In an effort to promote green practices, Governor Charlie Crist recently signed a proclamation designating Sept. 21-27, 2009, as Pollution Prevention (P2) Week. To celebrate the state and nationally recognized week, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is promoting methods for green cleaning, water conservation and energy conservation.

“Pollution prevention is a proactive approach that eliminates or reduces pollution at its source, through water and energy efficiency, minimizing the usage of raw materials and green cleaning,” said DEP Director of Sustainable Initiatives, Deas Bohn. “By providing education and outreach statewide, we hope to encourage all Floridians, business and guests to protect our state’s natural resources and our citizens’ health by preventing pollution.”

National P2 Week is an annual education event that occurs the third full week of September. Florida’s theme for this year’s P2 Week is ‘Greening Florida’s Future’ and is focused on water conservation, energy efficiency and green cleaning methods. DEP will also be distributing FREE conservation kits (while supplies last) at certain Vitamin Shoppe and The Fresh Market locations statewide during P2 Week. The conservation kits include two compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL), two low-flow sink aerators, two microfiber cloths, a conservation information sheet and green cleaning recipe card. Participating locations can be found at www.dep.state.fl.us/green/p2week.htm <http://www.dep.state.fl.us/green/p2week.htm> .

DEP is also giving away a green cleaning kit through its online green tip contest. To enter, participants should submit an original green tip, no more than 200 words, via email to DEP at Green.Tip.Contest@dep.state.fl.us. Entries will be accepted until Oct. 31, 2009 and a winner will be announced on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009. Some specific guidelines apply and entries are limited to one per email address. Additional information is available at www.dep.state.fl.us/green/tips/contest.htm <http://www.dep.state.fl.us/green/tips/contest.htm> .

P2 Week is administered by DEP’s Office of Sustainable Initiatives, which is comprised of three voluntary, non-regulatory programs that assist Florida industry and citizens in protecting the environment. The Clean Marina Program, the Florida Green Lodging Program and the Clean Vessel Act Grant Program. The goal of the Sustainable Initiatives programs is to meet the needs of the present population without compromising resources for future generations.

For more information about Florida’s Pollution Prevention Week and a list of events, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/green/p2week.htm <http://www.dep.state.fl.us/green/p2week.htm> . To view the Governor’s proclamation for Pollution Prevention Week, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/green/doc/p2week_proclamation.pdf.

Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection