Thursday, May 31, 2012

Last one from National Geographic

BATHROOM
Faucet vs. Faucet aerator: A faucet aerator, which restricts water flow, will cut your annual water consumption by 50 percent. You can cut your water use even more by turning off the water when you brush your teeth. This can save up to 4.5 gallons (17 liters) every time you brush. If you shave, fill the basin and you’ll only use a gallon of water instead of the 15 gallons (57 liters) that would have gone down the drain if you’d kept the faucet running.

Bath vs. Shower with low-flow head: If you keep your shower to seven minutes under a low-flow showerhead, you'll use about 14 gallons (53 liters) of water or less. Baths usually require about 20 gallons (80 liters), the same as a ten-minute shower.

Low-flow toilet vs. Pre-1994 toilet: A low-flow toilet only uses 1.6 gallons (6.1 liters) per flush, while a pre-1994 model requires about 3.5 gallons (13 liters) per flush. If you have a pre-1994 model, adjust your float valve so it will admit less water into the toilet's tank.

EXTERIOR
Dark shingles vs. Light-colored shingles: Light-colored shingles can save up to 10 percent more on your annual cooling costs than a roof with dark shingles, and up to 20 percent in hot climates like Arizona and Florida.

Gasoline car vs. Hybrid car: Hybrid cars are twice as fuel efficient as gasoline-powered cars, averaging around 50 miles (80 kilometers) to the gallon. Other tips to cut annual fuel consumption include properly inflating your tires, which can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3 percent. Avoiding aggressive driving such as speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking is also a good idea. This can reduce gas mileage on the highway by 33 percent and around town by 5 percent. But some of the best ways to save gas are walking, carpooling, or taking public transportation.

Traditional landscape (large lawns) vs. Xeriscaping (Florida Friendly, native plants): You can use 50 percent less water with a landscape consisting of drought-resistant plants and grasses. Xeriscaping, which is centered on this practice, also advocates small lawns, native plants, efficient irrigation, and mulches, which slow erosion and evaporation. And don’t forget to group together plants with similar watering needs into specific zones.

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/everyday/greenhouse/tips.html


Gene Dempsey, City Forester
Environmental Services
Office - (954) 828-7704 Fax - (954) 828-7897

Think before you print!


Wednesday, May 30, 2012

More from National Geographic


BEDROOM
Incandescent bulbs vs. Compact fluorescent bulbs: Fluorescent bulbs will save you between 50 and 75 percent in annual lighting costs over incandescent bulbs. Even though these bulbs are initially more expensive, they give off less heat and last up to ten times longer than incandescent ones. If you do have incandescent bulbs, think about installing a dimmer switch and reducing your bulbs' brightness by half. This will make them last longer.

Laptop computer vs. Desktop computer: A laptop will give you annual computer-related energy savings of as much as 50 percent over a desktop. For additional savings, enable the sleep mode on your laptop after five minutes of inactivity. If you have a desktop computer with an old-cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor, consider replacing it with a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. A 14-inch (35-centimeter) LCD monitor uses up to 75 percent less energy than a 14-inch CRT monitor.

Single-pane window vs. Double-pane window: Depending on your climate, you can reduce your utility bill by as much as 10 percent with double-pane windows. To save even more, look for windows with the Energy Star label. They meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. government and can save up to 15 percent in any climate. However, if your home already has single-pane windows and you live in a cold climate, consider storm windows. They're almost as efficient as double-pane windows and cheaper. Other affordable options include caulking and weather stripping.

UTILITY ROOM

Top-load washer vs. Front-load washer: A front-load washer will cut your water and washer-related energy use by more than half over a top-load washer. You only need about 10 to 20 gallons (40 to 80 liters) of water to do a full load, while a top-load washer would have required about 40 gallons (150 liters). If you want to increase your savings even more, wash only with cold water the next time you empty your hamper.

Tankless water heater (heats water instantly) vs. Storage tank water heater (conventional water heater): Tankless water heaters are about 10 to 30 percent more energy efficient than storage tanks, which constantly have to keep water warm and are common in most U.S. homes. Popular in Japan and Europe, tankless models heat water only as needed in the pipe. If you're not in the market for a new water heater anytime soon, insulate your water pipes to reduce heat loss. From the tank, insulate at least the first six feet (two meters) of pipe.

Electric dryer vs. Gas dryer: A gas dryer will save you about 50 percent in annual dryer energy costs over an electric model. And if you use the moisture sensor, a feature on newer electric and gas models that automatically shuts off the dryer when clothes are dry, you'll trim another 15 percent. But keep one thing in mind: Hanging your clothes out to dry expends only your own energy.


