| Think Florida. Think Green. |
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Environmental consciousness is growing worldwide and for good reason. News of global warming and drastic climate changes make headlines every day. Many major cities, and their residents, have taken steps to clean up their act. So where does one go to be part of the change and still part of an urban landscape? Try Florida. That’s right, recent news shows the Sunshine State is making the 2008 list with four of America’s Cleanest Cities. Large metropolitan areas like Miami, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa-St. Petersburg are revealing they know what it takes to live well and be green. With the ocean breeze to push out the smog and Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection aggressively launching effective programs to help industries eliminate harmful emissions, these cities are setting the bar for other metro areas across the country. The State’s DEP is taking a firm stance on water issues like direct discharges into public water and indirect pollutants from storm drains as well. With other great programs like the Florida Green Building Coalition Inc., this state could easily become the icon of green America. Florida’s population has been on a steady increase for the last several years, with home sales and values not feeling the same effects as the rest of the nation (or at least not to the same degree). With a reputation for clean air, clean water and clean streets, Florida makes an ideal location for those looking to move away from their not-so-environmentally friendly neighborhoods and becoming part of the solution. Just be prepared to keep it green.
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