GLEE's 1st Annual Green Living Awards
BioDiesel Rally
On March 22nd, GLEE hosted the 1st Annual BioDiesel Rally for the Keys. Starting at the Last Chance Saloon in Florida City, the Rally stopped at Coral Shores High School in Tavernier, Hurricane Bar & Grill in Marathon, Big Pine Shopping Center in Big Pine Key, and completed their tour at the Key West High School Biodiesel Facility.
Sir Peter Anderson, Secretary General of the Conch Republic met the group and led the inauguration ceremonies for the founding of a new branch of the Conch Republic Nation, heretofore known as the “Green Berets”. GLEE President Alison Higgins, KWHS teacher Josh Clearman, School Board Superintendent Randy Acevedo and 50-60 others were sworn in founding members of the group, and pledged membership open to all who support a greener, more sustainable island lifestyle.
Over 90 people met and travelled with the Rally, which was held in honor of inventor Rudolph Diesel’s Birthday. Students at Key West High School, who collect waste fryer oil from Key West restaurants to make Biodiesel for the School District, showed off the facility and fried up conch fritters to raise funds for the project.
And what do you think they did with the fryer oil afterward?
If you are interested in helping get a biodiesel economy started in the Keys, contact Alison Higgins at ahiggins@tnc.org.
Green Living & Energy Education (GLEE)
Is a non-profit organization created for educating individuals, businesses and policy makers within the Florida Keys community to promote sustainable living through efficient and renewable energy, and the conservation of water and land resources.
Our Past Successes Include:
2nd GLEE Expo & Film Festival March 31st, 2007
Operating under our mantra that every thing we do can be made more sustainable, subjects addressed at the Expo ranged from organic gardening and clean boating to alternative fuels to solar energy. Boasting over 50 vendors, 35 workshops and hundreds of attendees, the Expo was a resounding success!
1st Ever Green Living & Energy Expo March 2005
GLEE's energetic family of like-minded citizens, utilities, agencies, and organizations was born during the planning of the Keys first ever Green Living & Energy Expo. Operating under our mantra that every thing we do can be made more sustainable, subjects addressed at the Expo ranged from organic gardening and clean boating to alternative fuels to solar energy. Boasting over 50 vendors, 35 workshops and hundreds of attendees, the Expo was a resounding success!
GreenThumb Certified Nurseries May 2006
Finally, plants and products that work the first time! A project from our Land Conservation committee, the GreenThumb program certifies local nurseries in "Keys-Friendly" gardening practices. If you want to know about hurricane-resistant plants, slow release fertilizers, eco-friendly mulch and pest management, go to the nurseries you can trust! www.KeysGreenThumb.net
Rainbarrel Workshops! Summer 2006 & 2007
Our first grant ever, GLEE was given $10,000 from South Florida Water Management District's Alternative Water Grant. In return, GLEE has pledged to give away 100 rainbarrels during a series of workshops throughout the keys. During the 2-hour workshop, participants will construct their own rain barrel from scratch and learn tips about hurricane resistant plants, fertilizing, mulching and irrigation.
Our Future Projects Include:
Green Business Certification - Summer 2008
Promoting businesses that pay attention to the ecological bottom line, GLEE's Green Business Guide will make it easier for Keys citizens to let their fingers do the walking toward a healthier, efficient and sustainable lifestyle.
Media Campaign NOW
Our GLEE community is always on the look out for newsworthy stories for our Keys constituency. Working with the local media, GLEE is committed to getting the word out about sustainable and economically savvy efforts near and far.