by Alicia Rennoll
As a coastal state, Florida will likely be hit harder than most states by climate change, with parts expected to be entirely under water in the coming decades, according to a report by the World Economic Forum. The sea levels in Miami are already rising faster than other areas of the world, resulting in major damage to roads and homes, floods, and contaminated drinking water. Climate change is real, and it is up to everyone to work together to do what needs to be done to at least slow it down for the sake of future generations. The business world is one of the major contributors to environmental degradation, both directly and indirectly, so it’s only fair that businesses should be on the front line in the fight for the Earth. There are various things businesses in Washington County are doing to reduce their carbon footprint and promote environmental sustainability.
Cutting back on the plastic
Plastic is one of the biggest enemies of the planet, and the subject of heated debate in Florida on whether it should be banned or not. When any piece of plastic is not recycled, it either ends up in the oceans, where it contaminates the water and puts sea creatures at risk, or it’s burned to release dangerous greenhouse gases that cause environmental degradation. To prevent this, many businesses in Florida are working towards reducing the use of plastics in their operations, with some of them even going fully plastic-free. JAR The Zero Waste Shop, for instance, is a renowned package-free grocery store in Stuart that encourages shoppers to bring their own jars, containers or reusable bags to fill up with desired products, ensuring no plastic packaging products are used. If more business managers across Florida did the same, the amount of single-use plastic going to dumps would reduce drastically.
Recycling and reusing
Recycling is one of the easiest steps that businesses in Florida are taking to be more environmentally friendly. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection aims to achieve a 75 percent recycling goal by the end of 2020, and businesses will need to do their part to make it happen. Many of the materials used in offices don’t have to end up in the trash; instead, they can go into the recycling bin. Thankfully, more businesses are making efforts to reduce their waste and increase awareness about the importance of recycling. Madison’s North Florida Pharmacy, the latest recipient of the Recycling Recognition Award from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, was recognized for creating new habits and implementing changes in their workflow that make recycling easier. Other businesses in Florida, particularly those that are yet to go paperless, need to implement policies that encourage the recycling or reuse of paper and other materials in the workplace that otherwise get thrown away as trash.
Switching to solar energy
Florida is nicknamed ‘The Sunshine State’, making it perfect for trying out solar energy as an alternative or even primary source of energy for businesses across the state. Although Florida has lagged behind most other states when it comes to solar power adoption, demand is growing steadily thanks to new laws, more incentives, and rebates that are making it more affordable for businesses to install solar panels. The Florida Solar Property Tax Exemption, for instance, provides an 80 percent property tax abatement for commercial property, encouraging more business owners to install solar panels. Solar loans have also become available for businesses in Florida since 2018, which has made it possible for more businesses to switch to solar.
Businesses in Florida are on the front line in the fight against climate change, and every little change towards sustainability counts. Not only does it help businesses promote environmental protection and conservation, but it can also help them reduce their overhead costs, making it a win-win for everyone.