Ecology - The World is in Our Hands.

The Charlotte County Health Department is committed to being an environmentally friendly organization.

As the lead public health agency in Charlotte County, we believe that we must set the example of what it means to live and work in our community while keeping our environment healthy. Charlotte County Health Department has taken a series of steps to reduce our carbon footprint, the air pollution and solid waste our agency produces, and the amount of water we use. To date, we have:

Purchased 4 hybrid sport utility vehicles (SUVs) which have better fuel mileage and lower emissions than our previous fleet of vehicles. In 2010, we added a hybrid Toyota Prius to our fleet with fuel efficiency estimated at 51/48 miles per gallon. Began recycling all of our confidential paper, including over 21,000 lbs. in 2008.  In 2010, we started recycling glass, metal, and plastic (in addition to paper) at our Port Charlotte facility. Installed windows with Low-E glass in our Punta Gorda clinic and Port Charlotte facility. This offers insulation against heat by keeping the heat related spectrum of light outside by it reflecting off the glass. This light spectrum includes visible light, infrared and ultraviolet light. Installed new lighting fixtures that are three times more energy efficient. Installed low flush toilets. Installed water-free urinals at our Port Charlotte facility. Planted drought tolerant plants. Began using video conferencing equipment to increase efficiency and reduce the number of miles staff must travel. Began working with Commuter Services, a Florida Department of Transportation program that offers incentives to health department staff who bicycle or walk to work. Implemented a program to encourage and motivate employees to bicycle to work. The Charlotte County Health Department is the first health department in the U.S. to receive a bronze medal award for being a Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB). The award was given by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB) in September 2010. Read more about being a Bicycle Friendly Business and safely commuting to work.