Mayor Dyer renews commitment to Environment

The City of Orlando, commemorates Earth Day with community events and living art.

Earth Day is a time to renew our commitment to our environment. It’s a time to evaluate the way we live and introduce more sustainable practices in our daily routines.

To engage Orlando residents in the City’s environmental efforts Mayor Dyer launched Green Works LIFE, an educational program designed to provide citizens with information on how to reduce their environmental footprint and conserve energy and resources. On Earth Day, citizens can begin their lifestyle change by signing our Green Works LIFE pledge.

Emissions Calculator:        Once residents have taken the pledge, they can check out the EPA Household Emissions Calculator, http://cityoforlando.net/elected/greenworks/life/index.htm. The Calculator estimates personal or family greenhouse gas emissions and explores actions to reduce your emissions.

Earth Day Events:   The City of Orlando encourages everyone to get involved in Earth Day activities that are happening here in the City of Orlando:

·        Green Aquatic Installation – In recognition of Earth Day, a green aquatic habitat has been installed in Lake Eola in Downtown Orlando. The floating mats, habitat and lush wetland vegetation are the artistic expression of Jefre Figueras Manuel, known as JEFRË, an inventive public artist based in the City Arts Factory. JEFRË’s green piece has a number of ecological benefits, such as the aquatic grasses composed of Yellow Canna, Soft Rush and Bent Grass that helps regulate water levels, oxygenate the water, control nutrients, remove pesticides, purify water quality and provide habitat for the local birds and wildlife.

·        Earth Day at Bill Frederick Park – Spend Saturday, April 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake for the City of Orlando’s celebration of Earth Day. Admission to the event is free and activities include educational booths, tree plantings, hiking tours, tree climbing and give-a-ways. Attendees can also drop off used tires, motor oil and vehicle batteries to be recycled. For more information, call Bill Frederick Park at 407.299.5581.

·        Central Florida Earth Day – Want to learn more about how to protect our health, the planet and its inhabitants? Then don’t miss Central Florida Earth Day. Peruse the healthy living and eco-friendly exhibitors, entertain the kids with fun games and enjoy live music and entertainment. Don’t miss it, Saturday, May 2, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Lake Eola Park (195 N. Rosalind Avenue). All money raised will be used for local environmental education and outreach. For more information, email [email protected].

Check cityoforlando.net/greenworks for green activities all year round.