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Natural Awakenings Northwest Florida

Walking the Eco-Walk: the Greening of the Emerald Coast Community

Sep 26, 2012 08:56PM ● By Jude Forsyth

 

It’s not enough for Daralyn Chase, publisher of Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida magazine, to spread the word about green living and healthy planet practices by just “talking the talk.” Chase has to walk the green living walk, as well. Her mission is to become a role model, supporting healthy living both though the magazine’s content and the way she does business; healthy and green from the inside out. But it takes a whole community to green a neighborhood, a city, a state and a nation.

One way Chase made the decision to green Natural Awakenings is by using non-glossy paper, because the shiny stuff is made by adding a coating of clay to the surface, along with a UV sealer that requires large amounts of electricity. She also chose a soy-based ink versus petroleum-based printing inks that release toxins into the atmosphere and groundwater.

Also, as an eco-friendly publisher, Chase has a policy of printing only the number of copies equal to the demand. Ensuring that all of her free magazines are picked up by readers is a fine balancing act that she shares with advertisers, suppliers and readers that have all made a conscious decision to make a difference in our world’s natural forests and environment (sharing this issue supports that cause).

The greening of the Emerald Coast community starts with its residents; both individuals and business owners, steadily moving forward with adopting green practices. There are many challenges to that goal, with convenience and cost at the top of the list. Although there is a desire to practice recycling, it may prove to be inconvenient, taking time and effort. How then to move forward?

There is a tendency to see everything that needs to be done, become overwhelmed by the possibilities and just put it all off until later. The sustainability movement won’t move forward with that attitude. While greening of a community can be accomplished one decision at a time, those decisions must still be made.

To acquaint readers with businesses that are stepping up to lead the way toward a more sustainable community, we present an introduction to several companies and organizations in the Emerald Coast community that are walking the green walk. They provide green products and services that will improve your health, save money and support the greening of our community.

We spend most of our time in either our home or our workplace. With today’s buildings consuming 24 percent of the total energy in our nation, they provide a great opportunity for saving both energy and money. Peaden contractors understand the significant role they play in the world’s future.

Peaden is a full-service residential, commercial and mechanical, air conditioning, heating, plumbing, electrical and insulation contractor. Founded in 1969, the company not only consistently provides high quality service, it is committed to energy conservation, eco-friendly products and services and consumer education.

A typical household spends more than $2,000 per year on energy and contributes twice the amount of greenhouse gases to the environment as an average car. Peaden contractors make a commitment to embrace the green movement by educating people about the environmental and savings benefits of having a green heating and cooling system and offering homeowners products and services that can improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Peaden takes an active role in preserving the environment through recycling and conservation of products and supplies, both in the office and field.

Diagnostic Testing

For the consumer, going green can begin with a Home Conservation Evaluation, performed by a highly trained and certified HVAC technician that thoroughly evaluates the home or business system. The analysis includes two parts: an energy overpayment calculation—the technician will approximate how much energy the system is wasting, and then perform an eco-efficient tune-up and calibration of the system and advise on any necessary repairs. On average, a calibration can improve a system’s efficiency by as much as 17 percent.

Another service Peaden provides is Comfort Diagnostics Testing. Most homeowners believe that replacing older cooling and heating equipment will solve issues with high-energy usage, but many end up being disappointed, because they realize little or no improvement.

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the average home loses 25 to 35 percent of its energy through leakage from ducts and around doors, windows and attic penetrations. Peaden notes that just replacing the equipment may not solve all the problems. A simpler, less expensive repair option may be the answer. When the testing is completed, the technician will be able to locate and quantify leakage and infiltration and offer advice for real solutions.

Insulation

In addition to caulking and weather stripping, insulation is one of the most practical and economical ways to save energy and improve home comfort. A cooling and heating system can run from sunup to sundown and still not remain comfortable if the home cannot hold in the conditioned air.

Peaden provides insulation services that include blown fiberglass, rolled batting and sprayed foam for attics, walls and crawlspaces. They install heat-reflective radiant barriers in attics to lower temperatures and cooling loads. In many cases, the payback on upgrading the insulation can be realized in just one or two years; compared to 15 to 20 years for new windows and doors.

