Environmentally Friendly Businesses and Homeowners in #Broward to be Recognized at Water Matters Day
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The Broward County Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department will recognize several local businesses and homeowners for their outstanding environmentally responsible business practices conducted in 2012 and present them with an Emerald Award trophy for their exceptional efforts in protecting the environment.
Trophies will be presented at a special ceremony on Water Matters Day, Saturday, March 9, at 9 a.m., in the Sabal Palm Pavilion at Tree Tops Park, 3900 S.W. 100 Ave., Davie.
Water Matters Day is Broward County’s signature water conservation event where residents can learn about our local and regional water resources, how water is managed and how we are planning for the future. Residents can receive tips on water conservation, find out about rebates and incentives for upgrading to water-conserving devices and learn how to create a “Florida friendly” and drought tolerant landscape. Highlights include a tree and plant giveaway and raffles and other prizes throughout the day.
The Emerald Award Environmental Excellence program recognizes businesses for their voluntary efforts in four areas: hazardous waste reduction, recycling, green products and practices or innovation and climate change.
Receiving an Emerald Award can help companies boost business. Research has shown that a company’s environmental reputation rivals quality and brand name as criteria used by customers. Environmentally-friendly business practices can help companies attract new customers, encourage repeat customers and boost employee morale.
Emerald Award Trophy Winners 2012
• Climate Change Leader: Ray Johnson, President, US Solar Institute, Fort Lauderdale
• Green Practices/Innovative: Richard J. Kaplan, Mayor, City of Lauderhill
The Emerald Awards program also rewards homeowners, governments and other groups that have incorporated NatureScape Broward techniques into their landscaping and programs. NatureScape yards are designed to conserve water by using native plants in place of lawn; provide food, water and shelter to wildlife; use integrated pest control practices; reduce storm-water contaminated by pesticides and fertilizers; and recycle yard waste into mulch and compost.
NatureScape Emerald Award Winners:
• Town of Southwest Ranches, Sunshine Ranches Equestrian Park
• Carlisle Development Group, the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale and Landscape Architect Architectural Alliance for Northwest Gardens III
• City of Coral Springs Street Tree Subsidy Program
• South Plantation High School Magnet, Jack Carter Park Hammock Project
• South Broward Drainage District, Water Quality and Plant Nursery Best Management Practices Outreach
• Colleen Hendrix, Plantation
• Patricia Barnes, Plantation
• Maggie and Jim Dunn, Fort Lauderdale
For more information, contact Kay Sommers, Pollution Prevention, Remediation and Air Quality, at 954-519-1257.
