From Guest Blogger Angie Mansfield: Green Energy and the Beach

Going green has become an important goal for many communities, and beach towns are no exception.

Many beach and resort communities are taking steps to reduce their ecological footprint and be kinder to the environment.

Here’s how a few beach towns are doing it:

Southbury, South Carolina

A few minutes from Myrtle Beach, Southbury combines traditional Southern charm and modern energy-conscious construction.

This community will be entirely green once it’s complete. Its homes and businesses feature Energy Star appliances, lighting, and ceiling fans, as well as energy efficient heat pumps.

Low-E energy efficient windows help lower this town’s energy consumption by 50% compared to traditional construction, and high-efficiency water fixtures round out the town’s green features.

Manhattan Beach, California

Seated about 20 miles south of Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach has about 40 acres of recreational beach area, and a population of around 35,000. The town also prides itself on its green, sustainable initiatives.

The city’s eco-friendly programs begin with educating the public. It provides resources to help residents learn about water conservation, recycling, and other ways to conserve energy and protect the environment.

Manhattan Beach also boasts four electric vehicle charging stations for public use, and sets a green example by maintaining an ocean-friendly, sustainable garden and landscape.

A plastic bag ban, reusable bag program, and a program to recognize and assist businesses that make an effort toward sustainability are just a few of this beach town’s other green initiatives.

Boynton Beach, Florida

Boynton Beach’s Climate Action Plan was developed in 2010, and outlines an integrated approach to greening the city. The plan covers government buildings and facilities, water and waste water, the city’s vehicles, land use, solid waste, and ways to engage the community in sustainability initiatives.

A green building program forms just one arm of this town’s eco-friendly policy. It provides procedures and incentives to encourage the use of green building practices in new development projects.

Another effective program the city participates in is Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE). This program provides financing for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and wind resistance improvements on commercial properties.

Hermosa Beach, California

Another California town doing its best to reduce its ecological footprint is Hermosa Beach. This city provides green building, energy, and vehicle incentives, and employs a green task force to advise the city and promote sustainable practices.

Other policies that help this beach city stay green include a water conservation and drought management ordinance, a water-efficient landscape ordinance, a discount-price compost and worm bin, and a recycling guide that’s distributed to every house and business within the city limits.

These towns and many more are providing leadership and an example of how green initiatives can save both the environment and the cities’ budgets.

By encouraging green building practices, recycling, and other environmentally-friendly activities, cities all over the country can help save and clean up the environment.

About the Author: Freelance writer Angie Mansfield covers a range of topics for both small business owners and consumers, including the importance of physician reviews.