated 1:49 mins reading time)

On April 19th, Fort Lauderdale’s 93 Rock caught up with Richard Evans, CEO of the Community Greenhouse Foundation, for an Earth Week interview.

Richard spoke to South Florida, highlighting Ways people can be more water, waste and energy efficient in their homes and businesses. Input included how Communities can start to move to be more sustainable and how the Green America Business Challenge was developed. They concluded with turning the foreclosure crisis into opportunity to address our country’s need for energy independence and a plug for the Green Expo 2009 in Fort Lauderdale.

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Join in the fun activities as you learn the easy way about Going Green at the City of Fort Lauderdale and the Utility Advisory Committee’s Green Expo 2009, an amazing celebration combining education, green gardening, cutting edge products, giveaways, and family fun on Saturday, April 25th from 9am -3pm in Stranahan Park, Broward Blvd. & Andrews Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

How does a municipality help its community Go Green? With an outdoor get together featuring environmental booths and displays, plus various foods, educational materials and interactive activities for the whole family. This year’s Green Expo will highlight energy efficiency and water reduction products and practices to help homeowners reduce their electric and water use at home, and introduce businesses to innovative and new products.  Read more... (430 words, 6 images, estimated 1:43 mins reading time)

I take no offense (for who am I to be offended) with politicians, critics and laymen alike expressing their concerns over the national debt we will be leaving for future generations. That idea makes me uneasy to say the least, and while this unprecedented economic situation certainly begs the question over what the right solution is, I certainly cannot claim to know.

I do know there is a level of suffering for everyone in this mess: My dad, edging closer to retirement, now sees a sorry excuse for a 401k; Myself, a recent college graduate, struggling to gain footing in an ever-deteriorating job market; The children, who may be oblivious to the widespread hardship many are now facing, but will one day come to realize the full extent of their inheritance.  Read more... (758 words, 2 images, estimated 3:02 mins reading time)

One-third of businesses nationwide use re-manufactured printer cartridges. Recycling your laser and ink jet printer cartridges will reduce the amount of plastic put into landfills. Most cartridges can be recycled up to six times and are guaranteed by most manufacturers to work as well as brand-new ones.

Look at the instructions in the box of your new laser or ink jet cartridge to find out how to recycle your old one. Many companies will provide instructions, packaging materials and free postage if you wish to recycle your old cartridge, which is then refilled and used again.  Read more... (201 words, 1 image, estimated 48 secs reading time)

On Saturday, March 28 you can VOTE EARTH by switching off your lights for one hour. Or you can vote global warming by leaving your lights on. Save a little energy and be part of real democracy, speak up, and help us make a point.

The results of the election are being presented at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009. We want one billion votes for Earth, to tell world leaders that we have to take action against global warming.  Read more... (453 words, 2 images, estimated 1:49 mins reading time)

The Foundation receives inquires almost daily from governmental organizations, private sector companies and the general public related to funding, programs, resources and general guidance. The approval of the Recovery Act/Stimulus package is loaded with incentives which should move sustainable development and green buildings more into the mainstream.

Unfortunately, a majority of governmental agencies and private sector companies who can tap into resources from the Recovery Act/Stimulus package don’t understand that one of the key methods that projects should be utilizing is an integrated design process.  Read more... (521 words, 1 image, estimated 2:05 mins reading time)

An interview with Will Paul, creater of PlanetShifter.com, a green focused, “innovation network”.

I started PlanetShifter.com with developer Cheth Rowe and graphic artist Andrea Fuenzalida over six months ago because we need everybody’s ideas and vision to re-build a healthier, sustainable and just world. We need to take risks. I want us to reach past our self-interest and fears to risk and share in new sustainable solutions.

Somebody just asked me if I would have started this project if I had known where the world economy would be. I told her, Yes! We need to come together, now!  Read more... (490 words, 2 images, estimated 1:58 mins reading time)

Last May, I found a new American flag, still folded in its box, in a pile of trash on the curb. The instructions for flag etiquette in the box say, “The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, or water.” Does that include trash?

