If you ask us, it’s way more fun to deep-clean your family’s home with a springtime backdrop of blooming flowers and chirping birds. And this year, we’re upping the spring-cleaning ante to get greener—not just cleaner.
It’s easier than you might expect to incorporate more eco-friendly practices into your spring-cleaning ritual. Here are a few easy ways to positively impact the environment and make your home a happier, healthier place to be.
It’s Only Natural
You don’t have to rely on harsh chemical cleaners to make your whole house sparkle. There are plenty of naturally-derived ingredients (think vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice) that can effectively clean surfaces without leaving behind harmful chemical residues.
According to a study by the Environmental Working Group, many common household cleaners contain toxic chemicals that may contribute to indoor air pollution and potentially pose some health risks down the line. It’s simple to reduce your exposure to these questionable substances by buying non-chemical cleaning products—or by mixing up your own!
Declutter Responsibly
If you find yourself on a spring decluttering spree, pause for a moment to consider the possible environmental impact of that discard pile. Instead of throwing away items that are still in good and useful condition, consider donating them to charities or re-selling through online consignment retailers.
Earth.org estimates that in a typical year, the average American throws away about 80 pounds of clothing and other textiles. And that’s just fabrics—think about all the other unwanted items that pile up in landfills every year! By donating or selling any items that no longer spark joy, you’re making a small but meaningful dent in this overwhelming figure.
Up with Upcycling
There are positively oodles of ways to creatively repurpose items that you no longer need for their original intended purpose. Ever cut up old towels to use as cleaning rags? Or turned empty glass jars into cute storage containers? And those are just a couple of ideas to get you started on your upcycling journey.
These may seem like small choices with small impacts to match. But taken together, those small changes can seriously add up. The Ocean Blue Project reports that upcycling can reduce manufacturing costs, minimize the drain on natural resources, and cut back on society-wide waste and pollution. Plus, it’s just plain fun to get those creative juices flowing towards the good of our planet.
Mind the Taps
Throughout your cleaning journey, keep an eye on your usage of water and energy. Turn off the tap while hand-washing dishes, and use the cold water setting on your washing machine whenever possible.
It’s a win-win situation: Reducing water consumption can help conserve this precious resource and lower your utility bills. Bonus benefit! Per the American Cleaning Institute, washing clothes and household linens in cold water may be a positive step in the fight against greenhouse gas emissions.
Reuse, Reuse Again
Instead of single-use cleaning wipes and paper towels, choose reusable cloths (or those old towels we just talked about!) and mop heads. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, paper products account for about 25% of the waste that winds up in landfills. Help reduce that amount of waste—and save yourself some money in the long run—with durable, reusable alternatives.
This is the year! The year you challenge yourself to green up spring cleaning by choosing natural products, decluttering responsibly, repurposing items, conserving resources, and ditching single-use cleaning tools.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s roll up our sleeves, put on an energizing cleaning playlist, and make this spring-cleaning season the greenest one yet!
Looking to make the move into a more sustainable home? Find out how you can plant your roots in our Weslyn Park neighborhood.
Realizing a Vision: Foundation Unveiling Marks Culmination of Sunbridge’s Eco-Vision
The establishment of Florida Headwaters Foundation Inc. marks a significant step towards preserving the natural beauty and resources of Central Florida’s Sunbridge community. As the community’s 501(c)(4) not-for-profit cornerstone, the foundation is dedicated to establishing a culture of understanding and appreciation of the natural world within the Sunbridge community that can be passed on to future generations of Floridians.
Operating independently yet aligned with the Sunbridge mission, the foundation embarks with a vision to ensure that sustainable living becomes a part of the community culture. Sunbridge is the region’s first ‘naturehood,’ integrating the community within the preserved natural landscapes and protected waterways connected to the bordering protected natural lands.
Leading the foundation is Clint Beaty, senior vice president at Tavistock Development Company, who will serve as chairman, and Mike Dennis, a scientist with Breedlove, Dennis & Associates, whose experience and knowledge of the property dates back over 40 years, as vice chairman. Their combined decades of experience developing sustainable communities and environmental consulting will steer the foundation toward its mission of fostering an environmentally rich community.
“Working in harmony with Sunbridge’s visionary approach to community development, we are dedicated to ensuring sustainable living becomes second nature,” said Clint Beaty, chairman of the Florida Headwaters Foundation. “Our educational programming and community engagement initiatives are designed to cultivate a culture of environmental stewardship that resonates with the community, starting from its early stages.”
