Don't Just Recycle!

Help The Environment in Other Ways!

Every single day, we take actions that, if done a little bit different, will help the environment in a big way!  Here are a few recommendations besides recycling:

This is how you can help:

1.    Set your thermostat to 78F.

  1. This moderate temperature combines comfort and energy efficiency. Each degree above that can shave an additional 5 - 8% off cooling costs.
  2. Air conditioning typically accounts for 30-40% of your electric bill. Even a moderate reduction in A/C use could save you big bucks!

2.  Trees Trees Trees!

  1. We still hold the title of “Tree City USA,” a designation that is bestowed upon cities with extensive tree canopies and a strong commitment to planting new trees in the public right-of-way.  We are also known as “Play City USA.”  Another designation in recognition of the great work we do in Parks and Recreation. 
  2. Plant native shade trees on the east, west and south sides of your house. Mature shade trees can reduce air conditioning costs by 30%. Pay special attention to the A/C compressor outside. Shading the outdoor part of the A/C can lower cooling costs.

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3.    Consider driving an electric or hybrid vehicle.

  1. According to the EPA, a typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. This assumes the average gasoline vehicle on the road today has a fuel economy of about 22.0 miles per gallon and drives around 11,500 miles per year. Every gallon of gasoline burned creates about 8,887 grams of CO2.
  2. By driving an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid car, you significantly reduce CO2 emissions that contribute to climate change. 

4.    Share a ride 

  1. The Village of Palmetto Bay offers the new electric van Freebee. It’s, fast, easy and FREE.
  2. Download "Ride Freebee" in your app store. If you don’t use a smart phone, or you don’t wish to download the app, you may call 1-855-918-3733;
  3. Summon Freebee to pick you up and deliver you to any point in the Village; 
  4. Confirm your pick-up and track your driver in real time.

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5.    Landscape with Florida native plants that don’t require constant mowing, trimming, or watering

  1. According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, native plants help the environment. Native plants also have other benefits. They require much less watering, fertilizer, and pesticides. In fact, they can prevent water run-off and improve air quality. Native plants can help decrease pollution because they eliminate the need for mowers and other equipment. Native plants have the ability to pull and store excess carbon.

6.    Reduce plastic consumption and use reusable items like ceramic coffee mugs and plates, rechargeable batteries in order to reduce waste.

  1. According to Debris Free Oceans, once plastics are produced, they may be littered intentionally or unintentionally into the external environment. This causes a span of social, financial, and environmental damage that disproportionately affects coastal communities. When plastics are discarded, they physically break down into smaller pieces but will never entirely, chemically break down. Over time, even the most massive of plastic debris will form bits of microplastic that measure less than five millimeters in diameter. Even tinier Nano plastics smaller than 100 nanometers many also form under exposure to wind, wave currents, and UV radiation.
  2. By using reusable plates, cups and utensils, you easily reduce the impact and waste that could contaminate our water ways, including Biscayne Bay. 

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7.    Buy local

  1. According to the Columbia Climate School, by shopping at local grocery stores and farmer’s markets, you reduce your carbon footprint significantly because “…it travels a shorter distance to get to you, so it produces fewer greenhouse emissions from truck exhaust or jet fuel”. 
  2. The Palmetto Bay Farmer’s Market occurs every Saturday from 8:30am-3pm at Coral Reef Park!

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8.    Recycle Correctly

  1. Miami-Dade County's curbside recycling program has made it easier for residents to Recycle Right with The Simple 5: 

i.    Paper: clean and dry newspapers, magazines, catalogs, telephone books, printer paper, copier paper, mail and all other office paper without wax liners

ii.    Cardboard: packing boxes, cereal boxes, gift boxes and corrugated cardboard; Flatten all boxes before placing them in your cart

iii.    Cans: steel and aluminum food & beverage cans; Aluminum bottles are also accepted

iv.    Cartons: aseptic poly-coated drink boxes, juice cartons and milk cartons

v.    Bottles: (plastic & glass) - plastic bottles* milk, water, detergent, soda and shampoo (flatten and replace cap); glass bottles

*Numbers on plastics are no longer useful indicators of recyclability. Miami-Dade County recycles plastic bottle containers regardless of the number listed. For more information, visit their website. 

9.    Install high-efficiency showerheads

  1. In Miami-Dade County, residents can receive rebates for the purchase and installation of high-efficiency toilets, faucets and showerheads, which can reduce water bills and conserve water. 

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10.    Calculate your carbon footprint to see how you can specifically reduce your carbon footprint daily.

  1. Lowering individual carbon footprints from 16 tons to 2 tons doesn’t happen overnight! By making small changes to our actions, we can start making a big difference.
  2. Carbon Footprint Calculator