Reducing your Carbon Footprint
Water Conservation
Tampa Bay Water
Water, water, everywhere!
It is easy to dismiss the notion of having to conserve water in Florida, especially when we are surrounded by it! Tampa is a beautiful city and we, as residents of South Tampa, are very fortunate to have the Bay as a resource. But, water, like all our natural resources, is finite and we should endeavor to conserve our precious drinking water resource as much as possible.
Some Water Facts
Residents of Hillsborough County, including the City of Tampa and surrounding counties, have their water supplied by an agency known as Tampa Bay Water. This organization is “a non-profit, special district of the State of Florida created to plan, develop and deliver a high-quality drinking water supply.”
The agency determines that “Water demand projections show the Tampa Bay region will need an additional 10 million gallons of drinking water per day by 2028. Conservation can reduce water demands and delay the need for Tampa Bay Water to build new water supplies.”
Tampa Bay Water has many functions, one of which is to protect and conserve our water. To this end, they practice environmental stewardship, offer rebates and tips for water conservation efforts through the Tampa Bay Water Wise program. For more information on:
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Residential and Commercial Rebates
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Water saving tips
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Watering restrictions
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Water conservation resources
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Retrofitting
Please visit TBW’s website at: https://www.tampabaywater.org/conservation/tampa-bay-water-wise/ and the City of Tampa’s website at: https://www.tampa.gov/water/conservation/rebates-water-saving-devices
Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Awards Program
“The Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Awards program is designed to recognize attractive, water-
conserving landscapes in various water-use sectors (e.g., homes, businesses, industry and government). Moreover, the program seeks to identify actual examples of outstanding Florida-Friendly, Water Wise landscaping and to promote those principles within the community.’
How to apply for the Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Award program?
Visit: https://awards.tampabaywaterwise.org/, click on: “Enter Your Landscape Today” and complete the form.
Solar Conservation
According to solar.gov, "Solar energy is the fastest growing and most affordable source of new electricity in America. As the cost of solar energy systems dropped significantly, more Americans and businesses have taken advantage of clean energy."
Hillsborough Co-Op Available Soon!
Solar United Neighbors is coming to Tampa in the near future. Read more on their website about this program. You can also email at: FLteam@SolarUnitedNeighbors.org
Additional Resources
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Food Waste Prevention Week: https://www.foodwastepreventionweek.com/learn.
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City of Tampa’s Solid Waste/Compost: https://www.tampa.gov/solid-waste/compost
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Suncoast Compost: https://www.suncoastcompost.com/
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Publix Sustainability/Recycling: https://sustainability.publix.com/storefront/customer-recycling/
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Reduce Your Use Pledge! https://www.reduceyourusetampabay.org/
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Household Hazardous Waste: https://www.tampa.gov/solid-waste/programs/recycling-and-waste-reduction/residential/household-chemical-collection
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City of Tampa’s Solid Waste/Recycling Programs: https://www.tampa.gov/solid-waste/programs/recycling-and-waste-reduction
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Green America: https://www.greenamerica.org/green-living
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Dress for Success: http://www.dressforsuccess.org/
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One World Running: http://www.oneworldrunning.com/
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21 Things You Didn't Know You Can Recycle: https://www.greenamerica.org/21-things-to-recycle
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Recycling textiles: https://brightly.eco/blog/textile-recycling
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and https://www.bustle.com/style/recycle-shoes-textile-recycling-clothing-bins-near-you
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Tampa Bay Water: https://www.tampabaywater.org/conservation/tampa-bay-water-wise/
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City of Tampa, Water Department: https://www.tampa.gov/water/conservation/rebates-water-saving-devices
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Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Award program: https://awards.tampabaywaterwise.org/