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The North Florida Green Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce our annual Holiday Gift Guide to support local member businesses and brighten your holiday season!
The NF Green Chamber empowers business to make a difference by making it cool and convenient to go green, and promoting the power of the triple bottom line of People, Planet, and Prosperity.
Download or Share the 2023 Holiday Gift Guide
Peruse personal and corporate gifts, the making of memories, and positively impacting the planet. The Green Chamber Holiday Gift Guide provides unique and sustainable gift options for any occasion.
A Chapter of the US Green Chamber of Commerce, the North Florida Green Chamber of Commerce is a regional education and networking organization for all size business, community organizations, and individuals to highlight, support and promote sustainable business practices.
In addition to promoting the economic success of Green Chamber members by offering environmental, socially responsible, and sustainable products and services, the North Florida Chapter has quarterly meetings, educational events, green economy job fairs, tradeshows and exhibits, a Buyers’ Club, Solar Collective, Sustainable Coaching program, and numerous other related programs and events to promote People, Planet, and Prosperity for the North Florida seven county region.
To learn more email [email protected], or visit www.NorthFloridaGreenChamber.org.
Bacardi Bottling Corporation Receives North Florida Green Chamber 2023 Water Quality Award
City of Jacksonville 2023 General Election Mayor and City Council Candidates responses to the North Florida Green Chamber’s Request for Statement: https://northfloridagreenchamber.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Candidate-Statements_NF-Green-Chamber-of-Commerce.pdf
For Further Information Contact:
Mike Bonts Public Relations
(904) 586-2708
[email protected]
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (September 8, 2022) – Hydraloop, offering a patented, compact, and proven cleantech water solutions suitable for residences as well as commercial applications, is the latest recipient of the North Florida Green Chamber of Commerce Water Quality & Resource Award.
“The Hydraloop mission aligns with Green Chamber’s agenda and focuses on an important natural resource, we usually take for granted. We are eager and excited to support efforts for innovation and technology that can empower every homeowner and business to help solve the global water crisis” Fernando Ramirez, Hydraloop, Inc. Managing Director
Since 2018, Hydraloop has developed and produced certified and game-changing greywater recycling systems. Hydraloop Inc. is the North American subsidiary of Dutch Hydraloop Systems BV, located in Milwaukee, Wis.
The green chamber is a regional networking organization for all sizes of businesses and community organizations including non-profits that emphasize green and sustainable business practices.
The Water Quality & Resource Award was created three years ago in cooperation with St. Johns Riverkeepers, the Florida Green Building Coalition and the St. Johns River Water Management District.
The North Florida chapter has ongoing networking and educational events and benefits including the Green Marketplace, a Buyers’ Club, Sustainability Coaches, the Solar Collective, job fairs, newsletter as well as sponsorship opportunities, discounts, awards, and a mentoring program.
To learn more email [email protected], call (904) 878-3474 or visit www.NorthFloridaGreenChamber.org.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (June 13, 2022) – The North Florida Green Chamber of Commerce (NFGCC), making it cool and convenient to go green, is recognizing August as National Water Quality Month.
To focus on an important natural resource, we usually take for granted, the Green Chamber is accepting nominations for the 2022 Water Quality & Resource Awards. Deadline is July 31.
“Now in their third year, the awards recognize examples of water quality improvement and conservation that best demonstrates significant, lasting, and measurable excellence in water quality improvement or in prevention of water quality degradation in North Florida in four categories,” noted Green Chamber Executive Director Christina Kelcourse, Esq, CFP, CRPC.
The green chamber is a regional networking organization for all sizes of businesses and community organizations including non-profits that emphasize green and sustainable business practices. The award was created in cooperation with St. Johns Riverkeepers, the Florida Green Building Coalition and the St. Johns River Water Management District.
Creative Landscape Award
Successful candidate uses engineering design principals of Low Impact Development to reduce or eliminate flow of stormwater and potential contaminants carried with it from the property to receiving waters or that uses natural systems to manage stormwater and contaminants. Living shorelines, xeriscaping and concepts included in the minimal impact design manual are good examples as well as other efforts to use existing natural landscape or restoring landscape to provide water quality improvement and wildlife habitat.
