Innisbrook Earth Day!

On May 1st get your track shoes on and head out to Innisbrook® to help them celebrate their 2nd Annual 5k & Family Event in honor of Earth Day. Run/Walk on their North Course with its scenic fairways and challenging elevation changes. All 5k participants will receive a tree seedling.

Register early and save! Participation fee is $20 prior to race day and $25 the day of race.

5K CHECK-IN BEGINS AT 7:00AM • THE 5K BEGINS PROMPTLY AT 9:00AM


Green Organizations & Vendors will be onsite to help you and your family learn how you can make a difference! Youth can enjoy complimentary games and 4D Ride Experience from Games2you and a bounce house from Bay Bounce.

Donate shoes to Soles4souls and recycle unwanted electronics for free at their Electronics Recycling Drive sponsored by Intercon Solution.

Dog Friendly Event! (Byob - Bring Your Own Bags & A 6-Ft. Leash)

Contact 727.942.5518 or innisbrookcares@playinnisbrook.com for more information or to register!

A Clean Solution

Mary Campbell, Extension Director and Urban Sustainability Agent

This idea was just too good not to pass on. When we think about recycling, it is usually plastic, paper, printer cartridges, or other typical waste. A unique new program recycles partially used soap. An Orlando based non-profit, “Clean the World” is an organization that collects the partially-used soap from hotels to donate to organizations that provide aid to people around the world. Impoverished people die every day from acute respiratory infection and diarrheal disease. Each year more than five million lives are lost to these diseases with the majority of deaths being among children less than five years old. Studies have shown that simple hand washing substantially reduces the spread of these diseases. Unfortunately, the essential items for proper hand washing are unobtainable for millions of people worldwide.

In just 13 months, there are over 175 hotels (including Disney World) representing 80,000 hotel rooms in 20 states that have joined Clean the World’s Hospitality Recycling Program. The hotel industry currently throws away over 1.5 million bars of soap every day. The simple hygiene practice of washing one’s hands with plain soap can reduce these deaths significantly. According to clinical studies, the combination of bar soap and proper hygiene education can reduce the effects of acute respiratory illness and diarrheal disease, the number one and number two killers of children worldwide respectively, by up to 65%. Clean the World collects the gently used bar soap and bottled amenity products that are routinely thrown away by hotels and resorts. These products are then sanitized in their Recycling Operations Centers and packaged for distribution to those in need. In Pinellas County, we currently have nine properties committed to this program and Visit St. Pete/Clearwater is organizing more each day.

Resources:

Clean the World
Orlando Sentinel Article
A complete list of participating hotels

Seminole Recycling And Sustainability Discussion Group

This citizen’s group of Seminole is keeping the ball rolling on recycling and sustainability. Their meetings are at the Seminole Community Library, 9200 113th St. N., Seminole, Florida 33772, from 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Each meeting has a presentation component that is followed by a lively discussion! All are welcome, come alone or bring a neighbor with you!

Saturday, April 17
Program Room C
Two presentations will be featured. Robert Segundo, Permaculture Instructor and Sustainability Consultant, will give a power point presentation. Next, Discussion Group member, Christy Abbott, will show the video, "Fresh", a documentary concerning new ways to grow food locally. Following the presentations, there will be open discussions.

Monday, May 3
Program Room A
Featured is Wayne Hefty, Energy Coach from Pinellas County Schools and Energy Systems Group. TOPIC: Pinellas County Schools Recycling Program. Come and share your thoughts with Wayne and our discussion group members.

Future Meeting Dates: June 7 and September 13

For more information, contact group moderator, Mary DeGeorge-Hampton, (631) 838-2272.