I rescued it, of course. We’ve debated for years whether desecrating the flag should be a crime or is protected speech. But I doubt many would argue that it wasn’t disrespectful and wrong to put the flag on the trash pile.  Read more... (887 words, 2 images, estimated 3:33 mins reading time)

My name is Lorraine and I am contacting you today on behalf of the National Audubon Society and a remarkable project called TogetherGreen. You are probably wondering what exactly TogetherGreen is. It’s all about helping people get involved in creating a brighter, healthier future. This Audubon program funded by Toyota aims to provide inspiration, leadership and opportunities that inspire people everywhere to take action at home, in their communities and beyond to improve the health of our environment.  Read more... (432 words, 2 images, estimated 1:44 mins reading time)

We often talk about air quality, but not so often is it focused on your living and work space. Green building, with an eye on energy conservation also, when done right, improves the interior space of your home, office or retail business. From natural light to better air handling, the ergonomics of a building impact every person who walks in. And on the of the simplest things you can do to clean up your inner spaces, involves a new coat of paint. But not just any paint.

It turn out, most indoor paint gives off toxins. Mythic Paint, offering newer cleaner paint, has just landed in Fort Lauderdale.  Read more... (411 words, 2 images, estimated 1:39 mins reading time)

Every day we take for granted the gas we put in our cars to get us where we’re going. For over 30 years, we’ve ignored crisis. And yet, pretending it’s not a problem hasn’t made it go away. Current financial times are gloomy. And the rapid rise of the cost of oil, and the scarcity of it, have driven us to the brink.

And as we prepare to elect a new President, neither of the candidates are offering anything new. Empty campaign promises won’t carry us into a brave new world. Dealing with America’s energy deficiencies require a plan. And I think the Pickens Plan is a giant step in the right direction.  Read more... (407 words, 2 images, estimated 1:38 mins reading time)

Florida’s DEP, Department of Environmental Protection, announces some amazing grants. The Executive Office of the Governor is accepting proposals for grant funding under the 2008 Florida Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficient Technologies Grants Program. This program provides renewable energy matching grants for demonstration, commercialization, research, and development projects relating to renewable energy technologies and innovative technologies that significantly increase energy efficiency for vehicles and commercial buildings.

Florida imports almost all of our energy, despite being bathed in sunshine, and even being called the “Sunshine State”.  Read more... (283 words, 1 image, estimated 1:08 mins reading time)

Many small businesses contact us, and ask what they can do to ‘green up’ their business. Community Greenhouse Foundation has developed a program to help you reduce electric and water usage, to encourage recycling and use of recycled materials, and to reduce the amount of solid waste your organization produces. And to launch their efforts, they announce the Greening America Business Challenge.

More than just green-washing, they’ve partnered with Energy Star (the US Department of Energy) and WasteWise (US Environmental Protection Agency) programs. Using nationally recognized third party tools and criteria, CGF helps you understand what your organization is doing, individually, and then prescribes a variety of efforts you can undertake to reduce your impact.  Read more... (994 words, 2 images, estimated 3:59 mins reading time)

How do you change the world? One light bulb at a time. Lighting plays a huge part of our energy use. All of us at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) ENERGY STAR program would like to wish you, our partners and friends, a happy Change a Light Day today!

October 1 marks the 4th annual ENERGY STAR Change a Light Day, and we just wanted to congratulate you for either being one of the 1.9 million Americans who have taken the pledge or for participating as one of the nearly 2,000 organizations that have driven pledges since 2006. Together we have collectively saved more than $220 million and prevented the release of more than 3 billion pounds of greenhouse gases with lighting alone.  Read more... (479 words, 1 image, estimated 1:55 mins reading time)

Program takes undersold homes, renovates them to be energy efficient, and works with municipalities for workforce housing.