Conservation and Water Reuse Award
Successful candidate successfully demonstrates sustainability through reduction of consumption and reuse of resources. Examples include water conservation through low flow facilities and water reuse from converting wastewater or stormwater into water that can be reused for other purposes. Types of reuses include urban reuse, agricultural reuse (irrigation), environmental reuse, industrial reuse. Reuse may include irrigation of gardens and agricultural fields. Reused water may also be directed toward fulfilling certain needs in residences (e.g., toilet flushing), businesses, and industry. Creative reductions in energy use and resource recycling are included.
Stormwater Management Award
Successful candidate demonstrates creative and beneficial stormwater management activities in their Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans, either on behalf of their own facility or their client’s, by keeping potential contaminants from stormwater exposure at covered industrial sites or optimizing erosion and sedimentation controls at construction sites.
Wetland Protections Award
Candidate demonstrates successful efforts in protecting and enhancing wetlands through project design that avoids impacts to wetlands, including secondary impacts, enhancing wetlands through exotic species removal and hydrologic restoration or other efforts that preserve and expand wetland functions.
What are you doing to protect and conserve sources of freshwater? Let the Green Chamber know so they can acknowledge you or someone you nominate in recognition of National Water Quality Month. Deadline is July 31. Winners will be announced in August.
Nominate someone today at www.northfloridagreenchamber.org/sustainability/
The North Florida chapter has ongoing networking and educational events and benefits including the Green Marketplace, a Buyers’ Club, Sustainability Coaches, the Solar Collective, job fairs, newsletter as well as sponsorship opportunities, discounts, awards, and a mentoring program.
To learn more email [email protected], call (904) 878-3474 or visit www.NorthFloridaGreenChamber.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Mike Bonts Public Relations
(904) 424-6641
[email protected]
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (May 13, 2022) – Today, the North Florida Green Chamber of Commerce announced its inaugural Green Drinks Summer Series beginning Thursday, June 16 at the Cobalt Moon Center and next door at Sliders Bar and Grill in Neptune Beach.
“We are excited to launch this series in an informal summertime get-together for anyone interested in environmental issues and sustainability to connect in a fun and casual setting,” said Green Chamber Executive Director Christina Kelcourse Esq, CFP, CRPC. “We have a great topic and venue.”
Following a presentation on Biomimicry at 4 p.m. at the Cobalt Moon Center, the event moves next door at 5 p.m. to Sliders Bar and Grill, Jacksonville’s first Ocean Friendly Restaurant, for the Green Drinks social. The Green Drinks Summer Series is scheduled for June 16, July 21, and August 25.
Series topics will include using Biomimicry to create sustainable products, to design new business practices and using Biomimicry and Bio-utilization to clean up waste.
Integrative Bioscientist Jessica Tittl of BiomeFuture, an innovation company dedicated to applying the knowledge and power of nature to the development of sustainable products and systems, will be the presenter.
“Our summer series is focused on Biomimicry, and we have invited a subject matter expert in Jessica. This helps get the local conversation going and offers the opportunity to learn about Biomimicry and engage in meaningful dialogue followed by a chance to catch up with friends, meet new contacts and network with like-minded people to promote sustainability,” said Green Chamber Chairman Dolly Penland.
Green Drinks partners include the North Florida Land Trust, Environmental Protection Board, Jax Global Shapers, St. Johns River Keepers, Surfrider, Beaches Go Green and the Florida Green Building Coalition. Natural Awakenings and Folio/EU are media sponsors.
There is no charge. But registration is recommended due to space availability. Sign up at https://northfloridagreenchamber.org/events/green-drinks-summer-series/
ABOUT THE NORTH FLORIDA GREEN CHAMBER COMMERCE
Welcome to The North Florida Green Chamber of Commerce (NFGCC) where being green is cool and convenient! Today, more businesses than ever understand how critical it is to grow in ways that are sustainable financially, but also socially and environmentally. NFGCC is a 501(c)6 non-profit member organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla. and established in 2018 to advance sustainable business in Northeast Florida through networking, education, and advocacy. NFGCC is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is a member of the U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce. Visit www.northfloridagreenchamber.org.