The creation of the foundation further realizes the Sunbridge Stewardship Plan, a detailed framework announced in 2022 designed to ensure the long-term protection and enhancement of the region’s natural resources. This plan outlines key strategies for water quality protection, resource conservation, the adoption of renewable energy sources and the promotion of community engagement in environmental initiatives.
Central to fulfilling the foundation’s mission is the strategic hiring of a naturalist-educator, a key move designed to bridge the gap between community members and the environment. This role will spearhead the development and delivery of educational programs that emphasize the importance of biodiversity, conservation and sustainable living practices.
As part of this programming, the naturalist-educator will work with the Osceola County School District to incorporate environmental stewardship and ecological research into the curriculum of Sunbridge’s new K-8 school scheduled to open Fall 2024.
The Florida Headwaters Foundation is named in recognition of Sunbridge’s unique ecological position, abutting the over 10,000 protected acres to the south that contain Lake Conlin, providing headwaters to the Econlockhatchee River and the Everglades. These waters flow north through the Econlockhatchee swamp into the Econlockhatchee River onto the St. Johns River; and in a separate basin, its waters flow through the Sunbridge chain of lakes, Joel, Myrtle and Preston, then into the Upper Kissimmee system and on to the Everglades. These headwaters are pivotal in sustaining Florida’s ecological balance. By focusing on their preservation, the foundation aims to safeguard the state’s natural heritage, ensuring the health of its water systems and habitats for future generations.
“With the launch of the Florida Headwaters Foundation, we’re recognizing the significance of these headwater systems of swamps and lakes,” says Mike Dennis, vice chairman of the Florida Headwaters Foundation. “The mission is about this recognition, but also creating a culture within the community of knowledge, appreciation and valuing this system and the natural world around us.”
These initiatives are integral to Sunbridge’s philosophy, embodying the concept of ‘naturehood’ — a blend of Florida’s natural ecosystem and vibrant community life. This approach enriches residents’ quality of life and establishes a new standard for sustainable development.
For more information about the Florida Headwaters Foundation, visit FLheadwatersfoundation.org.
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About Florida Headwaters Foundation
The Florida Headwaters Foundation, a pivotal 501(c)(4) not-for-profit organization, champions sustainable living and environmental stewardship in Central Florida’s Sunbridge community. It is dedicated to educating and inspiring the next generation through initiatives that promote environmental stewardship, scientific research and biodiversity. Operating independently yet aligned with Sunbridge’s mission, the foundation is committed to integrating community engagement, educational programming, and sustainable practices. For more information, visit FLheadwatersfoundation.org.
About Sunbridge
Sunbridge is the latest community from the creators of Lake Nona, Tavistock Development Company. At the forefront of the region’s next wave of connective smart growth, the community encompasses more than 27,000 acres across both Orange and Osceola Counties in Central Florida between metro Orlando and the Space Coast. Built on the success of Lake Nona, Sunbridge carefully mixes residential, recreational, businesses and civic uses designed to create connections to nature. Sunbridge is preserving large stretches of Florida nature and giving people unprecedented access to oak forests, lakes, wetlands, and waterways. The community opened in 2020.
Here in Florida, sunny isn’t just a constant state of mind. Year-round, our gardens are positively buzzing with life! While many Americans associate pollinators with spring and summer only, the mild winter climate we enjoy in Florida attracts a beautiful variety of pollinator species throughout all 4 seasons, and Sunbridge is no different! By creating a pollinator-friendly backyard, you can support these important creatures while also beautifying your outdoor space.
Winter Visitors: Who’s Buzzing Around?
During the winter months, Florida plays host to a diverse array of pollinators. Some, like many colonies of monarch butterflies, have taken up permanent residence in this warm climate. Others, such as the painted lady butterfly, travel through our state on their way to farther-flung destinations like Mexico. Bees, including native species like the southeastern blueberry bee, continue their vital work of pollinating plants throughout the cooler months.
Create Your Pollinator Paradise
Now that you know who might be stopping by your backyard this winter, it’s time to roll out the welcome mat! Here are some tips for making your outdoor space pollinator-friendly:
- Choose Native Plants: Native plants are adapted to Florida’s climate and provide food and shelter for local pollinators. Consider planting species like the firebush, beautyberry, and milkweed, all of which are known to attract a variety of pollinators.
