|
WEIRSDALE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today welcomed the Shamrock Thistle & Crown
Bed & Breakfast to the Florida Green Lodging Program. The property is the 204th in the state to become a designated member of
the program. The voluntary state initiative provides the lodging industry with technical assistance, encouraging hotels and motels
to adopt cost-saving “green” practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources.
“DEP is pleased to welcome the Shamrock Thistle & Crown to the Florida Green Lodging Program,” said DEP Central District
Director Vivian Garfein. “As the fourth Green Lodging designated property in Marion County and the second bed and breakfast in
the Central District, The Shamrock Thistle & Crown is sending a message to other B&Bs to adopt innovative green practices, which
conserve resources and save money.”
To become a designated member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, hotels must implement a variety of green practices. These
practices include, but are not limited to, water conservation measures through low flow plumbing fixtures, a linen reuse program,
energy efficiency achieved by installing ENERGY STAR® appliances and programmable thermostats. The waste reduction criteria are
met by providing the opportunity to recycle, purchasing items in bulk, purchasing recycled materials and by recycling ink and
toner cartridges. All designated properties must also use green cleaners and high efficiency air filters, and clean air handler
units frequently.
"We have been practicing conservation for over ten years now and it feels great to receive the Green Lodging designation from
the Florida Department of Environmental Protection,” said Owner Brantley Overcash. “As the first bed and breakfast designated
south of Jacksonville and north of Everglades City we are striving to be a leader in this emerging market."
Recently, Governor Crist hosted the 2008 Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change, building on the foundation of
last year’s summit for Florida’s energy future. During the 2007 summit, Governor Crist signed three executive orders initiating
state energy-use policies, including one that requires state agencies and departments to hold meetings and conferences only at
hotels with Florida Green Lodging Program designation as of January 1, 2008, whenever possible. This year’s summit explored
technologies and strategies to stimulate economic development in clean technologies as well as “green” Florida’s business
community.
Launched in March 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve
natural resources and prevent pollution. As reward for designation, the state is recommending designated properties in the
Florida Green Lodging Program to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging and convention
facilities. With the addition of the Shamrock Thistle & Crown, the program has 216 designated properties and more than
400 applicants. For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program,
visit www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.
DEP’s Office of Sustainable Initiatives is comprised of three voluntary, non-regulatory programs that assist Florida industry and
citizens in protecting the environment. The Clean Marina Program, the Florida Green Lodging Program and the Florida Pollution
Prevention Program offer a variety of services including on-site assessments, consultations, speakers and workshops, all at no
cost to citizens or organizations. The goal of the Sustainable Initiatives programs is to meet the needs of the present population
without compromising resources for future generations. To learn more about DEP’s Sustainable Initiatives,
visit www.dep.state.fl.us/green/.
| 
