Category Archives: News

North Florida Green Chamber Supports Small Business Saturday

The North Florida Green Chamber supports Small Business Saturday.

You’re not just supporting neighborhood favorites – you’re investing in a community. Whether you’re a local or in town for the holidays, explore our Holiday Gift Guide and products and services in the Green Marketplace.

2021 Holiday Gift Guide

The Green Marketplace

About 42% of consumers say they plan to shop at a small business this coming Small Business Saturday, and about 80% of consumers say they will shop at a local business over the holiday season, according to the American Express Shop Small Impact study, which consisted of a survey of 1,031 adults as well as 523 small-business owners.

Other surveys also point to enthusiasm for the holiday season. About 43% of respondents said they plan to shop at a locally-owned small business on Small Business Saturday, according to a study by Nerdwallet.

Green Chamber Joins State Business and Environmental Leaders as Agriculture Commissioner Fried Promotes Phase Out of Polystyrene Products

ORLANDO, Fla. (November 15, 2021) – Today, in conjunction with the Annual Florida Energy and Climate Change Summit, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried began pursuing a new rule-making process to mandate a phase-out of plastic foam packaging by thousands of businesses regulated by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Fried is proposing a rule that would require businesses regulated by her department — and she said there are 40,000 — to submit reports on how much foam packaging is used each year. She said that would give the department baseline data. The proposal then would mandate the businesses reduce that amount incrementally each year by switching to biodegradable, safer alternative packaging materials like bamboo and hemp.

Fried joined business and environmental leaders including North Florida Green Chamber Executive Director Christina Kelcourse of Jacksonville after a rule-making workshop in Orlando on a proposal to force stepped reductions in polystyrene plastic packaging used at grocery stores, food markets, gas station convenience stores and other businesses regulated by her department.

The proposal would have food retailers report polystyrene use, and then meet reduction goals.

Watch the video

The North Florida Green Chamber of Commerce and Kelcourse issued a statement during the joint media conference:

“The North Florida Green Chamber of Commerce supports efforts by the business community to reduce and improve their waste stream, specifically plastic products that affect human health. We strongly encourage businesses to seek ways to reduce waste and offer them resources to do so in a way that limits the impact to their bottom line.

 The Green Chamber’s mission is to make it cool and convenient to be green. We demonstrate this mission through our programs and policy efforts, to make it easier for businesses to implement sustainable choices.

 One of these tools, to help businesses reduce plastic waste and avoid green washing, is our Buyers’ Club. The Buyers’ Club is a carefully sourced collection of sustainable products that replaces some of the most common items that contribute to this issue. Examples are coffee cups, to go containers (such as clamshells) and to-go bags.

 The Green Chamber looks forward to continuing our efforts in improving the health of our community and being a resource for more businesses looking to reduce their plastic waste.”

The rule would target the foam packaging that has been at the forefront of environmental and public health concerns for decades, as it is not biodegradable and is made up of chemicals that are poisonous to humans and to animals.

Details would evolve through the public workshop and hearing process.

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.

New Member Spotlight: Tucker/Hall Takes the Pledge, Joins the Movement

By Alex Boyd

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (October 26, 2021) – The North Florida Green Chamber of Commerce, making it cool and convenient to be green, has announced that Tucker/Hall has joined the Green Chamber.

Tucker/Hall is a public relations and affairs firm that helps a company maintain their relationship with their public, especially during a crisis. Their main focuses are strategic planning, relevant issues, minimizing fallout from a crisis, and digital platform management. Tucker/Hall, founded in 1990, has become one of Florida’s largest and most respected public relations and affairs firms due to their diverse team, unstoppable vision, and strong core values.

Their office is located at 1301 Riverplace Blvd., Suite 1300 Jacksonville, FL., 32207 or there is a contact request form on their webpage, tuckerhall.com/contact-us/.

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 or would like to become more sustainable.

The Green Chamber has ongoing networking and educational events and benefits including the Tuesdays@2 monthly virtual meetings, a Buyers’ Club, Sustainability Coaches, the Solar Collective, job fairs, newsletter as well as sponsorship opportunities, discounts, awards, a mentoring program, and student chapter.

More information on Tucker/Hall can be found in the Green Marketplace at www.NorthFloridaGreenChamber.org.

(Alex Boyd is a student at the University of North Florida and Green Chamber communications intern.)

Natural Awakenings: Green Chamber is a Great Resource for Small Businesses

By Isabella Wiedecke

Special to Natural Awakenings

Small businesses often struggle with finding environmentally friendly products that are easily accessible to them. Time and resources can be tight for small business owners.

The North Florida Green Chamber of Commerce has put together a few simple and low-cost things you can do to boost your employee’s health and wellbeing which won’t take too much effort or break the bank.

Introducing healthy catering meetings and work get-togethers can really help to establish communication and comfortability throughout a business.

Promote standing and/or walking meetings to encourage a bit of extra physical activity throughout the day.

Simple things such as putting up encouraging and positive posters in the office with healthy tips can stimulate even the smallest change in a person’s mindset.

