Key West The Newspaper

Green eNewsletter: June #2

Did you know that in a recent survey of 400 locals, 56% reported that they had rewarded companies that were taking steps to reduce global warming by buying their products (10% above the national average!)? What’s also interesting is that of those locals who had not rewarded green companies, 81% had said they didn’t know which companies to reward.

June is Green Business Month and we want to make sure you knew what businesses in town are walking the walk! There are a couple of different certifications we recognize, so I’ve created a summary below, followed by a special on Kids Summer Camps at the very end. Please make an effort to show your support to these green businesses by visiting or recommending them to others!

Florida Keys Green Business Certification

This is a brand new Certification, just rolled out by the City of Key West. The following businesses have taken the “Lead By Example” challenge to become certified and will be featured throughout the summer for the green actions they were already doing, or the new steps they will be taking:

· Bier Boutique

· Boardwalk Frozen Custard

· Conch Tour Train

· Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority

· Graffitti Menswear

· Montessori Children’s School of Key West

· Old Town Trolley Tours of Key West

· OMI (Key West Wastewater)

· Southernmost Beach Café

· Sustainable Pooch Petsitting Services

· Date & Thyme

· WeBeFit Personal Training

· Key West Business Guild

· Yankee Freedom III

· La Creperie French Café

· Yoga on the Beach

· Margarita Petkov Cleaning Services

Blue Star Operators

The National Marine Sanctuary runs the Blue Star Operator program, which recognizes operators who are committed to promoting responsible and sustainable diving and snorkeling practices to reduce the impact of these activities on coral reefs in the Florida Keys. Blue Star operators take the extra step to educate you to be better environmental stewards and to interact responsibly with coral reefs in the Keys. Blue Star operators in Key West are:

· Dive Key West

· Spree Expeditions

· Fury Water Adventures

· Zia Charters

Clean Marina

The Florida Department of Environmental Health runs the Clean Marina program. Designated Clean Marinas voluntarily show proactive environmental stewardship by implementing environmental best management practices in habitat protection, waste management, storm water control, spill prevention and emergency preparedness. Clean Marinas in Key West include:

· Boca Chica Marina (Naval Air Station)

· Key West Bight City Marina

· Conch Harbor Marina

· Ocean Key Resort Marina

· Key West City Marina at Garrison Bight

· Sigsbee Marina (Naval Air Station)

Florida Green Lodging LogoGreen Lodging

The Florida Department of Environmental Health runs the Green Lodging Program, recognizing lodging facilities that make a commitment to conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources through best management practices in waste reduction, water conservation, energy efficiency and education. Green Lodging in Key West includes:

Two Palms Certified:

· Andrews Inn & Garden Cottages

· The Banyan Resort

· Casa Marina

· Hilton DoubleTree

· The Gardens Hotel

· Marriott Beachside Hotel

· Sheraton Suites

One Palm Certified:

· Eden House

· Island House

· Fairfield Inn & Suites

· Marker Resort Key West

· Rose Lane Villas

· Southernmost Beach Resort

· Old Town Manor

Please show your support by visiting or recommending these businesses to others.