Sarasota County libraries introduce Family Sustainability Kits

Sarasota County libraries and the Sustainability office are teaming up with the creator of the Easy Going Green Flash Cards to help families learn how to become more sustainable in their everyday lives. Julie Radlauer-Doerfler will be a special guest speaker Friday, July 12: first at 10 a.m. at North Port Library, 13800 S. Tamiami Trail, North Port, and then at 2 p.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota.

Radlauer-Doerfler will talk about how she created the Easy Going Green Flash Cards, and ways parents can begin discussions with children about conservation and sustainability efforts, and simple ways everybody can work together.

"By teaching children at an early age the different ways they can lead a more sustainable lifestyle, we are giving the next generation the knowledge and tools to help preserve a better tomorrow," said Sustainability Director Lee Hayes Byron.

Following the presentation, children will be invited to take part in craft activities, including creating their own Sustainability Flash Card.

The Family Sustainability Kits can be checked out from libraries throughout the county. They are designed as a fun, interactive family activity to help children understand the concepts of conservation, stewardship and sustainability. Each kit includes books, a compact disc of songs and flash cards that get returned to the library. In addition, the kits contain a reusable bag of Do It Yourself (DIY) energy and water-saving materials that families can use to begin making a difference in their homes right away. Each DIY kit includes an ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent light bulb, WaterSense faucet aerator, wall switch and outlet insulating gaskets. Among the items for children are stickers, temporary tattoos and water cycle wristbands.

For more information, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 (TTY 7-1-1 or 1-800-955-8771).​