NEIGHBORS

Get Involved Today

Together we can help our small businesses grow while taking steps to protect our environment and ensure that our neighborhoods are valued. Help us share the word about this program.

We invite you to check out our restaurant directory and dine in or order out from our Greener Coral Way founding member restaurants!

Look out for our Greener Coral Way Window Decals.

Let the owners / managers of these restaurants know that you appreciate their commitment to sustainability

When dining at restaurants on Coral Way that are not enrolled in the program, include one of our Join the Greener Coral Way cards inside your bill. If you don't have a card with you, simply write it on your bill at the top!

WHY DOES IT MATTER?

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3 Ways To Bring Greener Coral Way Into Your Home

In addition to supporting Greener Coral Way restaurants, there are things you can do at home as well! Below are some resources on how you can make a difference with the positive change you create in this world instead of the trash you leave behind.

Have you heard of zero-waste living? The idea is to try and minimize your waste at home and help you save money. The reality is that we are drowning in our plastic pollution, and it’s time to start reducing our plastic consumption.

Reusable Canvas Tote vs. Disposable Plastic Bags

Plastic bags have created a huge pollution problem for our oceans. Currently, 100 billion plastic bags pass through the hands of U.S. consumers every year. We have the power to change that by switching to reusable canvas totes. Keep one in your car, by the front door, and in your purse, so you always have your tote when you need to make a purchase.

Reusable Water Bottle vs. Bottled Water

Shipping water is cumbersome and expensive, most bottled water is actually just local tap water packed in petroleum-derived plastic. Plastic bottles and bottle caps are the 3rd and 4th most collected plastic trash in the Ocean Conservancy’s annual beach cleanups. Instead of spending money buying bottled water, you can buy a filter and use your own reusable water bottle instead.

Washable Cloth Rags vs. Paper Towels

Every day, over 3,000 tons of paper towel waste is produced in the US alone. To make one ton of paper towels, 17 trees are cut down and 20,000 gallons of water are consumed. Save money and the environment by switching to washable cloths that absorb more, clean just as well, and can easily be thrown in the wash and reused.

Lowering Your Carbon Footprint at Home

TRANSPORTATION

Use public transportation when possible. U.S. public transportation saves 37 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.
Ride a bike – to work or to run errands. You’ll save on gas, improve your health and help decrease your greenhouse gas emissions.
Tires – Keep your tires properly inflated (just this can save 400-700 pounds of Carbon Dioxide per year).

FOOD

Whenever possible try to buy local. Shipping burns fuel. A 5-pound package shipped by air across the country creates 12 pounds of carbon dioxide(3 ½ pounds if shipped by truck). Eating local also supports local agriculture.
Also, try eating less meat. Vegetarians save at least 3,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year compared to meat-eaters. Eating an all-vegetarian diet could cut your carbon footprint by half. It’s okay if you’re not a vegetarian, maybe try meatless Mondays!

HOME

Programmable thermostat – Costs more or less $50, and will save you that much or more in just your first year!
Lighting – Use LEDs instead of incandescent bulbs. They use 75% less energy; last 10 x longer and pay for themselves in the first 4 months.
Insulation – Weather-stripping, caulking, and insulation work together to save you energy, improve the comfort of your home, make it quieter and help you save money and the environment.
Water-conserving shower heads & toilets – You can reduce water and heating costs, even in your bathroom. Save water by turning off the faucet when brushing, shaving or while doing the dishes.
Adjust your water settings – Turn the hot water heater down to 120 degrees and wash your clothes in the cold water setting. This could save you $200-$300 a year and a lot less shrunk clothes!

What About Composting?

What is it? Compost is organic material that can be added to soil to help plants grow. Food scraps and yard waste together currently make up about 30% of what we throw away and should be composted instead. Making compost keeps these materials out of landfills where they take up space and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

Benefits of Composting

Enriches soil, helping retain moisture and suppress plant diseases and pests.
Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
Encourages the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter to create humus, a rich nutrient-filled material.
Reduces methane emissions from landfills and lowers your carbon footprint.

Want to Learn More?

Live in a house or apartment and want to compost? Contact our partners at Back2Earth and get started today.

Neighbors