Living Green

The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) was created on the belief that science is the basis for action – and it continues to follow that belief. In this era of emotionalism, false choices and errant conventional wisdoms, EREF is committed to following the lead of science, driven by rigorous state-of-the-art research. This mentality is the only legitimate pathway to real environmental collaboration and effective policy development.

Believing in science means accepting the facts as they are — whether you like them or not! This is exactly what the Green Industries have been doing for decades, to the benefit of Florida’s environment and its citizens. The development and widespread implementation of high-level Green Industry and Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMP’s) has meant accepting change in the name of science, and in the name of simply doing the right thing — and it has changed the face of Florida for the better, forever.

We said it. We believe it. The things that you read on this website and in the content we connect you to are all about the crystal clear benefits of lawns and landscapes. This is not marketing – it is fact. This is not wishful thinking – it is the outcome of science, responsible actions and decades of best practices. It is about the demonstrable successes of good landscape and irrigation design, with a clear focus on water use, water quality, and nutrient management.

The men and women of the green industries are Floridians. They are real people – your friends and neighbors – who have the same concerns about sustainability as any other Floridian, and maybe more. More, because their lives and livelihoods depend on what is said in these pages being fact. Any attempt to perpetuate a status quo that is not in the best interests of all Floridians would be contrary to the lifetimes they have invested in what they do.

What you will see on these pages in the months and years to come will give you insights into the incredible nature of greenspaces in Florida – Florida Friendly greenspaces. You can believe it!