Gene Dempsey, City Forester
Environmental Services
Office - (954) 828-7704 Fax - (954) 828-7897

Think before you print!

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Plantbottle


Purchased in Fort Lauderdale on 5/29/12.  More information on this to come at a later date.

Tips from the National Geographic Website



From the National Geographic Website

LIVING ROOM (or office)
Power outlet vs. Power strip: Plugging your TV and VCR/DVD into a power strip rather than an outlet will save you about 2 percent on your annual electricity bill. Even when you turn these appliances off, they continuously leak up to 15 watts of electricity if they're plugged into an outlet. When plugged into a power strip, however, these appliances leak only about one to three watts.

KITCHEN
Hand wash vs. Dishwasher: You'll use up to 35 percent less water by doing a full load of dishes, which haven't been pre-rinsed, in your dishwasher instead of by hand. You can also save about 15 percent on total dishwasher energy use if you select the air-dry setting or open the dishwasher's door instead of using its drying cycle.

Freezer on the side vs. Freezer on the top or bottom: A fridge with a top or bottom freezer will save 15 percent more in annual refrigerated-related energy costs than a side-by-side model, which lets more chilled air escape. To be greener still, steer clear of refrigerators with icemakers and water dispensers in the door. They can increase energy use by almost 20 percent.

Gas oven with electric ignition vs. Electric oven: A gas oven is 50 percent more efficient than an electric oven. If you're interested in cutting costs further, try baking with glass or ceramic pans instead of metal. An electric ignition also helps save gas because its pilot light is not continuously burning.

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/everyday/greenhouse/tips.html 


Gene Dempsey, City Forester
Environmental Services
Office - (954) 828-7704 Fax - (954) 828-7897

Think before you print!


Friday, May 25, 2012

Friday Funny





Between Friends by Sandra Bell-Lundy, dist. by King Features Syndicate





Gene Dempsey, City Forester
Environmental Services
Office - (954) 828-7704 Fax - (954) 828-7897

Think before you print!

Thursday, May 24, 2012

75 Things You Can Compost

75 Things You Can Compost, But Thought You Couldn't

The basics of composting are simple. Most people know they can compost fruit and vegetable peels, leaves, and grass clippings. But what about that tea bag you used this morning? Or the fur that collects in the brush when you groom your cat?
The following list is meant to get you thinking about your compost possibilities. Not every item on the list is for everyone, and that's fine. Imagine how much trash we could prevent from going into the landfills if each of us just decided to compost a few more things. Here are 75 ideas to get you started.
From the Kitchen
1. Coffee grounds and filters
2. Tea bags
3. Used paper napkins
4. Pizza boxes, ripped into smaller pieces
5. Paper bags, either ripped or balled up
6. The crumbs you sweep off of the counters and floors
7. Plain cooked pasta
8. Plain cooked rice
9. Stale bread
10. Paper towel rolls
11. Stale saltine crackers
12. Stale cereal
13. Used paper plates (as long as they don't have a waxy coating)
14. Cellophane bags (be sure it's really Cellophane and not just clear plastic—there's a difference.)
15. Nut shells (except for walnut shells, which can be toxic to plants)
16. Old herbs and spices
17. Stale pretzels
18. Pizza crusts
19. Cereal boxes (tear them into smaller pieces first)
20. Wine corks
21. Moldy cheese
22. Melted ice cream
23. Old jelly, jam, or preserves
24. Stale beer and wine
25. Paper egg cartons
26. Toothpicks
27. Bamboo skewers
28. Paper cupcake or muffin cups

From the Bathroom

29. Used facial tissues
30. Hair from your hairbrush
31. Toilet paper rolls
32. Old loofahs
33. Nail clippings
34. Urine
35. 100% Cotton cotton balls
36. Cotton swabs made from 100% cotton and cardboard (not plastic) sticks

Personal Items

It might be a good idea to bury these items in your pile. Just sayin'.
37. Cardboard tampon applicators
38. Latex condoms

From the Laundry Room

39. Dryer lint
40. Old/stained cotton clothing—rip or cut it into smaller pieces
41. Old wool clothing—rip or cut it into smaller pieces

From the Office

42. Bills and other documents you've shredded
43. Envelopes (minus the plastic window)
44. Pencil shavings
45. Sticky notes
46. Business cards (as long as they're not glossy)
47. Receipts