By Karina Miller
Celebrate the planet this April by joining in on Northeast Florida’s Earth Day events!
Start Earth Day the right way with a beach cleanup to welcome nesting sea turtles. The clean up is hosted by Beach Junki on Saturday, April 23 from 9 – 10 a.m. at Main Beach Park.
If you are interested in art, you may enjoy World Revolve Art Gallery’s Second Annual Earth Day Art Show. This will take place on Saturday, April 22, from 5 -8 p.m. The event’s theme is “Transformation” and the competition is open to artists of all ages.
JEA Drive Electric will be hosting a Ride and Drive event at TIAA Bank Field on Saturday, April 16 from 12 – 4 p.m. This event is free for the public to attend. There will be the newest electric vehicles to view and test drive. JTA will be giving rides in an electric transit bus. Learn more about conservation and why so many people have switched to electric.
On Friday, April 22 from 10 – 2 p.m., EPB and JEA will be having an Earth Day Festival. The festival will take place at the James Weldon Johnson Park.
Groundwork Jax will be holding The Second Annual Earth Day: A Celebration of Stewardship. The event is free for the community and will have music, food, and prizes! Groundwork Jax hopes to inform adults and children on how they can increase their environmental awareness. It will be held at the S-Line Biodiversity Corridor of the Emerald Trail, Saturday, April 23 from 10 – 1 p.m.
This will be a fun, family-friendly event for everyone to enjoy and will be a great time to come together with the community.
Karina Miller is a North Florida Green Chamber communications intern.
By Karina Miller
The North Florida Green Chamber of Commerce, making it cool and convenient to be green, is hosting its annual Green Tie Affair Gala.
The Green Chamber has planned a night of networking and fun at the Green Tie Affair Gala on Thursday, Feb. 10th from 6-8p.m. at Brick & Beam, 1101 N Main St., in Historic Springfield.
This year’s theme is “Love Your Planet”, a perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Come for a night filled with food, music, fun, and prizes.
There will be opportunities to create your own eco-friendly Valentine’s Day card and bid on raffle baskets. Shop from Green Chamber members and vendors to find the perfect sustainable gift for a loved one. Take action to “Love Your Planet” by having a tree planted in your name. Make sure to wear your best “green” tie for the chance to win a door prize!
The dress code is business casual.
The Green Chamber would like to give a big thank you to this year’s sponsors: WJCT, Breaking Ground Contracting, Champion Brands, Natural Awakenings, Florida Green Building Coalition, Smith Brothers, Waste Management and Folio. Tickets are on sale now at www.northfloridagreenchamber.org/events.
ABOUT THE NORTH FLORIDA GREEN CHAMBER COMMERCE
Welcome to The North Florida Green Chamber of Commerce (NFGCC) where being green is cool and convenient! Today, more businesses than ever understand how critical it is to grow in ways that are sustainable financially, but also socially and environmentally. NFGCC is a 501(c)6 non-profit member organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla. and established in 2018 to advance sustainable business in Northeast Florida through networking, education, and advocacy. NFGCC is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is a member of the U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce.
Karina Miller is a Green Chamber communications intern from the University of North Florida.
By Daisy Cabanas
GreenBiz Group has published its annual ‘State of Green Business’ report for 2022, and with it has named its 10 trends for green business following its roundtable webcast on January 24.
GreenBiz Group’s annually published ‘State of Green Business’ report highlights new trends in the industry, as well as recommending some directions trends should head going forwards.
North Florida Green Chamber members and those committed to sustainable, green initiatives can learn about the current state of the green industry and potentially where to direct future goals and development. In its fifteenth report, the 10 trends that GreenBiz has identified cover a variety of different fields in green business from biodiversity to energy, food and even fashion.
