FORT LAUDERDALE: THE LEAN, GREEN SUNSHINE MACHINE

A previous blog of mine cited the U.S. Department of Energy in saying that Floridians spend about 20% less per person on energy than any other state in the country. One reader wondered why.

I offered an immediate response, but the question got me thinking. Why is Florida so energy conscious? I conducted some research on my sunny city of Fort Lauderdale and found the simple answer in the local Sunday paper: People actually care.
There was an entire section dedicated to actively going Green in our city. Here are a few points I found.

Community Involvement: Thrift Stores run by charities such as Faith Farms, Women In Distress, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, local hospitals and churches not only help fund their designated causes but recycle clothes, furniture, office equipment, appliances, you name it--that would otherwise clog landfills. Recycling these goods saves our resources, cuts down on shipping costs and fuel consumption, and there's no packaging involved!

City Government: Articles in the newspaper, local magazines and mailers discussed energy saving tips and detailed facts about plastics, commuting and transportation, recycling almost everything, and proper use of appliances and home accessories. The City of Fort Lauderdale is sponsoring a "Green Expo" on April 25th in our riverside city park with entertainment, educational seminars, interactive displays and natural foods--all meant to tweak one's environmental consciousness. For more info, visit www.fortlauderdale.gov.

Local Retailers: Besides local farm stands and organic food co-ops available by word-of-mouth, more and more specialty stores are featuring organic meals and groceries, earth-friendly clothing, apparel and toys, and natural home-made soaps, body products and even furniture polishes. How-to kits for growing herbs and veggies on kitchen counter tops come in all shapes and sizes. Not only are these eco-conscious entrepreneurs creating new businesses, consumers are showing a huge attraction for these unique, Green products.

Local Builders: Especially condominium and townhome builders are integrating "Green" products to attract the savvy eco-buyers, such as bamboo flooring, solar water and pool heaters, energy efficient appliances, light bulbs and water fixtures, recycled and government approved "Green" building materials including waterway dockage materials, and energy efficient windows and doors. Each builder's individual talent creates beautiful, affordable, eco-friendly dream homes offering energy efficiency and pride of ownership.

As I find more clues to Florida's 20% reduction on energy consumption, I'll pass them on. In the meantime, can you find signs of the Green Evolution in your neck of the woods?