The Community Greenhouse Foundation has been working for months on a program which is targeted to assist in the rehabilitation and sale of the “glut” of houses being dumped into the market resulting from foreclosures. The Greening of America’s House Stock program is a pro-active economic stimulus program that has been developed due to the current economic position of America. Never in our countries history has energy, housing and the environment been seen as critical issues at the same time.  Read more... (482 words, 2 images, estimated 1:56 mins reading time)

The Community Greenhouse Foundation is proud to announce a new Strategic Partner serving the South Florida communities to delivery it’s Greening Residential America program. The program helps to provides communities with the resources to bring green, attainable housing to their communities. New and renovated energy efficient green homes can be offered to City, County, governmental employees and the public through the program along with the opportunity for local community builders to tap into products and training to build greener and more energy efficient.  Read more... (346 words, 2 images, estimated 1:23 mins reading time)

The Sea Turtle Preservation Society has developed a new volunteer program that will be administered through the Marine Turtle Permit for Sea Turtle Strandings. This program, the Sea Turtle Emergency Response Program, has been developed to provide better beach coverage to search for and rescue post-hatchling sea turtles that have washed back ashore after a large storm event. The purpose of this program is to increase the number of post hatchling sea turtles that are rescued, rehabilitated and eventually released back into the ocean.  Read more... (417 words, 2 images, estimated 1:40 mins reading time)

With Memorial Day and the summer travel season approaching, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) encourages Florida residents and guests to travel close, clean and green with the launch of a new green travel Web site and Florida Green Lodging Program locator map. The newly launched green travel Web site offers resources for families and travelers looking to get away without depleting their wallets, gas tanks or the environment.  Read more... (943 words, 2 images, estimated 3:46 mins reading time)

Are you ready for the 2008 Hurricane Season? Learn what it takes to be Ready. Set. Safe.

Join us for the 3rd Annual Broward County Hurricane Preparedness Expo on Saturday, May 31, 2008, from 10am to 2pm. The event is held at the Broward County Emergency Operations Center, in Plantation, on 201 N.W. 84th Avenue.

A free, fun and informative event for the entire family featuring more than 40 hurricane preparedness exhibits. Take a tour of the Emergency Operations Center and see displays of emergency response vehicles. We’ll also have giveaways and prizes and parking is free.  Read more... (208 words, 2 images, estimated 50 secs reading time)

DEP’s Coral Reef Conservation Program helps educate and raise awareness of Southeast Florida’s coral reefs. Leading up to the International Coral Reef Symposium this summer, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Coral Reef Conservation Program is encouraging public awareness of coral reefs and their impact on Florida’s marine environment, the commercial and recreational fishing industry and the economy. Recognizing the importance of the state’s reef ecosystem, Florida is the site of the 11th International Coral Reef Symposium, July 7-11, 2008, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  Read more... (721 words, 2 images, estimated 2:53 mins reading time)

Florida Governor Charlie Crist today announced the 2008 Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change. The conference will be held June 25-26, 2008, at the Intercontinental Miami. Building on the foundation for Florida’s energy future began at last year’s summit, the 2008 summit will focus on stimulating economic development in clean technologies as well as greeningFlorida’s business community.

“Florida’s businesses continue to demonstrate that there is gold in green, and climate-friendly energy sources –like ethanol and solar energy–are bringing new prospects for our state,” said Governor Charlie Crist. “Encouraging companies to do business the green way as well as building a strong market in renewable energy technologies in the Sunshine State will strengthen our energy and economic future and protect our natural environment for generations to come.”  Read more... (497 words, 2 images, estimated 1:59 mins reading time)

When Bunney Brenneman, Chair of the Utility Advisory Committee, contacted the Community Greenhouse Foundation some four weeks ago, asking if we would like to help to put together the first GREEN Living Expo in Fort Lauderdale, our answer was a resounding: Yes.

