District asks homeowners to “Skip a Week” of irrigation this winter
The Southwest Florida Water Management District is encouraging residents who irrigate their lawns to “Skip a Week” of watering during the cooler months of December, January and February.
Skipping a week of irrigation will help conserve drinking water supplies that the public needs for critical uses during the dry season. In fact, if everyone skipped one week of irrigation this season, it could save an estimated 1.7 billion gallons of water.
In addition to entering the dry season, the region has experienced an extremely dry fall, with dry conditions expected to continue through next spring. All 16 counties within the District are under a Phase I water shortage alert.
For additional information about water restrictions and water conservation, contact your local utility or visit the District’s web site atwww.WaterMatters.org/skipaweek/.
November 2010
3rd Annual Sustainable Buzz
The Sustany® Foundation will host its Third Annual Sustainable Buzz, to raise awareness for what’s being done to sustain Tampa Bay’s rich quality of life. The event will take place at the The Heights urban development, in the historic Armature Works building, 1910 Ola Avenue, in the downtown Tampa area.
This year we’re highlighting “The Art of Sustainability,” featuring art and photography from Carton Ward, Jr., Taylor Ikin, Stephen Gregory, Bill York, Angela Dickerson, and others.
Also joining us will be Tampa writer and publicist Paul Abercrombie who has compiled 100 eco-friendly recipes in a new book, Organic, Shaken and Stirred: Hip Highballs, Modern Martinis, and Other Totally Green Cocktails (Harvard Common Press). Abercrombie will be serving up one of the many drinks he collected from green-minded mixologists around the world.
Sample the best in fine organic wines, light cuisine and saunter through the gallery to the music of Jazz Guitarist, Tom Jemmott.
FMI: Sponsorship Opportunities PDF
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October 2010
Green Business Summit Comes to Tampa
Second Annual Tampa Bay Green Business Summit: The Business Case for Sustainability
FMI www.GreenBusinessSummit.org
200th Anniversary of Oktoberfest!
Come join Tampa Heights down by the waterfront on the Hillsborough River for the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the City of Tampa. The Heights of Tampa, on the Hillsborough River will be celebrating with german cheer, dancing and singing to cooler weather and colder beer along the Hillsborough river downtown at the heights this Oktober 15th, 16th, and 17th. Oktoberfest Tampa 2010 is a time to unwind and make new friends. Learn new customs and sing a few songs. FMI www.OktoberfestTampa.com
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Sustany® Partners with The Friends of Clean City and the City of Tampa
The Sustany® Foundation, in partnership with The Friends of Clean City, organization and the Clean City Division of the City of Tampa helped support and sponsor the 2010 Tampa Clean City Day event. Individuals, groups and organizations from both public and private sectors in Tampa who share a common vision for a cleaner city environment participated in the event.
Actual project events and activities were held on March 20th at several sites the 166 square mile perimeter which makes up the city of Tampa. The numerous sites of the morning clean-up event included sites throughout the city including East Tampa, New Tampa, North Tampa, South Tampa and West Tampa. Activities included beautification projects, school clean-up efforts, Adopt-A-Street clean-up Programs, waterway and river front clean-ups, and awareness about dumping, trash and recycling city-wide. Ultimately, these are all critical to the preservation and sustainability of the city, Tampa’s urban/suburban sectors, and ultimately the Hillsborough River watershed and Tampa Bay.
A second part of the event was held in an afternoon ‘Clean City Festival’ in Raymond James Stadium. The Tampa Clean City Day involved some 40 vendors, plus events and educational activities. The Sustany® Foundation, with The City of Tampa’s Clean City Division and FOCC supported the “Tampa Clean City Day” event by organizing and sponsoring multiple activities, including waterway and river front clean-ups, beatification projects, educational information sharing and demonstrations (including an electric boat) at an afternoon Celebration Festival at Raymond James Stadium which included music, lunch, and youth activities. Attendees were able to participate, stopping at several booths with a focus on information sharing and demonstrations about ‘going green,’ sustainability, pollution, dumping, recycling and its effects on the environment. At various booths, including the Sustany® booth, attendees were informed of the relationships between litter, pollution and urbanization and its effects on natural systems and water quality, including the Hillsborough River and the relationships between the river, the environment, and the sustainability of the Bay area.
