Media Release

1 Day until Earth Day.

Driven by the County Commission's Guiding Vision, everyday is Earth Day in Alachua County.  In April, each day leading up to Earth Day (April 22), the County will be highlighting programs, services, and strategies designed to lead Alachua County into a more sustainable future.

To view all "Earth Day Countdown" press releases on the County's Facebook page, click here and click on the Earth Day tab at the top of the page.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners' support of Community Agency Partnership Program (CAPP) funding is an example of promoting environmental, social justice and economic values in a sustainable manner.  This program works with the non-profit community to reduce poverty for Alachua County residents.  Within the program, there are specific funding categories and applicants must participate in pre-application training, fill out applications and make oral presentations in order to qualify for this yearly competitive opportunity. 

Among CAPP funded programs, includes partnerships with area nonprofits to help with weatherization and food growing projects that lower energy and grocery costs, and create a more sustainable community.

For more information on CAPP, click here.

CAPP funds help pay for weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades through a partnership with the North Central Florida Rebuilding Together Program.  Rebuilding Together is part of a nationwide effort to increase the efficiency and livability of low-income people's homes.  The organization teaches residents how to live more energy efficiently and conducts home weatherization repairs and upgrades.  This helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel production. 

Rebuilding Together is encouraging participation in National Rebuilding Day on April 24th, 2010. This event is a nationwide initiative to preserve affordable homeownership for low-income, elderly and disabled families. On this day, more than 8,000 homes and community centers throughout the country will undergo critical repairs by volunteers.  In Alachua County, 10 homes will be rebuilt with the participation of over 200 volunteers.  

Talking about National Rebuilding Day, Melisa Miller, Rebuilding Together Executive Director said, "Months of planning, evaluating, training, organizing and mobilizing of volunteers will culminate on April 24th. The purpose of this one incredible day is to improve the homes and lives of homeowners in need."

For more information about Rebuilding Together, click here.

Since 2008, families, schools, neighborhoods and communities have been helped by CAPP funds through the Florida Organic Growers' (FOG) Gainesville Initiative for Tasty Gardens (GIFT Gardens).  The planting of raised bed gardens teaches people self sufficiency, offers better access to nutritious foods and takes fewer resources from the natural environment.

FOG has provided gardens at 189 locations throughout the County.  The average resident with GIFT Gardens is provided a 96 sq ft. raised bed vegetable garden.  The food savings and harvests from a well cared for raised bed can be substantial.

Melissa Desa, FOG Project Coordinator related a recent comment from a teacher, "She said her students comments were priceless; 'You can eat that stuff? I didn't know we'd get to eat it. I've never eaten salad before.'"

Gardens have been provided to:

• 4 churches
• 16 organizations/agencies/group homes
• 9 schools
• 160 residential

For more information about the Florida Organic Growers, click here.

40 Days of Change - For more information concerning events on and leading up to Earth Day, go to the University of Florida, Office of Sustainability's "40 Days of Change" website by clicking here.