Even mapping out possible walking/running/cycling routes close by work can encourage lunchtime activity and movement throughout the workday.

Get to know your employees and use the skills and expertise within your own organization, you may well have someone who is keen on physical activity or meditation sessions that can help inspire other employees to do the same.

Look to healthier options when considering rewards and incentives for employees, for example, fruit baskets and gym vouchers to promote wellbeing.

The Green Chamber, a business network that promotes sustainable business practices, advises businesses in Northeast Florida to think about keeping quantities to a sensible level, like providing food and an option of non-alcoholic drinks.

Make known the safe options for transportation and promote a smoke free environment with the help of simple posters and the ‘my quit buddy’ app for employees who are struggling to stop.

The Green Chamber is a great resource that can help boost your employees’ wellbeing by bringing them together in a green and clean environment with various offers and opportunities.

“I think the best benefit they get is that they become part of a community, with other businesses that care about being green. It’s refreshing to know that there is a large group of people that feel the same way,” said Green Chamber Executive Director Christina Kelcourse.

The Green Chamber is a regional networking organization for all sizes of businesses and community organizations in Northeast Florida that are committed to green and sustainable business practices and support the growing Green Marketplace.

The Green Chamber has ongoing networking and educational events and benefits including the networking events, and virtual meetings, a Buyers’ Club, Sustainability Coaches, the Solar Collective, a Student Advisory Council, job fairs, newsletter as well as sponsorship opportunities, discounts, awards, and a mentoring program.

To learn more email contact@northfloridagreenchamber.org, call (904) 878-3474 or visit www.NorthFloridaGreenChamber.org.

(Isabella Wiedecke is a student at the University of North Florida and Green Chamber Communications intern.)

City of Jacksonville Announces Recycling Sites

Recycling drop-off sites include:

  • Blue Cypress Regional Park  4112 University Blvd. N. – 32277
  • William F. Sheffield Regional Park – 3659 New Berlin Rd. – 32226
  • Girvin Road Landfill – 515 Girvin Rd. – 32225
  • Southside Estates Elementary Park – 9775 Ivey Rd. – 32246
  • Earl Johnson Memorial Park – 5308 St. Augustine Rd. – 32207
  • Palmetto Leaves Regional Park  5760 Greenland Rd. – 32257
  • A. Philip Randolph Heritage Park – 1096 A. Philip Randolph Blvd. – 32206
  • Dinsmore Playground Park  10632 Old Kings Rd. – 32219
  • Hammond Park – 2142 Melson Ave. – 32254
  • Mary Lena Gibbs Community Center – 6974 Wilson Blvd. – 32210
  • Fort Family Regional Park – 8000 Baymeadows Rd. E. – 32256
  • Normandy Park – 1728 Lindsey Rd. – 32221
  • Castaway Island Preserve – 2885 San Pablo Rd. S. – 32225
  • Riverside Park – 753 Park St. – 32204

North Florida Green Chamber Announces its First Membership Drive

By Isabella Wiedecke, Green Chamber Communications Intern

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (September 10, 2021) – The Green Chamber will be reaching out to businesses in North Florida for its “Most Wanted List” of potential and renewing members to spread awareness and recruit businesses to the Green Chamber’s growing community.

Businesses who join will be eligible for a prize raffle and Green Chamber member benefits including the Buyers’ Club, Sustainability Coach, and the online Green Marketplace. Thanks to our Membership Drive sponsors FreshJax, One Ocean, BeCreative, Business Results, IKEA, Bee Friends Farms, Jacksonville Zoo, Eco Marketplace and Edible.

The Green Chamber is a business networking group that makes being green easy by creating tools and innovative programs that bring its community together. Members gain access to free sustainability coaches and resources who help members implement sustainable business practices.

Members get global, national, and local discounts by being part of the Green Marketplace, an online directory where environmentally responsible products and services can be easily found. Green Chamber members also gain access to networking, Webinars, a member newsletter, marketing opportunities, member spotlights and energy coaches.

The Membership Drive will be hosted by FreshJax, making this event their very first to host. The event will take place for three days, starting on Sept 21, 2021.

New members that join during the event are put into a raffle for a prize that will be given each of the three days. Raffle items include eco-friendly gear, professional headshots, teambuilding consultations, tickets, gift cards, and more.

Join in on the Membership Drive to be introduced to a green growing community that is full of benefits to secure a greener, more caring, and brighter future for everyone. Learn more at www.northfloridagreenchamber.org.

About The North Florida Green Chamber
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 Green Chamber has ongoing networking and educational events and benefits including the Tuesdays@2 virtual meetings, 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 contact@northfloridagreenchamber.org, call (904) 878-3474 or visit www.NorthFloridaGreenChamber.org.

Green Chamber Member FreshJax is Commited to Reducing Their Carbon Footprint

By ALEX BOYD, Green Chamber Communications Intern

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (September 10, 2021) – The North Florida Green Chamber of Commerce, making it cool and convenient to be green, has announced that FreshJax has joined the Green Chamber.