In the March 2010 event approximately 3,000 volunteers participated, and over 70 local area businesses and organizations partnered and participated in some capacity making this one of Tampa’s largest community volunteer efforts, focused on the cleaning the environment.
The Clean City Day initiative was originally designed to support beautification projects, clean up efforts and recycling awareness. Tampa’s Clean City division’s goal is to become one of the Top 5 ‘Treasured Cities’ within the United States, enhancing Tampa’s quality of life, economic development, while providing a more aesthetically pleasing city. In 2005, Tampa was ranked #31 by Reader’s Digest on their list of Cleanest Cities in the United States. In 2008, Tampa achieved its goal of being ranked as one of the Top 10 Cleanest Cities (#8) by Forbes Magazine on their list of Cleanest Cities.
The 2010 Tampa Clean City Day netted approximately 3 tons of litter and recyclables!
Below
Brian Curry and David Reed of The Sustany® Foundation present a check for $4,700 to Sue Ellen Sexton and The Friends of Clean City as Jim Pinkney, Clean City Division looks on.
Left to right: Jim Pinkney, Brian Curry,
Sue Ellen Sexton and David Reed.
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July 2010
Welcome Intern Kevin Wozniak
Sustany® is pleased to welcome Kevin Wozniak, a former National Merit Scholar at the University of Florida, currently a second year law student at Stetson as its legal intern for the fall of 2010. Kevin would like to practice environmental law.
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July 2010
Thanks to Intern George Rodriguez
Sustany® says thank you to Art Institute student George Rodriguez for his assistance with our web site.
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June 2010
Thanks to Intern Jessica Calley
Sustany® extends a sincere thanks to Jessica Calley, a senior law student at Stetson University College of Law as Sustany®’s first environmental law legal intern for the spring of 2010. Jessica is a 2007 graduate of the University of Central Florida where she earned Bachelor of Science degrees in both Psychology and Criminal Justice. She is planning on pursuing a career in environmental law following graduation from law school. Jessica assisted the Sustany® Board and members with numerous projects, including the Evergreen Schools Alliance County Wide Recycling Program, the Tampa Green Business Designation program, drafting a White Paper on water quality issues in Tampa Bay, and researching local government regulations for residential pools.
Sustany® has the good fortune of Jessica’s continuing participation.
Sustany® is pleased to participate in the Stetson Law School Internship program and offers a special thanks to Professor Roy Gardner, the internship coordinator.
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Sustany® Summer Camp at the YMCA
June 22, 2010
The Sustany® Foundation has partnered with the Hillsborough YMCA to provide eco-camp to children.
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The Tampa Green Business Designation Program awards first three designations
November 17, 2009 at 12:30 pm
by Katie Machol in The Daily Loaf
The Tampa Green Business Designation Programis a partnership of the Sustany® Foundationand the City of Tampa designed to highlight green and sustainable businesses in Tampa. Their website states:
“Businesses seeking to participate in the program will be reviewed against a list of criteria that evaluate their organization’s level of sustainability including green policies and practices. A business can achieve one of three distinct levels of green designation depending on the number of points achieved through the evaluation. Businesses that receive the designation will be provided an item to post at their business location that recognizes their achievement. Additionally, the organization will be included on the City’s green web page as part of Tampa’s “Green Pages” for businesses.”
The program has just given its first three Green Designations to Florida Business Interiors, Bayside Engineering and The Children’s Cancer Center.
Read the rest of this entry »
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The Sustany® Foundation and the City of Tampa Recognize Bayside Engineering as a Green Business.
