It’s Pollution Prevention Week!

​SARASOTA COUNTY – Sarasota County Commissioners have declared the week of Sept. 19-25 Pollution Prevention Week, and residents can celebrate by participating in a number of Sarasota County programs designed to protect and preserve the area's public lands and coastlines, promote sustainable communities and encourage green business practices.

"Pollution Prevention Week serves as a great reminder for all of us to get more involved in sustainable activities," said Laura Ammeson, Sarasota County environmental supervisor. "There are many simple decisions we all can make in our daily lives to help prevent pollution. Sarasota County recognizes that pollution prevention plays a key role in protecting our environment, and it's in keeping with our county goal of being an environmental steward."

A healthy environment, good air quality and clean water aren't just essential for public health - they also contribute to our quality of life and our long-term economic growth, Ammeson said.

From free and inexpensive classes offered by Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension to coastal cleanup events hosted by Keep Sarasota County Beautiful, there are a number of ways the public can get involved, not just during Pollution Prevention Week, but throughout the year. Some upcoming programs include:

• "Solar in the Sunshine State: The Basics of Solar Energy for FL Homeowners," 4-5 p.m. Sept. 20 at Selby Public Library, 1331 First Street, Sarasota
• "Growing Edibles Locally," 3:30-5 p.m. Sept. 21 at Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota
• "Waste Reduction in Your Business," 5-6 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Sarasota County Administration Center, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota
• "Smart Commute: A Greener Way of Doing Business," noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 23, North Port Public Library, 13800 Tamiami Trail, North Port
• "Ride and Glide to Safety: Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Tips," 10-11 a.m. Sept. 24, Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota
• National Public Lands Day volunteer cleanup event, 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 24, Pinecraft Park, 1420 Gilbert Ave., Sarasota
• 2016 International Coastal Cleanup, 8 a.m. to noon Sept. 17 and Oct. 22, various locations
• 11th Annual Sustainable Communities Workshop, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 1, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Event Center, 4740 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota

For more information about any of these programs or events, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000.