Saturday, August 31, 2013

Green Apple Day of Service on 9/28/13


TRANSFORMING OUR SCHOOLS

 

When you look at our educational spaces, you see outdated buildings in need of repairs, burdened with unsafe toxins, dwindling budgets and outdated resources - in place of opportunity and progress.  The Green Apple Day of Service enables volunteers to transform all learning environments into safe, engaging and comfortable facilities that enhance kid’s ability to learn and teacher’s ability to teach.

The Green Apple Day of Service, which will take place on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013, gives parents, teachers, students, companies and local organizations the opportunity to transform all schools into healthy, safe and productive learning environments through local service projects. Be sure to check out project ideas, read last year's highlights and register your 2013 project today!

For more information about local projects, see http://service.mygreenapple.org/page/event/search_results?orderby=zip_radius&zip_radius%5b0%5d=33309&zip_radius%5b1%5d=100&country=US&radius_unit=mi.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Sorters Needed

Sort it all out - - -

Come over and help us ride the wave of donations that come in every weekend.  We always need help sorting through donations and organizing them for placement. 

When putting materials need to be put out for the public, you don't have to be an expert.  We'll give you an orientation.  When you're here, just use your best judgment.  To help sorters and shoppers, we are working on signage for each zone. 

Volunteers also assist shoppers find items of interests and answering questions about the Center.  Weighing materials to be taken by members.

We are actively involved with HandsOn Broward and have registered with Encore Connect.  If you or someone you know needs community service hours, the Center is open 2-7 pm on Fridays and 10 - 5:30 pm on Saturdays.

Please contact Pilar, our Volunteer Coordinator, at pilar@trash2treasurefl.org

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Grace Cafe and Galleries

New Discovery:  Thanks to a Share on FaceBook, I discovered this gem in Dania.  It looks like a great place to have fun.  Give us a shout on our FaceBook page if you've ever been there.

Leona

 

Grace CafĂ© - art, music, drama, etc - cultural arts in Dania 

 "Grace Cafe and Galleries is located in historic downtown Dania Beach and consists of a 2,500 square foot gallery, dance studio and coffee bar flex-art-space, containing original artworks for sale (paintings, sculpture and hand-crafted interiors); open year-round for art, dance and painting classes.
 
Daytime or evening musical, drama and special events are booked monthly by artists, groups and catering is available. The Coffee Bar is open daily with tables that can be arranged for parties and special events.
 
Call for more information:  954/816-3324.

GENERAL HOURS OF OPERATON for GALLERY/COFFEE BAR ARE TUESDAY - SATURDAY 11 AM - 6 PM; DANCE STUDIO CLASSES ARE  MONDAY - THURSDAY as posted, and SATURDAY MORNING as posted.
 
Contact Grace Cafe and Galleries

 75 N. Federal Hwy, REAR SUITE, behind Lugano Art Gallery
Dania Beach, FL 33004

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

EcoArt: It's Only Natural

              
This film project shows how art can fuse with environmental science and community engagement to protect and preserve fragile and endangered ecologies.
West Palm Beach Waterfront, designed by Michael Singer Studio. Includes water gardens and a living dock.
Since EASF’s founding in 2007, the number of Florida artists engaged in the demanding trans-disciplinary practice of EcoArt has doubled! And they are creating stunning, ecologically productive artworks at the rate of 1-2 a year.

EcoArt South Florida - Trailer from Southern Land FilmsOur project documents the phenomenon of EcoArt’s growth in South Florida, addressing the ups and downs of the journey. The film’s perspective will be through the eyes and experiences of the artists and their collaborators who will candidly respond to the key question: “Why EcoArt?” 

We believe our story of how EcoArt has become a powerful force, in a state with multiple, serious ecological problems, can spark the emergence of similar trans-disciplinary efforts elsewhere.

Biofiltration Sculpture at Seminole Casino, Coconut Creek, designed by Michael Singer Studio.
EcoArt South Florida is teaming up with Miami filmmakers Southern Land Films to mark EcoArt practice’s arrival at “critical mass” stage in the region. Our documentary, which is already underway, will profile 11 of the seventeen EcoArt works that have been completed or are in progress. We are thrilled that our efforts to catalyze the emergence of South Florida as a new, vibrant center for EcoArt practice are working!

For more information see:  ecoartsofla.org

Monday, August 19, 2013

Trash to Treasure NO LONGER ACCEPTING PLASTIC, FILM, OR STYROFOAM




Since our inception, we have looked for opportunities to push the envelope in recycling in our community.  As such, we feel that we have brought about changes in our community for the better.  This success has resulted in diminishing the need to provide these services.