According to the report, the top 10 trends of 2022 are as follows:
1. Increasing focus on environmental, social and governance initiatives, or ESG, in the workplace to galvanize and engage with employees
2. Growing interest and popularity in the second-hand resale market among consumers as a sustainable alternative to shopping new retail goods
3. Rising importance of the circular economy professional in the workplace hierarchy and introduction of sustainable, circular initiatives
4. Potentially expanding corporate commitments to reach ‘Net 0’ by pledging to increase and maintain biodiversity throughout organizational endeavors
5. Growth of sustainable food design with emphasis on finding sustainable ingredients first and forming food products around them
6. Mainstream adoption of circular mining practices to reduce total mining waste through utilization of elements and by-products to make new materials
7. Potential utilization of new technology and systems to track carbon emissions in supply chains for more accurate carbon accounting
8. Movement to go beyond 100 percent clean energy by aiming to match energy usage with clean energy
9. Increased financial investment in ESG strategy by companies and organizations both in the United States and around the world
10. Utilization of new technology and sustainable, clean energy resources to help decarbonize the shipping industry
“There’s no denying that the pace of change is quickening inside companies,” Joel Makower, chairman of GreenBiz says in the report’s trend introduction. “Whereas not long ago, the center of gravity could be found inside a handful of sectors — consumer goods, information technology, retail and apparel come to mind — today, there’s no part of the economy untouched by sustainable innovation.”
Green Chamber members cover a diverse a range of industries and causes while sharing the same common goals of emphasizing the importance of sustainable initiatives and incorporating green practices into daily work.
By partnering with the Green Chamber, members have access to a number of benefits that can help prepare and assist them in furthering their green pledge. Members have access to special news and events where they can engage and learn with other like-minded leaders, as well as coaching and mentor programs, a buyer’s club, and a green marketplace to connect them with other member organizations in the community.
GreenBiz Group is a media and events company that accelerates the just transition to a clean economy. Through events that galvanize, stories that amplify, peer networks that bond and industry-leading analysis, they define markets and advance opportunities at the intersection of business, technology and sustainability.
To learn more about the local Green Chamber email [email protected], call (904) 878-3474 or visit www.NorthFloridaGreenChamber.org.
(Daisy Cabanas is a communications intern with the North Florida Green Chamber.)
By Emily Barrett
North Florida Green Chamber board member Simmie Raiford recently visited the inhabitable continent of Antarctica on a last-minute 10-day trip.
Raiford flew to Ushuaia Argentina from Orlando. She toured the town and viewed the Andes mountains in Ushuaia for a couple of days.
After that, she took a cruise to the South Shetland Islands where she got to stroll on snow-covered islands, and then the cruise continued to Antarctica where she not only got to view from afar but walk on the continent.
To get to land they had to use Zodiacs, they are the essential inflatable boats that ferry passengers away from the cruise liner on excursions. While they were going to shore, they had to dodge through icebergs of all shapes and sizes.
To get ashore they had to use ropes and ski poles and on land, they had to walk in a single file line marked by ropes. The ropes on the trail helped guide them because there were parts of the land that had holes covered by snow, so if you stepped on it you would sink in and get stuck; this did end up happening to Raiford and she had to have people pull her out of the snow.
While the normal hiking paths were amazing in themselves, they also offered a meditative path where you could sit down and take everything in. While she was hiking, she was able to see Gentoo penguins in their natural habitat but had to stay five meters away for respect to the wildlife.
The trip didn’t end there though, not only did she get to see this magnificent continent she learned about its history. She learned about explorers and scientists who have traveled there and the research they have done. Also, about how climate change is affecting the continent, what changes have been made and what changes will come about if warming does not stop soon.
They also learned about the wildlife there that mostly consists of penguins and seals. She said you could see the impacts of climate change with certain glaciers melting.
When going back to the boat Raiford and her cruise mates even took a tiny glacier back to the boat with them and used it as ice for their drinks. She realized it could have had bacteria after the fact, but it was the coolness factor that counts the most.
Back on the boat some of her crewmates did the polar plunge in the Southern Ocean.
Raiford highly recommends doing this trip and states that the photos she took do not do it justice. The best time to go is in December/ January because it’s summer for Antarctica.
(Emily Barrett is a communications intern with the North Florida Green Chamber.)
