Shannon Blankinship
Jacksonville isn’t a city that usually comes to mind first when you hear the phrase “pollution solutions.” But, we can look to nearby cities and the remarkable green solutions they have already implemented for inspiration and to learn how to follow in their green footsteps. In Athens, Georgia, every bit of rainwater that falls on city streets flows into curb cuts that irrigate the native plants lining city sidewalks. In Atlanta, tourism is now solidly connected to the BeltLine, a sustainable redevelopment project that provides a network of parks, multi-use trails and transit along a historic 22-mile railroad corridor circling Downtown and connecting many neighborhoods. In Gainesville, bike paths are the connectors to the best local spots and the most successful small businesses cater to bikes as transportation rather than parking lots.
Green roofs and urban gardens are also much more common in other cities. Pollution solutions like these are the driving force behind a new week-long festival sponsored by the City of Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board. The week is anchored by the Pollution Solution Festival at the Museum of Science and History on Saturday, September 10 and International Coastal Cleanup along county waterways on Saturday, September 17. Check out some of the other “pollution solution” oriented events.
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9/9 – Environmental Symposium, UNF, $25-$50
This event is a day of scientific and technical presentations highlighting current research in the environment by local leaders, government agencies, utilities, and innovators in a forum designed to foster an atmosphere of cooperation in environmental achievement.
9/10 – Pollution Solution Festival, MOSH, Free
Learn about how to reduce air, water, and noise pollution through various activities and special presentations.
9/15 – Mayor’s Environmental Luncheon, UNF, $25 per person
The event recognizes companies, groups, and individuals who’ve made positive impacts on Northeast Florida’s environment.
9/15 – Microplastics – The Sources Might Surprise You, Black Creek Outfitters, Free
St. Johns RIVERKEEPER will provide a short training session to learn about microplastics, how to look for them and how to prevent microplastics in our waterways.
9/17 – International Coastal Cleanup, Various Locations, Free
More than 18 million pounds of trash was collected by nearly 800,000 volunteers during the 2015 cleanup. Join several sites in Jacksonville in 2016 to remove litter from reaching our oceans.
See links to more information about each of these events and more on our website: www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org/events[/box]
These events are looking to bring Pollution Solutions into the spotlight in Jacksonville. If we play our cards right, maybe we can become the next tourism destination showcasing our green transformation. What will it be?
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