Tampa, Fla. (October 12, 2009) – The Sustany® Foundation in partnership with the City of Tampa has recognized Bayside Engineering as a Green Business. Bayside Engineering has successfully completed an audit that evaluates their organization’s level of sustainability including green policies and practices. A business can achieve one of three distinct levels of green designation depending on the number of points achieved through the evaluation. Businesses that receive the designation have adopted green and sustainable practices that help save money and protect the environment.
Bayside Engineering, a women-owned civil engineering and surveying firm, was founded in 1994 by three civil engineers dedicated to serving not only their clients but also their profession and communities through a commitment to teamwork, integrity, passion and diversity. Today, with over 50 employees, these core values are the guiding principles of the firm, which serves public and private sector clients throughout Florida and North Carolina with traffic and transportation engineering, land development due diligence, water resource services, permitting, construction engineering and inspection, surveying and mapping, GIS and IT services.
When asked why it’s important for Bayside Engineering to adopt green practices, President Kimberlee DeBosier, PE says “this recognition reflects our and our clients’ commitment to sustainability and stewardship. We are proud of our leadership in raising awareness about the environmental and economic benefits of green practices.”
Patrick Herman, Bayside’s Director of Human Resources and Facilities Management noted that the company’s participation in the Green Business Designation Program is part of its ongoing efforts to increase the efficiency of its energy and water use and to reuse or recycle products.
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The Sustany® Foundation and the City of Tampa Recognize the Children’s Cancer Center as a Green Business.
Tampa, Fla. (September 9, 2009) – The Sustany® Foundation in partnership with the City of Tampa has recognized the Children’s Cancer Center as a Green Business. The Children’s Cancer Center has successfully completed an audit that evaluates their organization’s level of sustainability including green policies and practices. A business can achieve one of three distinct levels of green designation depending on the number of points achieved through the evaluation. Businesses that receive the designation have adopted green and sustainable practices that help save money and protect the environment.
The Children’s Cancer Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing children who have cancer or chronic blood disorders and their families with the educational, emotional and financial assistance necessary to cope with their life-threatening illnesses. There are approximately 24 programs designed to help families affected by childhood cancer and chronic blood disorders. The Children’s Cancer Center believes that it’s not just the child who has been diagnosed, but the whole family. Support services are provided whether a family is currently undergoing treatment, lost their battle or have moved on to survivorship stages of their journey. All funds raised go directly to the 600+ families in the Greater Tampa Bay area who are fighting childhood cancer.
When asked why it’s important to the Children’s Cancer Center to be green and environmentally friendly, Tyler Freriks, Director of Special Projects, feels that “as an organization that works closely with children, we recognize that it is our social responsibility to take part in the preservation of our environment. Thanks to Timothy Frendo of 3BL Consulting, our Going Green Program called ‘Turning Over a New Leaf’ is a low to no cost program.”
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The Sustany® Foundation Announces Partnership with City of Tampa on Green Business Designation Program
Tampa, Fla. (August 4, 2009) – The Sustany® Foundation, in partnership with Mayor Pam Iorio, is initiating a Green Business Designation Program for the city of Tampa. The Tampa City Council gave final approval to the contract on July 30, 1009. Businesses choosing to participate in the program will have to adhere to a list of criteria that evaluates their organization’s level of sustainability including green policies and practices. A business can achieve one of three distinct levels of green designation depending on the number of points achieved through the evaluation. Businesses that receive the designation will be provided a “green seal” to post at their business location that recognizes their achievement.
Additionally, the organization will be included on the City’s green web page as part of Tampa’s “Green Pages” for businesses and on The Sustany® Foundation website.
“Businesses participating in the program will inevitably reduce their carbon footprint, waste, and/or pollution to varying degrees,” said David Reed, Founder and President of The Sustany® Foundation. “And, probably
even more important to businesses in this difficult economic time, they can reduce their operating costs through a reduction in their energy and water use, or limiting their waste.”