- Provide Water: Pollinators need water to survive, so consider adding a shallow dish or birdbath to your garden. Keep it filled with fresh water, and consider adding some rocks or pebbles to provide landing spots for butterflies and bees.
- Avoid Pesticides: Pesticides can be harmful to pollinators, so try to avoid using them in your garden. Instead, opt for other pest-control methods such as using insecticidal soaps on your plants.
- Create a Habitat: Pollinators need more than just food and water. They also need places to rest and nest. Consider leaving some areas of your garden wild to provide an inviting habitat for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to call home.
Why Biodiversity Matters
As you design your pollinator-friendly backyard paradise, remember that you’re not just creating a beautiful outdoor space for family and neighbors to enjoy. You’re also playing a role in preserving Florida’s rich and colorful biodiversity! By supporting pollinator activities, you’re helping to ensure the health of our ecosystems—and of the plants and animals that depend on them.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, why not make your backyard a haven for pollinators this winter? With a little elbow grease, you can create a space that helps keep Florida the special place that it is.
We’re delighted to share that Sunbridge has landed in not one, but two top 50 lists of master planned communities for 2023! John Burns Research & Consulting and RCLCO have both recognized what has been a real banner year for the entire Sunbridge community. In 2023, Sunbridge welcomed 387 new homeowners into the naturehood. That’s up 58% year-over-year, as compared to 2022’s stat of 249 new Sunbridge homeowners!
All facts and figures aside, we’re delighted that the Sunbridge way of life is resonating so deeply with new homebuyers. “Making the top 50 fastest-selling communities is a significant milestone for us,” shares Rob Adams, Tavistock’s Senior Vice President of Residential Development in a recent article with the Orlando Business Journal. “It reflects the fact that so many people are seeing the value and planting roots in the community. We see that only growing as the community matures with more homes, shopping and recreational opportunities.”
It’s a milestone that feels especially meaningful to us in the midst of this uncertain housing market. It’s more important than ever to align major household decisions with treasured core values. And as sustainability becomes an ever more essential factor in our lives, we’re glad to continue growing the partnerships that keep Sunbridge a forward-looking, ecologically conscious place to live.
As we keep moving forward into 2024, we hope the Sunbridge community keeps on capturing the hearts of homebuyers looking for an extraordinary place to call home.
If you’re interested in planting your roots in our community, check out our neighborhoods and homebuilders here.
Welcome to a brand-new year filled with beautiful possibilities! We can’t think of a better way to kick 2024 off than by adopting feel-good resolutions with our planet in mind. Don’t be afraid to start small! These environmentally-friendly New Year’s resolutions are as easy as they are impactful.
Recycle, Rethink, Revamp
Why wait for spring to clean out the closet? The clothes you might have outgrown can easily be donated or upcycled. You could also organize a clothing swap with friends in the naturehood. This resolution not only reduces waste, but also adds an extra dash of sustainable style to your wardrobe.
Compost the Most
Your kitchen waste doesn’t have to go to, well, waste. Start by setting up a composting bin in your backyard. Fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and even eggshells can transform into nutrient-rich gardening soil. Learn more about rules for composting in the Sunbridge Community Landscape Standards here.
Cultivate Native Plants
Choosing native plants to grace your garden is a win for our wider ecosystem. Plant species native to Florida are better adapted to our local climate. They also require less water, and provide essential habitats for local wildlife to boot. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a cozy patio, planting local flora adds a burst of color and contributes to the biodiversity of our community.
Consider Your Water Ways
Become an H20 hero by fixing any leaky faucets, collecting rainwater to nourish your plants, and choosing water-saving ENERGY STAR appliances. (Fun fact: Sunbridge homebuilders offer an array of sustainable upgrades to help support your household’s green factor!) You can also make every drop count with small daily changes, such as turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or shortening each shower.
Join the Reusable Revolution
Nowadays, just about every single-use plastic has a reusable counterpart. So why not invest in a cute reusable water bottle, carry a foldable tote for grocery shopping, or swap out paper coffee cups for a reusable mug? Reducing our individual plastic footprints goes a long way toward a cleaner, greener shared planet.
As you continue on your individual green journey, remember that every small step counts. When we embrace environmentally-minded resolutions with enthusiasm and share our eco-friendly adventures with friends, neighbors, and family, we inspire those around us to join the movement too. Let’s make this year our greenest, happiest, and healthiest yet! 🌿🌎✨
The holidays are right around the corner! With glittering decorations, twinkling lights, and festive merrymaking, it’s so easy to get swept away in all the fun. Make the holidays even sweeter by keeping in mind the impact our celebrations can have on the environment.