FreshJax is a family owned company that started here in Jacksonville back in 2011. After Jason and Hillary McDonald vowed to live a healthier life they began producing their own handcrafted, organic spice blends. A year of selling their product at farmers markets gave them the opportunity to expand and grow. FreshJax has also made steps to become a more sustainable business by using recycled gift wrapping, product/shipping packaging, and air-drying reusable bottles rather than using an electric dryer. They are located at 9000 Cypress Green Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32256 right after the 95 Exit.

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 or would like to become more sustainable.

The Green Chamber has ongoing networking and educational events and benefits including the Tuesdays@2 monthly virtual meetings, a Buyers’ Club, Sustainability Coaches, the Solar Collective, job fairs, newsletter as well as sponsorship opportunities, discounts, awards, a mentoring program, and student chapter.

More information on FreshJax can be found in the Green Marketplace at www.NorthFloridaGreenChamber.org.

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.

North Florida Green Chamber Announces Recipients of 2021 Water Quality and Resource Awards

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (August 16, 2021) – Blue Leaf Landscaping, Ecologel Solutions, and the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) have been named recipients of the 2021 Water Quality and Resource Awards by the North Florida Green Chamber of Commerce (NFGCC).

The Green Chamber, making it cool and convenient to be green, presents the annual awards in four categories in recognition of August as National Water Quality Month.

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 by Green Chamber members and other businesses in North Florida in four categories.

Creative Landscape Award: Blue Leaf Landscape
Landscape architecture design for residential, commercial, industrial and government projects. Certified and proficient in sustainable practices and alternatives.

Conservation and Water Reuse Award: Ecologel Solutions, LLC
A developer and manufacturer of innovative products for water conservation, plant nutrition, pond and lake management, anti-fungal coatings and more.

Stormwater Management Award and Wetland Protections Award: Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC)
Founded in 2000, FGBC is the leading certifier of green residential and commercial projects, and developments and local governments in Florida.

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 is being created in cooperation with St. Johns Riverkeepers, and the St. Johns River Water Management District.

The North Florida chapter has ongoing networking and educational events and benefits including the Tuesdays@2 monthly virtual meetings, 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 contact@northfloridagreenchamber.org, call (904) 878-3474 or visit www.NorthFloridaGreenChamber.org.

Deadline Extended for Green Chamber Nominations for 2021 Water Quality & Resource Awards

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (July 19, 2021) – 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 2021 Green Chamber Water Quality & Resource Awards. Deadline is July 27.

The awards will 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 by Green Chamber members and other businesses in North Florida in four categories.

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 during National Water Quality Month or nominate someone. Deadline is July 18. Winners will be announced in August.

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 is being created in cooperation with St. Johns Riverkeepers, the Florida Green Building Coalition and the St. Johns River Water Management District.

The Green Chamber Water Quality & Resource Award will 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 by Green Chamber members in North Florida.

Enter or nominate someone today.

The North Florida chapter has ongoing networking and educational events and benefits including the Tuesdays@2 monthly virtual meetings, 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 contact@northfloridagreenchamber.org, call (904) 878-3474 or visit www.NorthFloridaGreenChamber.org.

JEA Fortifies Commitment to Sustainability by Becoming a Corporate Sponsor of the Green Chamber

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.  (June 9, 2021) — The North Florida Green Chamber of Commerce, making it cool and convenient to go green, today announced that JEA has become a corporate sponsor.

The Green Chamber and JEA will partner on outreach programs to communicate to consumers and business owners the value of environmental stewardship as partners in the community. Topics will include energy, water and environmental conservation and utility safety.

“We are excited that JEA is supporting our mission with their leadership role in sustainable business practices,” said Christina W. Kelcourse, executive director. “JEA continues to promote many levels of water conservation. They also evaluate opportunities to expand renewable energy programs by utilizing energy resources including solar, photovoltaic, biomass, landfill gas and wind.”

JEA understands how critical it is to grow in ways that are sustainable financially, but also socially and environmentally. They are committed to striking a balance between sustainability and providing reliable, affordable utility services. Ensuring that our environment is protected and preserved is at the very core of their business, added Kelcourse.

The Green Chamber is a regional networking organization for all sizes of businesses, non-profits and community organizations that emphasize green and sustainable business practices that are economically viable, socially responsible, and environmentally friendly.

In addition to promoting the economic success of Green Chamber members using environmental, socially responsible, and sustainable practices, the North Florida chapter offers mentoring opportunities, educational and social events, job fairs, the Green Marketplace, a Sustainability Coaches program, a Solar Collective, a Buyers’ Club (volume purchasing program), a newsletter and dedicated social media platforms.

To learn more email contact@northfloridagreenchamber.org, call (904) 878-3474 or visit www.NorthFloridaGreenChamber.org.

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.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Mike Bonts Public Relations

(904) 424-6641

mike@bontspr.com

© 2024 North Florida Green Chamber - All rights reserved. Terms of AgreementJacksonville Website Design Fisher Design