“With the recent increase in consumer interest to purchase products or patronize green-friendly local businesses, this designation could become a marketing edge for participating businesses,” added Sustany® Executive Director Brian Curry. “We think that the marketing advantage along with a potential drop in operating costs gives participating businesses a competitive edge in this trying economy.”
EverGeen Student Alliance Student Projects at the Tampa Bay History Center August 2009
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Sustany® to Host Sustainable Buzz Event
Tampa — What: The Sustany® Foundation will be hosting its First Annual Sustainable Buzz, an Organic Wine Tasting. Hosted by Gianpiero Ruggeri, reps will be pouring pesticide-free, biodynamic wines paired with an assortment of imported meats and cheeses. When: Thursday, November 20, 2008 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Where: 2506 S Macdill Ave Ste B Tampa, FL 33629-7218
Who: The Sustany® Foundation was founded in 2007 to improve the Bay area’s quality of life by promoting a culture of sustainability on a local level. The Foundation encourages environmental and social responsibility by supporting individuals and organizations committed to stewardship and sustainability. We serve as a conduit between those who wish to contribute their time and/or their assets to protecting and enhancing our quality of life, and those who have effective plans and programs in development or underway that complement and advance our mission.
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Going Green Expo 08 Report
By Dewey Davis-Thompson
April 15, 2008
The Going Green Expo 08 at the USF Sun Dome had a carnival atmosphere. The venue was packed with a veritable cornucopia of eco-friendly businesses and organizations, as well as a healthy smattering of USF programs, LEEDS designs and student initiatives. In addition to booths, displays and presentations, there was plenty of healthy food, music, kids activities and lots of free stuff.
After fueling up on Jerk Hut chicken and an organic smoothie from King’s Natural Catering, I was privileged to see Roberta Fernandez of Planet Partnership speak on leadership in the Green and Gold room. Her presentation highlighted the serious environmental challenges of climate change and she encouraged all attendees to see themselves as leaders on this front. Presentations occupied three stages all day, on topics from transportation to gardening and water usage. At the end of the day I was able to pick up a free water barrel for the back yard, compliments of the University of Florida Extension.
Hosts USF and the Planning Commission and sponsors TECO and Lykes Brothers were front and center with information on their green initiatives. Lykes Brothers emphsized their stewardship of habitat for red cockaded woodpeckers. Also on hand were Tampa Bay Cycle and the Tampa Bay Regional Transportation Authority with their visions for alternative wheels. Tampa Bay Cycle encourages bicycling in the region and the TBRTA was talking about a light rail to connect and engage all communities, unlike highways that separate them. Other wheels were on display in the central floor including biodiesel and VO Conversion cars and trucks from Lokey and a gas-to- electric car conversion company called the Clean Vehicle Research Institute setting up shop in Drew Park.
There are many small start up businesses selling eco-friendly products and services, like tiles made of recycled glass, groundcover plants that soak up pollutants and green builders and real estate developers. Samples of natural non-toxic cleaning supplies were available from Green Man, a local maid service that offers green cleans and now has a line of green products. Flush Puppies gave away samples of biodegradable doggy bags as part of their effort to help in the annual battle against 10 million tons of pet poop.
Green student initiatives were abundant, including the planting of an organic farm on the USF campus and College Green Camp, which plans to build a zero-emissions home (if they can get the permits). Engineers Without Borders was raising funds for their upcoming projects to provide water and electricity to poverty-stricken countries.
Civil Engineering students were also at hand to describe their charts and diagrams detailing several experiments and designs to modify current public schools, the USF Sun Dome and other buildings to be more in line with LEEDS guidelines. This was a single project within the existing Civil Engineering program.
Roberta Fernandez gave away copies of Low Carbon Diet, and there was lip balm, squeezy toys and art projects for all ages and plenty of special fun for kids. There was a lot of excitement in the air, and many of the same folks should be The Pinellas Living Green Expo on May 3-4 and EFest in Sarasota this November.