It’s possible to have a more eco-friendly holiday without sacrificing the cheer that makes the season bright. In fact, getting creative with sustainable solutions can be fun for everyone, and can even create new traditions!
Here are five clever ways to celebrate the wonder of the holidays and celebrate planet Earth at the same time.
DIY Decor
Create your own holiday decorations using recycled or upcycled items – or natural elements like pinecones, branches and dried leaves. Make it a fun scavenger hunt for family members to find the prettiest items to incorporate!
Wrap Responsibly
That big pile of wrapping paper ends up in the landfill, so opt to cover your presents this year in more sustainable or recyclable paper — or reuse gift bags year after year! But, if you just can’t get enough of that pretty gift wrap, opt for a brand made from recycled paper.
Experience the Joy
To curb your consumer carbon footprint, start a tradition with your family to give experiences to each other rather than buying items from a store. Cooking classes, spa treatments, concert tickets, a family membership to a museum or theme park — the possibilities are endless and environmentally friendly. Give the gift of making memories with those you love!
Light Up with LEDs
Twinkling lights are one of the most wonderful things about the most wonderful time of the year – they add an extra sparkle to the night. This year, choose durable and eco-friendly LED string lights that are energy efficient and last longer than incandescent bulbs. Pro tip: Put them on timers to conserve electricity and have them pop on when the sun sets!
In Sunbridge, we’re excited for the holiday season, and looking forward to building sustainable holiday traditions with you.
Central Florida’s hot, humid summers can be tough on some of our favorite plants, especially fruits, vegetables and flowering annuals. But when November rolls around and we get to enjoy cool mornings, comfortable days, and chilly nights, that’s when gardens in Florida really come to life. Make the most of this season by following these tips for a flourishing fall garden.
Know your zone: Florida’s climate is actually more diverse than folks may think, with colder winters in the north and longer rainy seasons in the central and southern parts of the state. In Sunbridge, we’re in Zone 9B, where comfy autumn temperatures hover around the mid-60s to low 80s. While frost is rare, it can happen, so it’s a good idea to have a plan if some colder days make their way onto the forecast.
Live off the land: Leafy greens and lettuces do especially well in Florida’s autumn, as they’re normally too delicate to thrive under the summer sun. The same goes for herbs like basil, thyme, mint and parsley — ideal for flavoring holiday dishes. They’re perfectly suited for Zone 9B’s autumn, either in containers or directly in garden beds. With enough sunlight and well-draining soil, carrots and radishes will also thrive, as well as bell peppers and other chilies ready for hearty autumn meals! 🥕🫑
Plants for pollinators: The butterflies, bees and other pollinating insects haven’t quite punched out for the holidays yet, so offer them some colorful flowering plants this autumn. Marigolds, petunias and zinnias are excellent choices and grow well from seeds if you want to test out your green thumb. Bonus: They also make beautiful accents for a holiday centerpiece! 🌼
Autumn-specific adjustments: As the weather cools and daytime evaporation becomes less of a concern, adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Make sure the soil is consistently moist, but not waterlogged. As temperatures fluctuate, applying a layer of mulch provides insulation and helps regulate soil moisture. Pests can also remain an issue in the fall, but eco-friendly solutions like insecticidal soaps and neem oils work great to keep them at bay!
Among all this, autumn is a wonderful time in Florida to be outside in the garden enjoying the fresh air. Roll up your sleeves, grab your gloves and make the most of Central Florida’s beautiful planting season!
Can Halloween be fun, spooky and sustainable? We think so! This year, consider the planet when planning how you’ll celebrate. It’s possible — and even more fun and creative! — to conjure up a delightful Halloween celebration everyone will love while minimizing your environmental footprint. Here are four tips to help get those pumpkin juices flowing:
Costumes
Instead of buying a new costume, consider a few planet-friendly alternatives. Get creative and build everyone’s costumes from upcycled items you already have in the house, head to a thrift store to shop for unique gently owned pieces for a costume, or get together with a few other families to have a costume swap.
Jack ‘O Lanterns
Carving pumpkins is a Halloween must, but there are easy ways to make this activity good for you and the environment. When carving, save the scraps for the compost pile, or scatter them in the garden and cover with mulch or leaves to help them decompose properly.
