Committee Introduces Community to a Sustainable Future

The New Port Richey Environmental Board held a showcase on Saturday of local resources that help residents live in an environmentally sustainable way.

The Growing a Sustainable Future showcase, spearheaded by committee members Kira and Kacey Atkinson, featured local vendors that offer services geared toward environmental sustainability or green living.

Twenty-four vendors applied for the exhibition, staged in the courtyard between City Hall and the New Port Richey Public Library. Kira Atkinson said the event was planned introduce the committee to the community and also inform residents about the resources available to themm in their neighborhood.

The environmental board is an advisory committee to the city. It concentrates on environmental and recycling programs and activities. For some time, it had no members.  Then, in May, it was resurrected when Marilynn deChant, a former councilwoman who now works in public relations, suggested she, her husband former City Councilman Dell deChant and five others be appointed to the board.

She suggested the board concentrate on subjects like organic farming, urban agriculture, community gardens and xeriscaping.

On-hand Saturday were representatives of the city mulching program, website, new Odessa-based company Green Dreams, the Elfers Centennial Garden Club, Daddy’s Bees, Ecology Florida and several Pasco businesses.

View shots of the event taken by New Port Richey resident Lia Gallegos, who helped promote the showcase.