Around the House

48. Contents of your vacuum cleaner bag or canister
49. Newspapers (shredded or torn into smaller pieces)
50. Subscription cards from magazines
51. Leaves trimmed from houseplants
52. Dead houseplants and their soil
53. Flowers from floral arrangements
54. Natural potpourri
55. Used matches
56. Ashes from the fireplace, barbecue grill, or outdoor fire pit

Party and Holiday Supplies

57. Wrapping paper rolls
58. Paper table cloths
59. Crepe paper streamers
60. Latex balloons
61. Raffia
62. Excelsior
63. Jack o' Lanterns
64. Those hay bales you used as part of your outdoor fall decor
65. Natural holiday wreaths
66. Your Christmas tree. Chop it up with some pruners first (or use a wood chipper, if you have one...)
67. Evergreen garlands

Pet-Related

68. Fur from the dog or cat brush
69. Droppings and bedding from your rabbit/gerbil/hamsters, etc.
70. Newspaper/droppings from the bottom of the bird cage
71. Feathers
72. Alfalfa hay or pellets (usually fed to rabbits)
73. Rawhide dog chews
74. Fish food
75. Dry dog or cat food
I know that the longer I've had a compost pile, the more likely I've been to take a second look at something I was preparing to throw in the trash. "Hmm. Can I compost this?" is a frequent question in my house. And, as you can see, it's surprising how often you can answer "Yes!"



Gene Dempsey, City Forester
Environmental Services
Office - (954) 828-7704 Fax - (954) 828-7897

Think before you print!

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Got newspapers? Drop them off at the animal shelter




By Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel
May 22, 2012
FORT LAUDERDALE—

Stacks of newspapers piling up?

There's actually a useful place for them: your local animal shelter. By donating newspapers, you are recycling (actually repurposing them) them and helping
Broward County's homeless pets at the same time. Staffers at Broward County Animal Care use the papers every day in the cat kennels and clinic.

Newspapers can be dropped off at the Fort Lauderdale Adoption Center at 1870 SW 39th St., or at the
Pompano Beach Adoption Center, 3100 NW 19th Terrace.

For information, call 954-359-1010.

sbryan@tribune.com or 954-356-4554

If you don’t live in Broward County, check with the shelters in your area.


Gene Dempsey, City Forester
Environmental Services
Office - (954) 828-7704 Fax - (954) 828-7897

Think before you print!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

FLORIDA CELEBRATES WATER REUSE WEEK MAY 20-26



FLORIDA CELEBRATES WATER REUSE WEEK MAY 20-26

~Florida leads the nation in water reuse efforts and residents can help continue the trend~

Using rain collection barrels can help water gardens, plants and flowers and serve as an easy way for Floridians to reuse water.


TALLAHASSEE –Florida Governor Rick Scott proclaimed May 20-26, 2012 as Florida Water Reuse Week to bring awareness of the importance of water reuse to meeting Florida's future water supply needs. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection urges Florida's residents and businesses to celebrate Water Reuse Week to learn more about how easy it is to reuse water on a daily basis.

“DEP is committed to working with the Florida’s water management districts, communities and businesses to ensure the environment is protected and future water supply needs are met," said Greg Munson, DEP Deputy Secretary for Water Policy and Ecosystem Restoration. “DEP strives to get the water right and reuse efforts can make a positive impact to both water supply and protecting our natural resources.”

Leading the nation in water reuse, the state of Florida reuses more than 660 million gallons of reclaimed water each day to conserve freshwater supplies and replenish rivers, streams, lakes and the aquifers. Reclaimed water is often seen in landscaping, agriculture and golf courses, the use of which drastically cuts down on fresh water use. Florida uses reclaimed water to irrigate more than 280,000 residences, 500 golf courses and hundreds more parks and schools.

Florida residents use more than 6 billion gallons of fresh water daily, while producing billions of gallons of wastewater through daily activities such as showers, laundry and dishwashing. With simple actions to reuse water, Floridians can augment Florida’s water resources and allow traditional sources of fresh water to be conserved. Saving water also translates to saving money on lower utility bills.

During Water Reuse Week and throughout the year, DEP also encourages residents to undertake water reuse and conservation practices to help to ensure safe, clean, and sustainable water resources:

-Collect rain water in buckets during storms which can be reused for irrigating yards, cleaning driveways and toilet flushing.
-Before emptying a pet’s drinking bowl, use the unfinished or old water to water plants.
-Plant a rain garden that will capture excess stormwater runoff, limit topsoil erosion, reduce flooding, and enhance yard beauty.
-Take excess water from a bath or from washing dishes and put into the toilet for flushing.
-Wash fruits and vegetables in a pan, not under a running faucet, and reuse that water for gardening.
-Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.

