| "Going green" has now become accepted and even | | | | 5. Choose products made from sustainable materials |
| mainstream in our society. Community associations | | | | for community projects such as roof, siding, and |
| can play a major role in the green movement too. | | | | deck replacement and for individual homeowners' use. |
| Community associations impact the Earth on many | | | | 6. Reduce water consumption with rain sensors and |
| different levels and they have the ability to make a | | | | flow meters. |
| positive impact with the common areas that they | | | | 7. Use compact fluorescent bulbs for common area |
| maintain and control. The Association also has the | | | | lighting. |
| ability to educate and encourage their Unit Owners to | | | | 8. Upgrade older systems such as those used for |
| conserve our resources as well. Community | | | | irrigation, heating, cooling and laundry to more |
| associations can make an immediate impact by taking | | | | cost-effective, energy efficient models. |
| some of the following actions to save resources and | | | | 9. Outline preferred locations for solar energy devices |
| money; | | | | and other energy saving devices like retractable |
| 1. Adopt landscaping policies that promote Xeriscape | | | | window awnings. |
| techniques and encourage compliance with applicable | | | | 10. Conduct an energy audit of your community with |
| watering restrictions. | | | | the assistance of a qualified professional, or through |
| 2. Replace routine paper mailings with e-mail | | | | FPL, to identify additional ways to save energy and |
| communication. | | | | money for your association. |
| 3. Develop a community website for access to | | | | If all Community Associations could adopt some or all |
| association documents and announcements. | | | | of these suggestions and also educate and |
| 4. Provide recycling options for community members | | | | encourage their unit owners to participate as well, I |
| at designated places in the common areas and | | | | am sure that we could all make a positive impact on |
| through contracted waste removal services for | | | | our environment. |
| individual units. | | | | |