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Issue 72
January 2012

Dear (Contact First Name),
 

With the new year upon us, we resolve to make it a great 2012!
 
The Sustainable Florida Board of Directors is busy working on making this the best year yet with a variety of new efforts that will help you spearhead your organization's efforts to reduce expenses, increase market share, become better environmental stewards and improve the quality of life in your community. And, we will continue to lead the state toward a more sustainable future.

Here are a couple of exciting changes afoot for this year!

First, we resumed our independence and are no longer a program of the Collins Center for Public Policy. It was an honor to be part of such a great organization. We will continue as an independent non-profit organization and serve as the state's premier sustainability organization.

Second, you can now become a member of Sustainable Florida. Whether you are an individual, government program, small business or large corporation, we have an affordable membership level. Member benefits include participation in regional forums, conferences and events, exclusive special briefings and updates, and networking opportunities with sustainability leaders in Florida.
 
Of course, we will continue the Best Practice Awards program this spring, the Sustainable Florida Conference in the fall and a regular update to you about what's happening around Florida.

So check out this issue, share us with a friend or colleague, let us know what's going on with you and your organization. We wish you a prosperous and healthy 2012!

All the best,
Tim sig 
Tim Center, Esq.
Executive Director
 
P.S. Be sure to join us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date on the latest sustainability news in Florida and beyond.
Sustainability on Campus
Educational Alliance for Sustainable Florida logo 
Educational Alliance to meet next month

More colleges and universities are creating and hiring sustainability directors to help lead the administrative, facilities, curriculum and student engagement efforts to create a more sustainable campus. Valencia College is the latest to join the team. Congratulations to Deb Green!


Sustainable Florida is a partner with these campus-based sustainability professionals who gather monthly for a conference call to keep connected, share best practices and tackle challenges together. Next month, we will gather in Ocala on the Central Florida College.

If you want to join us for the call or participate in the February meeting simply contact us at [email protected]. We will be sure to get you connected. 
Florida Green School Network Created
Florida Green Schools Network 
New K-12 Effort Funded by FPL
 
After three years of presenting the Florida Green School Awards, the K-12 effort is morphing to become part of a larger network. Sustainable Florida is working with the Florida Department of Education and Department of Environmental Protection, along with Florida's Foundation to create a central clearinghouse for the green school movement in Florida. The Network has been made possible with a generous grant from Florida Power and Light.
 
The Florida Green School Network website will go live before the end of the month. Schools will be able to create an online profile highlighting their green efforts with photos and more. The website will highlight previous green school award nominees and winners. It will feature links to resources and more. The Network will work to combine all local, regional and statewide efforts to promote healthy  environments, environmental literacy and resource efficiency.

Look for the call for nominations for the Florida Green School Awards to be released next month. In the meantime, please join the Florida Green School Network online at Facebook and Twitter.
 
Let us know if you want to be part of the Florida Green School Network. We will be sure to let you know when the website goes live. Simply email [email protected].
Nominate, Attend and More....
 
Don't miss these events
 
As always, we want you to know what is taking place around the state. You can always check out our online Calendar of Events. Don't miss the deadlines for the awards program and hopefully we will see you in Tallahassee for the Summit.
 
The Everglades Foundation - a Sustainable Florida Member - is hosting the Everglades Water Supply Summit in Tallahassee, January 17-18 to inspire action on Everglades restoration. NBC Political Editor Chuck Todd will moderate the plenary session and there is a concert reception, too. This promises to be an enlightened conversation about the fate of the River of Grass.

Did you know that one in four Florida residents live in community managed by an association? The Communities of Excellence Awards recognizes those communities that are creating fantastic livable communities for their residents. The awards program is scheduled for March in Hollywood. But, you only have two more weeks to nominate your community. Nominate today!

US Green Ribbon Schools is a new program from the US Department of Education. Sustainable Florida will help coordinate the judging for this program. Florida Department of Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson can nominate up to four schools from the state. Stay tuned for how to nominate your school.

And, don't forget to join Tim Center at the Orange County Extension/IFAS Orange County Saves: Eco-Nomic Living Expo in Orlando on February 4.

Have an event you want highlighted? Simply let us know at [email protected].
Florida Legislature Preview
 
What's on the agenda?
 
Florida Capitol
Every ten years, the state goes through re-apportionment of legislative districts to ensure proportionate representation based on the latest census data. The Florida Legislature convenes two months early next week in order to complete the re-districting process so that the US Department of Justice and courts, if need be, can review the proposed plans. Most of those involved with the legislative process predict an interesting session awaits.

Sustainable Florida will monitor and offer assistance when asked to help ensure policies offer the best opportunity to ensure economic prosperity, environmental stewardship and help enhance the social capital of our communities. Here are a couple items worth watching:
  • Water - Watch for the de-regulation of gray water and water re-use (HB 639).
  • Energy - When is a utility not a utility? Perhaps its when you sell energy to your neighbor. HB 779 seems to create a new market for projects generating fewer than 5 MW.

Don't miss the USGBC Capital Days in February. This is a great chance to join a great group of folks, meet some legislators and encourage them to take action that will help ensure a sustainable Florida. 

 

Our Sustainable Florida Board and members look forward to visiting with legislators and staff this session to highlight some of the best practices in sustainable development.

Join NOW!
Here's a chance to become part of the premier sustainability program in the state. Members will get exclusive updates on breaking sustainability news, discounted admission to our signature events - Best Practice Awards and annual Conference - plus Regional Forums and more. Become a members and let us help tell your awesome story!