Rigid Plastics

Our plastic recycler is no longer in business.  However, since the beginning of this program, rigid plastics have been added to most single-stream recycling programs.  Here are the links for Broward, Palm Beach and Dade counties. 

Don't have recycling at your condo, apartment, or business?  Here are the links:

Dade Multifamily - Mandatory
Broward Multifamily- Mandatory in many cities
Palm Beach Multifamily

Palm Beach Drop-Off locations
Dade County Business-Mandatory

Looking for a contractor for single-stream recycling?  Check out our friends at:

Sun Recycling
SRS Recycling

Recycling is less expensive than most people think.


Styrofoam and Plastic Film Recycling







Our recycler Recyc-Carpets of South Florida is right around the corner from the Center and open 7 days a week. 
Here is the info:


4710 NW 15 St, Unit 5A
Fort Lauderdale
954-493-9495
info@recyc-carpets.com

WARNING:  Material dropped off at the Center will go in the garbage.

We still have mixed paper recycling at the Center.


Thank you for your cooperation.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Take Action re: Oil Drilling in Collier County

Update from Jennifer Wing --- Event August 31st


We're making great progress, we've got over 3700 signatures, the word is getting out. If each of you share the petition with at least 1 person the amount of signatures could easily double to 7400. Please share it, here is the link and thank you. http://www.change.org/petitions/florida-department-of-environmental-protection-do-not-approve-the-permit-sought-for-oil-drilling-in-collier-county

Here is a great event that is coming up here in Naples, please attend if you can.

MARCH TO GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT’S HOME
SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 5:00 PM

Meet on the beach at Naples Fishing Pier, 25 12th Ave. S., Naples, FL 34102

March to 3150 Gordon Drive in Old Naples, Gulf of Mexico beach front

Let’s turn up the heat in a march to Governor Rick Scott’s home to stop new oil drilling in South Florida. Collier leased 115,000 acres for oil exploration to Hughes Oil, who applied for permits to set up a drill site in Golden Gate Estates — 1000 feet from family homes and adjacent to the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge and Western Everglades. We say, NO oil drilling in our backyards, in our panther habitats, and in our protected wetlands. If it’s legal, it shouldn’t be. New oil drilling will endanger residents, water, wetlands, and wildlife as well as contribute to environmentally damaging climate change.

By land and by sea, we’ll march and paddle from the Naples Pier to the Governor’s beachfront home. Banners and flags will spell out concerns. In the Governor’s backyard, we’ll build an oil rig to make visible why residents don’t want to live in an emergency evacuation zone, only feet from a hazardous drill site, with a 145’ oil rig. We’re calling on the Governor to tell the state to deny the permit. Closing with a candlelight vigil, we’ll invite everyone, from legislators to land barons, to partner with us in preserving South Florida. Bring a windproof candle, light stick, or cell phone set to candle mode.

Details: Facebook Preserve our Paradise, event page: 
https://www.facebook.com/events/581706661871668/

Contact: Karen Dwyer, Ph.D. dwyerka@gmail.com
Thank you for your support.
Looking forward to seeing you there,
Jen

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Recycling Intern City of Coconut Creek




LEADMAN/LEAD MECHANIC
City of Coconut Creek
Internship Program

PUBLIC WORKS - RECYCLING INTERN


Pay: $8.50/hour
Classification: Paid internship - temporary employee.

GENERAL PURPOSE:
Work involves participation in outreach campaigns to maximize program efforts which includes participation in various special projects/events and assisting with the development of outreach tools. Work includes the development, implementation, and maintenance of single-family, commercial, and multi-family recycling programs.

This is field and office work in the development and promotion of city-wide single-stream recycling programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

  • Meets with representatives of home owner associations, commercial establishments and multi-family complexes to promote interest and participation in single-stream recycling program; assists with program implementation, promotion, and monitoring.
  • Responsible for project assignments, research, and analysis.
  • Conducts waste audits by observing the source, creation, and final storage methodology of the waste product.
  • Educates community groups, businesses, and residents about single-stream recycling through presentations at public meetings, schools, and special events.
  • Addresses single-stream contamination issues through outreach and education.
  • Investigates and documents complaints received from residents, businesses, and contractors.
  • Provides program support and measures participation through field/phone surveys and other administrative functions.
  • Assists in the development of educational and outreach tools.
  • Prepares field activity reports and other reports and forms associated with recycling activities.
  • Performs related work as required.






MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Eligible to work in the United States.
  • Must be currently enrolled in a college/university with a major in Public
Administration, Business Administration, Environmental Science, or related field.
  • Must possess a valid State of Florida driver's license with a good driving
record. (If the driver's license was issued by a state other than Florida, a State of Florida driver's license is required prior to employment.)
  • Must be able to work flexible work schedule.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the intern to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an intern will encounter while performing the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, you will frequently be required to use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. This position may frequently be required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, walk, sit, talk, or hear. You may frequently lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this position, you may frequently work near moving mechanical or electrical parts. The noise level in the work environment is rarely noisy.

OTHER
PWIntern/2013






For more information or to apply contact:

Michael Heimbach
City of Coconut Creek
954-956-1453
email here

Position open until filled.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

What people can accomplish in community

The Tent | A community art installation - 2012
An inspiring story

Artists: Tali Buchler  and Noa Meir

Materials: lycra fabric scraps, watering pipes, rope
‘The Tent’ is an art installation that is part of a group exhibition “in suspension” in Zichron Yaakov, Israel.  

The idea behind this art installation was to bring back craft and the love of making to the local community. By gathering and knitting the tent, a community based on the love of handcraft was formed.

Every Wednesday for 3 months kids, parents and grandparents got together at the local community center to finger knit ropes from left over lycra scraps brought from a local factory. The ropes were tied to 3 nesting rings made of watering pipes, forming circus-like shaped tents. The tents were hung from a large ficus tree located in a public garden in the center of town, adjacent to a synagogue called Jacob’s Tent (we found that out after installing the tent). We hung a total of 3 tents, all independent of one another but close enough that spinning one would start the movement of  another.

The hovering tents formed a space that encouraged passersby to stop, engage with the tents and play. A public garden that was hardly ever occupied now became a desirable place to be.  You can read about the story behind the tent on http://www.growingupcreative.com/2012/09/finger-knitting-a-tent-the-story-behind.html

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Eco Yogurt Lounge

Eco Yogurt Lounge - Boca Raton

New discovery: An eco-friendly business


From the Eco Yogurt Lounge website:  http://ecoyogurtlounge.com/
 
"At Eco Yogurt Lounge, we know that good stewardship of the environment is a group effort. We strive to do our part through use of Earth-friendly, recycled materials, but we don’t stop there. We think it’s also important to support other groups in their green initiatives. That’s why we donate a percentage of our proceeds to local, ecologically friendly organizations. Together, we can take bold steps forward while leaving a lighter footprint on our environment.

Cups: 

Our cups don’t stop at merely serving up a low-fat, great-tasting treat. They also do their part for the Earth, making use of recycled material — every ton of which prevents 60 pounds of air pollution and spares 17 trees.
Eco Yogurt Lounge spoon

Spoons:

We believe plastic ware shouldn’t be a given when digging into our delectable frozen yogurt. Our spoons are made with renewable materials like plant starch, and require less energy to produce than their plastic counterparts."

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Market Earth in Fort Myers

I wasn't able to visit this store on my most recent trip to Fort Myers, but it's top of my list for the next one.

Leona

 

Market Earth Green Statement

                                              1518 Hendry St.   Fort Myers, FL 33901

 Market Earth is committed to reducing our impact on the environment. We use recycled products in our business processes and vegetable and soy based inks on our printing materials wherever possible. We support a low-waste shipping policy by reusing all possible incoming shipment materials and strive for using as little new paper material as we can. So don’t be surprised when your shipment arrives in a box that’s been given a second life. We’re just trying to be as green as we can be.

We believe in supporting the artisan spirit at Market Earth through local artists, fair trade partners and recyclers from around the world. We strive to find unique products that share our visions of supporting a global marketplace with exceptional standards of quality and creativity. All our goods represent our philosophy of social awareness and we are proud to be a purveyor of change in the way we treat this beautiful earth and all the people, everywhere, who live on it.



Check out https://www.marketearth.net/products/ to see a list of their products.

Friday, August 2, 2013

TerraCycle Update 7/13




T2T Volunteers, Members and Donors,

I am asking for all of your help to support the Broward College TerraCycle program. Currently BC is the highest collecting college in the country. In effort to maintain this status we set an aggressive goal of 300,000 items by December. Currently we are around 120,000 items and we have a way to go. The Summer months are slower as fewer classes are offered.

Please help us bridge the gap and bring your TerraCycle items to T2T from the attached list. We get lots of yogurt cups but few Toothbrushes, Toothpaste Tubes, Dried up Pens, Granola and Candy bar wrappers, Chip Bags, Shoes, and Scotch tape cores.

Please share this list with everyone you know. It would be FANTASTIC if the T2T TerraCycle bin was at capacity every week.

I greatly appreciate your support as we reduce waste and support the Michelle Lawless Scholarship. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Broward College- Student Financial Services
7200 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines, Fl 33024
Telephone (954) 201-8882 Main Number (954) 201-8846