Indoor Air Quality

The problems caused by indoor air pollution can range from the aggravation of excessive dusting to debilitating health issues like allergies and asthma. A system does not produce dust, pollen, volatile organic compounds (VOC) or mold. These pollutants usually come from outside the home. A Peaden professional will look for the source of the problem, rather than arbitrarily recommending expensive air cleaning and purification equipment.

Maintenance

Peaden also offers energy savings and plumbing service plans that provide necessary preventive maintenance, in addition to a wide array of benefits. More than 10,000 residential and commercial customers invest in their maintenance/service plans and renew year after year.

For more information, call 850-872-1004 in Panama City, 850-362-6646 in Ft. Walton Beach and 850-396-6126 in Gulf Breeze.

Gulf Coast Energy Network

The Gulf Coast Energy Network (GCEN) network is a coalition of prominent business, government and environmental leaders that promote the efficient use of energy and water resources to benefit consumers, the environment and economic growth; the use of alternative forms of energy and lessening of greenhouse gas emissions; and cost-effective investment expand green markets and conserve natural resources.

GCEN recently launched the Girls Gone Green TV Educational Series. The purpose of the show is to encourage the younger generation (12 to18) to pursue careers with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, mathematics and sustainability (STEMS). The project intends to attract female mentors and the next generation of energy and technology professionals, as well as assist boys and girls to pursue their dreams in STEMS field.

Gulf Coast Energy Network, 4077 Soundpointe Dr., Gulf Breeze. Anna Covington, Communication’s Coordinator (850) 855-9850. GulfCoastEnergyNetwork.org. GirlsGoneGreenTV.com. 850-855-2108.

Energy Gone Greener

Debby McKinney’s Northwest Florida company, Energy Gone Greener, offers the EnergyMizer, a residential energy reduction system. This whole-house protection system offer guaranteed savings on electricity, with an enhanced filter that drastically reduces the presence of harmful electromagnetic fields (EMF).

EMF comprises invisible lines of force created whenever electricity is generated or used, and are produced by power lines, electric wiring and electric and magnetic fields. Scientists are concerned about their health effects because exposure to EMF has been associated with cancer, diabetes, fibromyalgia, heart disease and other serious health issues.

Contact Debby McKinney at 850-598-0200 and Visit EnergyGoneGreener.info to learn how consumers can save energy while ensuring a safer environment in their home or business by reducing harmful electromagnetic fields.

Earth Ethics, in Pensacola, was created to address issues along the Gulf Coast specific to Northwest Florida. Their primary focus includes issues and concerns related to the environment, outreach and education, social issues and sustainable practices that include land use planning design and living a normal life, while reducing a carbon footprint. The majority of their projects are funded by grants or donations.

Earth Ethics specializes in grant research, writing and administration, ecological assessments, on-the-ground implementation of restoration and stabilization projects and environmentally-based outreach and education.

For more information, contact Mary Gutierrez at 850-549-7944 or visit EarthEthics.us.

Scott Lightsey, owner of ECCO Motors, a low-speed vehicle dealership in Miramar Beach, has a passion for electric vehicles (EV). This new class of vehicles, called “neighborhood electric vehicles” or “low speed vehicles,” is capable of achieving 25 mph. One model, the street-legal E-Merge, is designed for use by individuals in local neighborhoods and communities for running errands, commuting, golf and other recreational purposes. This vehicle can safely drive to the neighborhood golf course, play 18 holes and then stop by the grocery store on the way home.

Lightsey is trying to get the local communities to adopt them as convenient, safe and a great eco-friendly practice. He encourages the idea of one car/one kart to ease consumption on many levels.

ECCO Motors, 147 Professional Pl., Miramar Beach. 850-837-2600. EccoMotors.net. StreetLegalCarts.com.

The chamber's environment committee, made up of members that are devoted to finding and promoting ways to positively affect the environment along the Emerald Coast, meets the first Tuesday of the month, at 8:15 a.m.

Location: 34 Miracle Strip Pkwy. SE, Fort Walton Beach. For more information, call 850-244-8191.

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