We knew that the time was short and that we would be underwriting a majority of the cost to put it together, but we welcomed the opportunity. Our mission is facilitating Green America, one community at time, and with our roots in South Florida, the timing was perfect to launch our Green Communities program with www.greenftlauderdale.com.  Read more... (553 words, 2 images, estimated 2:13 mins reading time)

The Broward County Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department will recognize several local businesses for their outstanding environmentally-responsible business practices. Each business will receive an Emerald Award for their exceptional efforts in protecting the environment. The program recognizes businesses for their voluntary efforts in four areas: waste reduction, recycling, improved operating practices, and other “green” strategies that reduce pollution and waste. Both large and small businesses are eligible. One business is also honored with the title “Environmental Business of the Year,” which will be announced at the ceremony.

The Broward County Board of County Commissioners will present trophies to the winners at a special ceremony; followed by a brief reception:  Read more... (407 words, 2 images, estimated 1:38 mins reading time)

Hurricane Season is almost upon us. It begins June 1st and lasts until November 30th. To give us all the information we need, Broward County provides us their Hurricane Preparedness Guide.

The Official Broward County Hurricane Preparedness Guide is filled with useful information, maps, telephone numbers and web site addresses that helps you be ready – set – safe for hurricane season.

“Every family in Broward County should be prepared to get by on their own for 3 to 5 days in the aftermath of a major storm.” Lori Vun Kannon, Director, Broward County Emergency Management  Read more... (353 words, 1 image, estimated 1:25 mins reading time)

One of the main reasons the Community Greenhouse Foundation sponsored the Green Communities program was the idea of communities sharing good news and stories about the way people and organizations are doing positive things as they related to green sustainable living in their communities. The web sites are geared to act as a conduit to all sectors of the community and other communities around the state. This is a PERFECT example of what this program is supposed to promote and share.  Read more... (861 words, 3 images, estimated 3:27 mins reading time)

Wow, we were so busy with our event, that we forgot to post this awesome Earth Day weekend celebration they’re having in Hollywood, FL. Celebrate Earth Day – Renew the Earth this Saturday April 26th at Anne Kolb Nature Center at West Lake Park from 10am – 3pm. Free Presentations and Exhibits (separate Park Exhibit Hall $1/person).

The Anne Kolb Nature Center at West Lake Park hosts a nature event celebrating Earth Day and environmental awareness. Presentations, exhibits, arts and crafts, and other activities will be offered. Free and for all ages.  Read more... (227 words, 2 images, estimated 54 secs reading time)

Have you ever wanted to discover the real South Florida? An amazing hands-on educational tour is now available, that will take you to Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge and the Everglades National Park. Air boat ride included.

A two-day public education course on Natural Systems of South Florida is being offered on Thursday and Friday, May 15th and 16th, 2008. Topics covered will include wading birds, nutrient systems in natural areas, monitoring the natural system and many others.

Instruction will be by biologists, geologists, hydrologists, engineers, computer modelers, and other professionals working on South Florida environmental problems. Classes will assemble on Thursday at Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge and on Friday at Everglades National Park. No prerequisites are required.  Read more... (286 words, 2 images, estimated 1:09 mins reading time)

The City of Fort Lauderdale and the Utility Advisory Committee have planned an amazing celebration for Earth and Arbor Days and Water Conservation Month, this April 26th from 10am-2pm.

How does a municipality help it’s community Go Green? With an outdoor get together, of course. And with environmental booths and displays, educational materials and interactive activities. The Utilities Advisory Committee also welcomes the launch if this new online community, GreenFtLauderdale.com.

On April 26th from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM we are celebrating Arbor, Day, Earth Day, and Water Conservation Month. Green Living Expo Partners are the Utility Advisory Committee, AT&T, FPL, and Community Greenhouse Foundation.  Read more... (631 words, 11 images, estimated 2:31 mins reading time)

As I speak with people, I try to put down what ties us together and come up with a unifying mission of GreenFtLauderdale.com. Simply put, we speak to diverse segments of the community that care about our collective future. We speak to groups who share a passion for our unique quality of life.