Clean, dry and roast the seeds for a delicious snack or salad topping. Seeds can also be washed, dried and planted — they’re surprisingly easy to grow!
After Halloween, cut up or smash the pumpkins and either add to your compost or place them in a safe spot where wildlife can enjoy eating it. Pumpkin is a natural dewormer and has a lot of nutrients wildlife need to thrive.
Decor
Forget single-use consumer items for fall decorations, nature has provided all you need to spruce up your home for the season. Some ideas include:
- Use dried leaves, pinecones and branches for a wreath or to decorate your fireplace mantle.
- Opt for fresh gourds and pumpkins for a festive front porch.
- Use dried flowers and grasses in vases for beautiful seasonal arrangements.
- String dried leaves in a garland to hang around your home.
It can be fun to head outside and find beautiful items in nature to decorate your home. Make it a scavenger hunt that everyone can enjoy, then go home and get creative!
Trick or Treating
When the sun starts to set on October 31, it’s time to head outside for trick-or-treating fun. Your sustainable Halloween can help here, too. Pick out a fun reusable basket or bag that your kids can use each year instead of plastic grocery bags. For a true trick-or-treat throwback, use pillowcases!
Candy wrappers can create a lot of waste, and if they’re plastic, can take many years to decompose. Choose candy and treats wrapped in foil, paper or cardboard that can be recycled. Some options include chocolate kisses (foil), jelly dots and chocolate-covered mints (boxes), and the classic black and orange Mary Janes, wrapped in wax paper.
Humans are social animals. We thrive on community and making connections with others in the places where we live, work and play. When our communities are healthy, we’re healthy too, both mentally and physically. As Plato said, “The part cannot be well unless the whole is well.” People thrive when surrounded by a welcoming and caring community – they want to be a part of something greater than themselves. In turn, communities often want to enjoy success as a whole, so they work together to achieve that success.
Healthy communities provide a sense of purpose, a sense of belonging, and resilience when problems arise. What’s a healthy community? It’s a place where its people feel valued and trusted, and where they feel comfortable exchanging ideas and working together for the greater good. When a community is healthy, its people feel fulfilled, and their sense of overall satisfaction is increased.
There are plenty of studies that have confirmed the importance of living in a community where you feel connected to the people around you. When we feel connected, the strength of our bonds grow and we feel more confident in sharing our challenges and solving problems together. Trust is essential, too. When we feel trusted, we’re more likely to feel safe knowing others will have our backs. That’s the essence of being a good neighbor.
It’s important to us in Sunbridge that our community is healthy and supportive so our residents feel happy and valued. By providing opportunities for our residents to get to know each other through seasonal, weekly and monthly events like Yoga on the Green and Food Truck Fridays, as well as common spaces to gather like Basecamp and the Weslyn Park community pool, Sunbridge encourages residents to connect, share ideas and develop lasting relationships.
Our physical and mental health depends on the health of our communities. That’s why we’re making sure that Sunbridge isn’t just a place where you own a home, it’s a place where you make a life.
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By incorporating sustainable practices into our daily lives, we can make a huge impact. Here are ten examples of ways to be sustainable in everyday life:
- Reduce your energy consumption by turning off lights and appliances when not in use and keeping your home well-insulated.
- Reduce your water consumption by taking shorter showers, fixing leaks, harvesting rainwater, and using water-efficient appliances.
- Recycle and compost to reduce waste and conserve resources.
- Use reusable bags, bottles, and containers to cut the need for single-use plastics.
- Switch to a plant-based diet, as meat and dairy production generates tons of greenhouse gases.
- Support sustainable businesses by purchasing products made from sustainable materials and produced by companies that prioritize sustainability.
- Use public transportation to reduce carbon emissions.
- Plant native trees and gardens and support reforestation projects to help reduce carbon emissions, increase biodiversity, and improve air quality.
- Support community-based efforts that promote sustainable living, such as community gardens and renewable energy projects.
- Encourage your friends and family to adopt sustainable practices in their own lives.
Finding A Sustainable Balance
We’re all about making good choices for both the environment and ourselves — like reducing our carbon footprint, cutting waste, supporting sustainable businesses, and being mindful of how our actions impact the planet.
When you’re ready for home insurance, let us know. By doing the comparison shopping for you, Guided Solutions is helping you reduce your carbon footprint, too!
Guided Solutions’ parent company, Baldwin Risk Partners, is a partner on this project by Tavistock Development Company.
