Environment

Fifty people attended a discussion titled “Water: What Is It Good For?” that featured five panelists with varied environmental experience.

Zero waste is defined for people as living in a way that produces little to no waste.

Alachua County had an overall recycling rate of 68% in 2018, ranking third-highest in Florida. But Klugh said the public waste department must continue to educate residents about what should and should not be recycled – especially since the market for recyclables is down.

The Gainesville City Commission this fall declared a climate state of emergency — a largely symbolic move with little municipal heft behind it compared to the actions the federal government could take if motivated and mobilized — but some city residents do feel a sense of urgency to take steps toward combating climate change.

On the street adjacent, the sounds of the trencher digging can be clearly heard, while smoke and cement smells are potent.

It’s particularly a problem in low income neighborhoods, and efforts are underway to connect those houses with failing septic systems to sewage lines.

The initiative, Florida Changes to Energy Market Initiative, has divided environmentalists by proposing a deregulated, competitive market for electric power. If approved, it would allow all Florida residents to generate, use and sell their own electric power, creating more opportunities for solar power usage.