On Television

Going Green

Going green is red hot these days, but you might not be aware of all the different ways you can be friendlier to the environment while improving your own life. Host Irene Maher introduces us to Jim Kovaleski, of New Port Richey, who combines form and function by turning his entire yard into a garden of "eat'n." Meanwhile, Carson Cooper takes us to Sweetwater Organic Community Farm, a little bit of country right in the heart of the city. Later, Kim Button, from Greenwell Consulting, shows us how to rid your body and home of unnecessary chemicals. Switching gears over to the alternative energy side, you'll also meet a man who's "green" approach to gas-guzzling vehicles caused a seafood company out of Orlando to completely restructure their business. Larry Elliston then introduces us to a teacher in St. Petersburg who turned an energy-saving house project into a valuable learning lesson for her class.

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On the Radio

Renewable Energy

Florida officials want more renewable energy. A bill in the Legislature would mandate that power companies get 20 percent of their energy from renewable sources like wind, solar, bio-mass and nuclear power. But it's still uncertain if the measure will pass, and if it does, what the resulting system will look like. Learn about the proposal as well as developments in Florida's solar industry.

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Radio Guests

Sen. Jim King(R-Jacksonville), District 8 Senator

Zac Andersonreporter for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Ten Most Important Fruits and Vegetables to Buy Organic:
1. Peaches
2. Apples
3. Sweet Bell Peppers
4. Celery
5. Nectarines
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Lettuce
9. Grapes-Imported
10. Pears

Based on Pesticide Levels Studies by the Environmental Working Group

Definitions:

Going Green: A phrase referring to individual action that a person can consciously take to curb harmful effects on the environment through consumer habits, behavior, and lifestyle.

Sustainable: Actions and products that meet current needs without sacrificing the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Sustainability is a broad term and often refers to the desire to provide the best outcomes for the human and natural environments both now and into the indefinite future.

Carbon Footprint: The total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full lifecycle of a product or service, expressed as grams of CO2 equivalents. Greenhouse gases contribute to global warming and climate change, so reducing carbon footprints is desirable for a healthier earth.

Co-op: Short for co-operative. Worker cooperatives are owned and democratically controlled by its workers. Since the co-op is worker-owned and membership is not compulsory, this type of manufacturing set-up avoids exploitation of its workers.

Green Building: A green building is designed to conserve resources and reduce negative impacts on the environment - whether it is energy, water, building materials or land. Compared to conventional construction, green buildings may use one or more renewable energy systems for heating and cooling, such as solar electric, solar hot water, geothermal, bio mass, or any combinaion of these.

Source - http://lohas.com/glossary.html

Program

Florida Matters

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State.

Hosted By

Carson Cooper