IN FOCUS: TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT DEP - Oct. 21, 2016

Florida Department of Environmental Protection sent this bulletin at 10/21/2016 03:42 PM EDT
florida department of environmental protection in focus

Pollution Prevention: Encouraging Waste Reduction

Waste reduction is a key part of pollution prevention and environmental mindfulness by helping to eliminate waste at its source and keep pollutants out of the environment. By reducing the amount entering the waste stream, environmental impacts are reduced and resources are better conserved. Incorporating sustainable practices in all facets of the community, including businesses, offices, schools and home life, helps ensure that the needs of the current population can be met while also ensuring natural resources are protected for future generations. 

DEP's Office of Sustainable Initiatives

DEP's Office of Sustainable Initiatives assists Florida industries and citizens in protecting the environment through three main program areas: Florida Green Lodging, Florida Clean Marina and 
Clean Vessel Act grant programs. These voluntary, non-regulatory programs encourage the implementation of environmentally-friendly practices and recognize facilities for their commitment to environmental stewardship. 

DEP's Recycling Recognition Program

Developed to encourage private businesses, schools, public organizations and citizens to increase their sustainable practices as well as help reach Florida's statewide recycling goal of 75 percent by 2020, DEP's Recycling Recognition Program honors participants with exemplary recycling rates and efforts. For 2016-17, an organization's recycling rate must be at least 60 percent to receive recognition, which is determined through the department's Re-TRAC tool. Through the website, organizations can track different types of recycling efforts and produce reports on how those efforts are helping to shrink their carbon footprint. 

Operation Cleansweep
Free Pesticide Pick-Up 

Operation Cleansweep

Operation Cleansweep provides free statewide pesticide pick-up.

Improper pesticide disposal can pose a risk to human health and the environment, particularly the state’s water resources. To address this issue, Operation Cleansweep, a free mobile pesticide collection program, provides a one time, safe and economical way for farms, greenhouses, nurseries, golf courses and pest control services to dispose of cancelled, suspended and unusable pesticides. The program is a joint effort between the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) and DEP, and benefits small, family farms by relieving the high cost of proper pesticide disposal.

Last year, 102,558 pounds of pesticides were collected from 184 facilities, totaling 1.6 million pounds collected since 1995.

Commercial pesticide applicators can sign up for the 2016-17 collection by calling DACS at
877-851-5285. Homeowners wishing to dispose of pesticides are encouraged to contact their household hazardous waste program for more information.

Plan Your Next Vacation with DEP's Green Lodging Program

Green Lodging - Ybor City

The Hampton Inn & Suites in Tampa/Ybor City is a designated Florida Green Lodge.

Launched in 2004, DEP's Florida Green Lodging Program encourages hotels, motels, resorts and bed & breakfasts across the state to voluntarily reduce their pollution levels and adopt more environmentally friendly practices. As of March 22, Florida boasts 408 active, designated Green Lodges.

To become a Florida Green Lodge, facilities conduct a thorough property assessment and implement environmentally friendly practices in five areas of sustainable operations: waste reduction, reuse and recycling, water conservation, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and communications and education. As they implement sustainable practices, the facilities save money and increase occupancy rates.

The next time you’re looking for a place to stay, make sure you choose green. Visit the program's interactive map of Green Lodging facilities across the state. 

Green Tips: How to Reduce Pollution 

Conserving and protecting our natural resources helps ensure a sustainable future. Avoid creating pollution by incorporating "green" solutions into your everyday routine. Here are some simple tips to help you reduce pollution:

  • Conserve energy by turning off lights and fans when you leave a room.  
  • Choose cleaning products that are nontoxic, biodegradable and free of phosphate, bleach and dyes. Look for do-it-yourself green-cleaning recipes that use lemon juice, vinegar or baking soda.
  • Compost food scraps and yard waste.
  • Bring reusable canvas bags when you go shopping.
  • Refrain from using pesticides or herbicides.
  • Instead of driving, walk or ride a bike for short trips.
  • Install low-flow shower heads, faucets and toilets.

Sustainable efforts don't stop at home. Find out how you can go green at the office, in your community and on-the-go with more of DEP's green tips.