For more water reuse tips, such as how to plant a rain garden or build a rain barrel please visit http://www.protectingourwater.org/.


Gene Dempsey, City Forester
Environmental Services
Office - (954) 828-7704 Fax - (954) 828-7897

Think before you print!

Friday, May 18, 2012

Taking Recycling too far? (Friday funny)



The Other Coast by Adrian Raeside

  • May 10, 2012


Gene Dempsey, City Forester
Environmental Services
Office - (954) 828-7704 Fax - (954) 828-7897

Think before you print!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

5 Perfectly Painless Water $avers

Save money and water around the house with a few simple steps

With water bills rising and many water tables going down, it makes eco-sense and dollar cents to conserve. Here are five painless ways to get started.
1. Install a Low-Flow Showerhead
Save water and money, and still have ample water pressure, with a low-flow showerhead, which can slash bathing-water consumption 50 to 70 percent. The devices are simple to install and start at around $8. Many styles and features are available, including flow-adjusting dials and a pause button.
2. Turn Off the Tap While You Brush
Don't let your water dollars -- and one of nature's most precious resources -- run down the drain. Just turn off the water while you brush your teeth. The average bathroom faucet flows at a rate of two gallons a minute, according to the EPA's WaterSense initiative. That means you'll save up to 8 gallons of water a day per person.
3. Water Your Yard in the Morning
The best time to water outdoors is in the morning, both to reduce water waste and to promote healthy flora. Morning air is cooler, so less water is lost to evaporation than during the middle of the day. If you water in the evening, you run the risk of promoting fungi and bacterial diseases.
4. Use a Pro Car Wash
It may surprise you, but commercial car washes use water more efficiently, typically using 45 gallons of water per car. Home washers typically use between 80 and 140 gallons. Commercial car washes must also drain their wastewater into sewers, versus simply running it across your driveway into the land.
5. Fix That Leak
Don't ignore that dripping faucet or leaky pipe joint. One faulty faucet wastes 3 gallons of water per day, reports the U.S. Geological Survey. So get a pipe wrench and tighten those seals, replace old and worn hardware, and call your neighborhood plumber if you need help. Every drop really does add up.





Gene Dempsey, City Forester
Environmental Services
Office - (954) 828-7704 Fax - (954) 828-7897

Think before you print!

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Mulch Around Your Trees


I think the best mulch is organic mulch, since it does break down and provide nutrients and organic matter to the soil.  In South Florida, you will probably have to replenish your mulch about every six months.  When purchasing mulch, choose mulch a recycled mulch (make sure they don’t use treated lumber as a source), Melaleuca or Eucalyptus.  Do not choose Cypress mulch, which is made from harvesting and grinding up native Cypress trees.  Gene

Spread Mulch Around Your Trees

Spring is a good time to start using mulch, if you aren't already taking advantage of this natural, water- and chemical-saving staple of a healthy lawn and garden landscape.

Mulch around your trees to save water and cut down on weeds.
Mulch is a thin layer of organic or inorganic material placed on soil. Some typical organic examples include chipped bark, compost, saw dust, grass clippings and leaf mold; a typical inorganic example is shredded tires. ("Organic" in this sense means derived from living things, not necessarily chemical-free; when purchasing mulch, look for the USDA-organic seal to buy pesticide-free mulch.) In many ways, spreading mulch around trees in a manicured yard re-creates the natural environment of a forest, where leaves fall, build up and gradually decompose on the forest floor.
Mulch cools the earth below in warm weather, and shields sensitive roots and plantings from the cold in the winter. Mulching holds in moisture, decreasing the amount of watering necessary — typically by hundreds of gallons a year. Mulches help protect tree roots, and while the organic varieties provide valuable fertilizer as they break down over time, the inorganic varieties are useful in some cases because they're more long-lived (and they often give new life to materials that might otherwise be landfilled or incinerated).
Mulches cut down on the number of weeds that can compete with your trees, making mulch part of an organic or (Florida-friendly) integrated pest management yard and garden maintenance plan. The few weeds that do sprout can be pulled with ease.
Gardening experts recommend spreading mulch to a thickness of about two to four inches, but not more. (Over-mulching has become something of a fad.) Make sure to leave several inches of space between the mulch and the tree trunks to discourage rodents and rot. Replenish mulches when decomposition thins the mulch layer. While mulch can be applied at any time of year, late spring is the best time to get started with mulching around trees.

