In Key West GLEE means more than song and dance. Yes, we are believers in “Green Living and Energy Education”. We are reminded daily of the responsibility to preserve the incredible natural beauty of Key West. GLEE was created as a not-for-profit organization in 2005 with a mission to promote sustainable actions through waste reduction, efficient and renewable energy, and the conservation of water and land resources.
GLEE carries out its mission through educational programs and informational events throughout the Florida Keys. Green Living Expo is a main event held on different keys during the year and this has drawn over 2000 people in one day to attend workshops and view exhibits of green goods, services and agencies. In Key West the Green Living Expo was held at the Botanical Gardens and featured organic food, beer, wine and a Recycled Runway fashion show. Workshops were held on topics such as green cleaning products, self-watering planters, and sprout growing. Check out some scenes of last year’s Key West Green Living Expo. Details for the 2011 expo will be available later in the summer.
Earth day is April 22 and GLEE will host the annual Earth Day celebration at Key West’s Bottle Cap Groove Lounge at 1128 Simonton Street beginning at 5:00 p.m. The celebration’s key event is the “Healthy Living Cook-Off”. There will be prizes, a raffle and plenty of entertainment.
There are many other programs offered by GLEE that assist in educating residents and visitors on maintaining the beauty and health of Key West. The Keys’ Sustain-Ability Program (KSAP) holds quarterly green-themed educational meetings for policymakers and municipal staff. Green Living Awards are presented annually to recognize individuals, agencies, and businesses that have made the most strides in the progress of sustainable measures in the Keys.
The Key West Community Garden was planted by GLEE volunteers in 2008 and has provided hundreds of pounds of organic food since. The garden is watered with collected rainwater, and nourished with compost. Workshops are held at the garden and are open to individuals, and student groups. These workshops are so popular that there is now a waiting list.
“Green Drinks” is an informal meeting of people who are interested in sustainability and green efforts. This group is actually part of an international move to gather like-minded people together to network and socialize. The Key West “Green Drinks” meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Finnegan’s Wake.
Key West has rightly earned its reputation for great weather, great beauty, great fishing, and great fun. The residents of Key West also are earning a reputation for making the effort to preserve their piece of paradise. Doesn’t this add up to the perfect formula for your place to call home?! I know Key West and I’m ready to assist in your real estate needs. Jimmy Lane: 305-766-0585.