“Quality of Life” is the buzz phrase for the 2000′s. I see mention of it everywhere, from real estate ads to not for profit brochures, from city websites to radio spots.  Read more... (459 words, 2 images, estimated 1:50 mins reading time)

AT&T, the nations largest wireless carrier, introduces an online starter kit for Cell Phones for Soldiers (CPFS) donation drives and challenges the public to double cell phone recycling by next Earth Day, 2009. In honor of Earth Day and the thousands of men and women serving in the military oversees, AT&T will collect old wireless devices for the Cell Phones for Soldiers (CPFS) program during the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Green Living Expo on April 26, 2008.  Read more... (363 words, 2 images, estimated 1:27 mins reading time)

Community Greenhouse Foundation welcomes the support of igourmet.com as its newest sponsor of “Green Communities” program. Supporting the not-for-profit “Green Communities” program for a Brighter, Sustainable Future, iGourmet.com has enabled us to use their program as a preferred affiliate. When you use iGourmet.com for your Organic and Specialty food purchases or corporate gift giving, it supports Greenftlauderdale.com and Community Greenhouse Foundation.

The Community Greenhouse Foundation is a not for profit organization that promotes and facilitates greener communities, through awareness, education and partnering, building bridges and uniting communities.  Read more... (724 words, 2 images, estimated 2:54 mins reading time)

Wow! We use a lot of Water! I was on the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Public Works web site the other day searching for how to get new water service and stumbled onto a Conservation Checklist. The check list is set up like a quiz to see how someone is doing in their home related to water conservation.

First it is a great little check list and I think it is great that the City has that kind of information and tool available for residents. Second–and more interesting to me–was how much water we waste and in ways that I never even thought of which I am guilty off doing. I thought I would pass the Quiz along hoping more people will get a little wake up call.  Read more... (392 words, 2 images, estimated 1:34 mins reading time)

Like every other day last week, I walked into the office and started to review my task and meetings for the day to make sure I was up to speed on everything. When I looked at my two o’clock appointment, I paused for a few seconds and yelled out to Sandy my assistant, “Who and what the heck is Carbon reduction at 2:00?”

“Your meeting is with Paul from the Environmental Services Department, I am not sure what the Carbon Reduction relates too, he said you were aware of the meeting,”Sandy replied.  Read more... (595 words, 1 image, estimated 2:23 mins reading time)

The Green Earth Expo, May 15-18, 2008, at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center, will be the largest show of its kind. Green Earth Expo allows hundreds of Green and Sustainable corporations and non-profits to showcase their Green initiatives to other businesses and consumers. Slated as the “World’s largest sustainable commerce and lifestyle trade show event, the Expo will feature major automakers, alternative energy providers, green construction fabricators and contractors, Green service providers, energy efficient appliance manufacturers, as well as health & wellness groups and organic retailers. Confirmed speakers include top level government officials, Green business leaders, and environmental experts.  Read more... (456 words, 2 images, estimated 1:49 mins reading time)

The International Bicycle Fund (IBF) is a non-profit organization promoting bicycle transportation and international understanding. IBF promotes bicycle and other aspects of on-motorized transportation worldwide, especially in less developed areas, with a particular interest in Africa and South America. Areas of activities include: creating a bicycle culture, urban planning, transportation planning, rural mobility, mobility for women, economic development, road safety education, human settlement and quality of life, personal health, environmental quality, energy conservation and responsible tourism.

Their fundraising is done through sponsoring environmental friendly, cultural immersion, small group, bicycle tour program for ordinary active people, to Asia, the Americas, and all regions of Africa.  Read more... (446 words, 1 image, estimated 1:47 mins reading time)