Submit Questions and Comments to: GDempsey@fortlauderdale.gov 



Gene Dempsey, City Forester
Environmental Services
Office - (954) 828-7704 Fax - (954) 828-7897

Think before you print!

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Volkswagen Pursuing Bio-Diesel Research

Written by Philip Proefrock on 26/03/12


Volkswagen has announced partnerships with two manufacturers of biodiesel fuel as part of their ongoing work in developing diesel automobiles. The two companies are each receiving two VW diesel automobiles: a Passat TDI and a Jetta TDI, and they will each study how their fuels perform in these vehicles. The two companies, Amyris and Solazyme, will share the results of their research with VW over the 12-month period to help VW to "develop more efficient, cleaner burning diesel powertrains for future products."
Both companies are making biodiesel fuel with renewable materials as feedstock, instead of using petroleum. But the two companies are using different approaches to making fuel. Amyris uses a fermentation process to produce fuels from plant-sourced sugar feedstock. Solazyme uses an algae-based process, which also requires plant sugar feedstock, to produce its fuel. We've had both of these companies on our radar for the past few years, and they are both survivors in a startup industry that has seen a number of other players fall by the wayside.
Volkswagen is already a significant presence in the diesel portion of the passenger fleet in the United States. Although VW represents only about 2.5% of the US market, over 20% of that is with diesel automobiles.
Previously on EcoGeek: Solazyme, Amyris
[Ed. Note: Volkswagen paid for the travel and lodging for my trip to SF where I gathered some of the information for this story.]





Gene Dempsey, City Forester
Environmental Services
Office - (954) 828-7704 Fax - (954) 828-7897

Think before you print!

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Riding bike to work saves money but takes planning

By Michael Turnbell and Dana Williams, Sun Sentinel   April 16, 2012
It is part of a cycle: As gas prices rise, so do the number of folks who pedal to their jobs.
Census data show the number and percentage of people commuting to work by bicycle has increased in South Florida in the past few years, with more than 13,600 in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties riding to their jobs in 2010. Gas prices were about $3 a gallon then; today, they average close to $4 a gallon. Still, less than 1 percent of all commuters trade horsepower for pedal power.
Bicycling to work takes planning and also might require taking a bus or a train if the commute is long. But it can result in big savings. A person who bikes five miles to work three days a week could save $311 a year in fuel costs alone. To calculate how much you can save, go to SunSentinel.com/biketowork.  If the idea appeals to you, here are tips on how to do it.
Planning your route
First, determine your goal. Are you looking at the fastest route, or one with the least interaction with traffic? Most cyclists either make their own maps, use GPS-type devices or go to MapMyRide.com.
Both Broward and Palm Beach counties have interactive route planners that rank streets by riding suitability, based on the amount of interaction with traffic. You see if your route includes a marked bike lane, a wide shoulder or a separate path away from traffic.
In Broward: go to sunsentinel.com/bikebroward


Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Free Showerhead Exchange

Fort Lauderdale  Utility Customers
Free Showerhead Exchange
Save Water!
Save Money!


Earth Day Every Day Event
May 12th, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
3109 E. Sunrise Boulevard
Park entry fee will apply.
Remember to bring:
1)    Fort Lauderdale utility bill
2)    Old showerhead

Up to two per household
Supplies are limited

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that showers account for more than 1.2 trillion gallons each year--about one-sixth of all the water used in U.S. residences for bathing. Before 1994, showerheads typically had a flow rate of 5 ½ gallons per minute (gpm). Since then, the EPA has limited showerheads to 2 ½ gpm to conserve not only water, but fuel for the water heater. Models carrying a "water saving" designation have even lower flow rates.

The showerheads that are available through this exchange are rated at 2 gpm and

·        Saves money by ensuring up to 20% lower water usage than traditional "low-flow" showerheads currently on the market
·        Reduced water usage also reduces cost for heating water
·        Patented pressure-compensating technology guarantees a feeling of great force while using less water, consistent flow rate regardless of water pressure
·        Three showerhead spray settings: needle, massage, combination
·        Corrosion-resistant high-impact ABS thermoplastic body, maintenance-free, 10-year warranty


Gene Dempsey, City Forester
Environmental Services
Office - (954) 828-7704 Fax - (954) 828-7897

Think before you print!

