Renewable Energy and Reusable Straws – A greener future for the US and Boca Raton
Our awareness is growing on a global level for the need to source alternatives to fossil fuels. There are now seven cities in the US powered entirely by renewable energy. With lower costs and increased demand from both corporations and cities, renewable energy investments are becoming an increasingly enticing offer. The outlook is positive for greener energy and sustainability programs.
As well as looking to sustainable resources for fuel there is also a drive to cut down the amount of plastic we use, specifically single use. Each year, Boca Raton, FL, opts into a global movement called Plastic Free July to help educate and demonstrate a refusal on single use plastics. By taking the pledge and registering for the challenge you become part of an online community where you can share your experience with other like-minded people.
The key challenges are to avoid plastic packaging, swap throwaway straws for reusable and pick up any plastic litter. The aim is to change citizens thinking and habits surrounding the abundance of plastic thrown away. Hopefully the changes made as part of participating become a permanent lifestyle transformation for an eco-friendlier way to live.
Boca Raton is one of the US cities leading the way in its mission to be a vibrant and sustainable city for the future. The mayor and city council are committed to conserving energy, reducing pollution and greenhouse gas production. The city is leading the way with four key initiatives.
Reducing energy consumption, to eliminate the use of septic tanks with 99.5% of the city now on the sanitary sewer system. There is a large scheme around recycling and reusing waste and a public outreach program dedicated to educating and awarding adopters and promoters of environmentally positive change.
The local government website is full of ideas on how you can be a greener resident in Boca Raton. The information ranges from how you can go solar powered, which fertilisers should be used help protect the coastal community, to a guide on how to get the most from your compost. This year the city has launched an initiative called “The Coastal Connection Restaurant Program”. The scheme recognises restaurants in the local community which are paving the way forward for environmental changes to benefit the area. The restaurants that are taking part gain sustainability stars to mark impact.
It is a force for good to see initiatives like “Plastic Free July” along with support at both a local council and national level to encourage sustainability. Since 2008 the US has made progress on the drive for shifting the economy to clean energy. There is still a long way to go to achieve widespread adoption of sustainable living, but by starting at a local level it can be done. Cities like Boca Raton are adopting greener ways to change lifestyles and slowly starting to make meaningful changes for inspiring the future.
