DEP Encourages Floridians to Go Green for the Holidays

TALLAHASSEE ? The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging Floridians to give thanks for Florida?s environment and natural resources this Thanksgiving by adopting earth friendly practices.

?There are many simple ways to practice sustainability this holiday season and reducing the season?s impact on the environment is something for which everyone can be thankful,? said DEP Director of Sustainable Initiatives Deas Bohn. ?From composting Thanksgiving food waste, to shopping for Black Friday deals online, just a few simple steps are all it takes to work toward a more sustainable future.?

DEP offers the following 10 tips for a green holiday season:

1. Use green cleaners. When preparing for Thanksgiving guests, trade in harsh household cleaners for natural, non-toxic cleaners that are safer for both human health and the environment. For homemade green cleaning recipes, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/pollutionprevention/green_cleaning.htm.

2. Choose green lodging. If traveling or hosting out of town guests for Thanksgiving, consider utilizing a designated Florida Green Lodging designated property. Green Lodging facilities adopt cost-saving green practices to conserve energy, reduce water consumption, protect air quality and reduce waste. Visit www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging/lodges.htm to find a Green Lodging property for holiday arrangements.

3. Visit a state park. Entertain guests by visiting one of Florida?s state parks. Open 365 days a year, Florida?s state parks span more than 700,000 acres and 100 miles of sandy white beach, offering a glimpse into natural Florida. To locate a park, visit www.floridastateparks.org or follow parks on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/FlStateParks.

4. Avoid idling in holiday traffic - Dial 511. Crawling traffic can contribute eight times as much air pollution as traffic moving at regular highway speeds. Check the Florida Department of Transportation?s 511 traffic information hotline or Web site, www.fl511.com, to learn about traffic, road closures and construction to avoid idling and reduce air pollution.

5. Utilize reusable utensils during holiday meals. Use cloth napkins, silverware, glass drinking cups, ceramic coffee mugs and reusable plates rather take up valuable landfill space.

6. Share leftovers with guests or compost food waste. Send guests home with food or create compost instead of letting food and scraps go to the landfill. The U.S. Environmental Protection agency offers helpful tips for composting food waste at: www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/organics/food/fd-compost.htm

7. Prevent pollution. Choose reusable bags rather than plastic or paper when shopping on Black Friday. According to reusablebags.com, an estimated 500 billion to one trillion non-biodegradable plastic bags are consumed worldwide each year and are among the 12 items of debris most often found in coastal cleanups.

8. Shop green. This Black Friday, consolidate shopping trips, shop locally or skip driving by shopping online. Choosing to cut down on travel reduces air pollution, fuel consumption and lowers costs.

9. Give a green gift. As the gift giving season approaches, try giving appliances that are eco-friendly and protect air quality such as an electric grill or lawn mower, rather than gas-powered appliances. These gifts save gas, money and reduce noise and air pollution.

10. Use energy-saving LED lights for holiday decorating. Many families begin decorating for the holidays after Thanksgiving. Choosing LED (Light Emitting Diodes) holiday lights, rather than traditional incandescent lights results in both energy and cost savings.

For more green tips, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/green/tips/default.htm.

DEP?s Office of Sustainable Initiatives is comprised of three voluntary, non-regulatory programs that assist Florida industry and citizens in protecting the environment. The Florida Clean Marina program, the Clean Vessel Act grant program and the Florida Green Lodging program offer a variety of services including on-site assessments, consultations, speakers and workshops, all at no cost to citizens or organizations. The goal of the Sustainable Initiatives programs is to meet the needs of the present population without compromising resources for future generations. To learn more about DEP?s Sustainable Initiatives, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/green.