Tuesday, May 8, 2012



This Saturday at Holiday Park, around 300 Fort Lauderdale Residents will be instructed on how to conserve outdoor water and make their landscapes Florida-friendly.  You don't have to be an expert gardener or landscaper to create a Florida-friendly yard. All it takes is a willingness to learn and a desire to build a beautiful yard that helps protect Florida's environment.  The principles hold true even if you don’t live in Florida.


Here are 9 Florida-friendly principles that EVERY landscaper should follow:

1.       Right Plant, Right Place - Almost any plant will survive in your landscape if you plant it in the right place. You can drastically reduce the need for water, fertilizer, pesticides and pruning if you know what you plant needs to thrive and the mature size.
2.       Water Efficiently - Typically, at least 50% of water used by households is used outdoors. Efficient watering will not only help you save money and conserve water, but can also create a healthier landscape.
3.     Fertilize Appropriately - When too much fertilizer is applied to landscapes, it seeps past the root zone of the grass, plants or trees and into the aquifer or runs off into water bodies. Plants, animals and people depend on clean water for survival.
4.     Mulch - Keeping mulch on your plant beds helps control weeds, retain soil moisture and reduce erosion and stormwater runoff.
5.     Attract Wildlife - Friendly visitors, like butterflies and beneficial insects, will enjoy your landscape if you provide food, water and cover.
6.     Manage Yard Pests Responsibly - When it comes to pest management, nature takes care of itself! Misused pesticides in your yard can run off into waterways and harm beneficial insects.
7.     Recycle - Recycling your yard waste back onto your lawn and landscape can improve the fertility and water-holding ability of the soil and help aerate soil that has become compacted.
8.     Reduce stormwater runoff - Stormwater runoff can carry pollutants, pesticides and excess fertilizers into bays, rivers and lakes. Remember that what goes in your storm drain can find its way into our water sources.
9.     Protect the waterfront - Bays and waterways contribute to the quality of life in Florida. Waterfront owners can help protect these fragile natural treasures.


Read more at  FloridaYards.Org


Gene Dempsey, City Forester
Environmental Services
Office - (954) 828-7704 Fax - (954) 828-7897

Think before you print!

Monday, May 7, 2012

Earth Day, Every Day is rescheduled for Saturday, May 12





Due to rain, Earth Day, Every Day 2012 was moved from April 21st to May 12th.    


Learn How to Make Earth Day Every Day!

This all-day extravaganza offers engaging activities that celebrate the values of sustainability, community, and fun!

Festivities will include:
  • A variety of organic and vegan food
  • Ecologically-focused workshops/activities for children and adults
  • Volunteer opportunities -- Sea turtle rescue and more
  • Free giveaway of 100 native trees
  • Live entertainment - featuring Teri Catlin, the Didgeridoo Band, and a sunset drum circle
  • Educational displays by local sustainable businesses and organizations
Also, attend the City of Fort Lauderdale’s new, exciting "Mix It, Curb It" Recycling Program Workshop! Learn how Fort Lauderdale residents won't have to sort recyclables; instead they'll be able to mix them up in one big, blue cart.

Save Water, Save Money with Free Showerhead Exchange at Earth Day Event

The City of Fort Lauderdale is sponsoring a FREE Showerhead Exchange for City utility customers at the Earth Day Every Day event set for Saturday, May 12. To receive a new, high-efficiency showerhead, simply bring a copy of your Fort Lauderdale utility bill and your old showerhead to the City’s booth and exchange it for a new one. There is a limit of two showerhead exchanges per household, and they are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
The showerheads for the exchange are being offered through Conservation Pay$, which is rebate program developed by the Broward Water Partnership (BWP). The BWP is comprised of 18 municipalities and water utilities that are committed to providing opportunities and incentives to encourage our neighbors to save water.
For more information about the showerhead exchange, please contact the City of Fort Lauderdale 24-hour Customer Service Center at (954) 828-8000 or online at http://ci.ftlaud.fl.us/customerservice/index.htm. You may also contact Customer Service via LauderServ, the City's Android application.
For more information about Conservation Pay$, please visit http://www.conservationpays.com/.

Helpful, Earth-Friendly Links

Parking

Standard parking rates apply: Bikes and Pedestrians - $2.00; Cars (one person) - $4.00; Cars (two people or more) - $6.00

Sponsors

  • Sea Turtle Oversight Protection (S.T.O.P.)
  • Camp Live Oak
  • City Furniture
  • House of Bread
  • Green Caribbean Initiative
  • Star Brite
  • Friends of Hugh Taylor Birch Park




Gene Dempsey, City Forester
Environmental Services
Office - (954) 828-7704 Fax - (954) 828-7897

Think before you print!