Premium: Green Living - The Apopka Voice

5 key decisions to make before building an ADU

(BPT) - Are you considering or in the midst of planning to build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)? If so, you're part of a fascinating trend that's meeting multiple housing needs across the United …

Being prepared: How to know what kind of backup power is best for you

(BPT) - No matter where you live, you can be at risk for short- or long-term power outages. Between extended heat waves, hurricane season, wildfire risk and upcoming winter storms, the aging power …

Need to stay cool? Consider a portable power station

(BPT) - Does it feel like heatwaves keep happening, no matter where you live? It's not your imagination. June 2026 was the second-warmest June on record in North America, and this summer's heat is …

3 Reasons to Ditch Your Laundry Detergent for Eco Strips

(NewsUSA) - The laundry industry would have you believe that in order to get brilliant, clean laundry, you need to use powders, liquids and pods that are diluted with water, and come in bulky, …

Orange County is developing its first Urban Forest Master Plan to guide how it plants, protects, and maintains trees over the next 20-plus years. Residents can help shape the plan by sharing feedback through the county’s Engage Orange portal.

Orange County begins work on first Urban Forest Master Plan

Orange County is developing its first Urban Forest Master Plan to guide how trees are planted, protected and maintained over the next 20-plus years. Residents can help shape the plan by sharing feedback through the county’s Engage Orange portal.

An aerial view shows a coal-fired power plant with cooling towers and smokestacks. Photo: Kelly / Pexels

Environmental groups challenge federal order keeping Orlando coal plant open

Three environmental groups are asking a federal appeals court to overturn a U.S. Department of Energy order keeping an Orlando coal unit operating beyond its planned retirement. The groups argue the extension is unnecessary and could cost ratepayers an average of $21 more per month.

UF/IFAS Extension Orange County announces September classes and workshops

UF/IFAS Extension Orange County will offer a full schedule of educational programs in September covering health, housing, gardening and urban agriculture. Classes are available online and in person, with costs ranging from free to $50.

New UF/IFAS app helps Floridians choose plants and support pollinators

A new UF/IFAS app helps Floridians select plants suited to their landscapes while supporting pollinators, conserving water and protecting natural resources. The free FFL Plants & Pollinators App combines three previously separate Florida-Friendly Landscaping resources into one web and mobile platform.

Growing a healthier Apopka, one native plant at a time

Strong Towns Apopka plans to plant native shrubs along the West Orange Trail as part of its fall community project. The effort reflects a broader movement encouraging property owners to replace portions of their lawns with native plants that support birds, pollinators, watersheds, and the food web.

CLICK FOR MORE GREEN LIVING ARTICLES

Why do we use gasoline for small vehicles and diesel fuel for big vehicles?

Both gasoline and diesel fuel are refined from crude oil, but they are good for different things and can’t be used interchangeably.

Natural Food Storage Containers Can Help Save Money

(TVA) - As food costs continue to rise, many people are seeking creative solutions to stretch their dollars and reduce wasted food. Buying and cooking food in bulk helps save money, as well as …

What if we never built another new building?

Reasons to be Cheerful reports on Swiss architect Barbara Buser, who advocates for reusing existing buildings to combat climate change, promoting sustainable construction by cutting carbon emissions and creating vibrant community spaces.

Wildfires can leave surviving homes and their water unsafe – safety tips for residents as they return

A home might appear fine, but toxic contamination isn’t always evident by sight or smell.

The Louisiana fishermen refusing to go down with the ship

Atmos reports on Louisiana fishermen struggling against the impacts of a massive LNG plant in Cameron, which destroys their fishing grounds and livelihoods.

Come hell or high water: How a small town became a blueprint for building climate resilience

Atmos reports on Machias, Maine, a small town facing extreme flooding due to climate change.

A rural county banned renewables. It’s having second thoughts

The Daily Yonder reports Bannock County, Idaho, faces a pivotal vote to potentially reverse an ordinance banning utility-scale solar and wind development.

America’s air monitors are disappearing. So is your power to expose polluters.

Floodlight reports America's air monitors are declining, limiting public ability to detect pollution.

How one factory is surviving America’s solar policy whiplash

Grist reports on Qcells, a Georgia solar factory adapting to shifting U.S. solar policies amid competition from China, focusing on domestic production and tariffs.

How to safeguard your home from the hidden costs of power outages

(BPT) - When you think of power outages, you may initially imagine a minor inconvenience: You're grabbing flashlights because you're in the dark briefly, until power is restored. But recent extreme …

Banks are financing the fossil fuel industry’s next growth strategy

Grist reports that major banks are increasing financing for fossil fuels, undermining climate commitments and supporting the petrochemical industry's growth strategy.

Louisiana communities are left in the dark on toxic air, and industry helped keep it that way

Floodlight reports Louisiana communities struggle with toxic air pollution, as industry influences laws limiting monitoring, leaving residents unaware of dangers.

The best battery backup for your budget

(BPT) - Key takeawaysBackup power solutions are essential with today's tech-dependent lifestyles, extreme weather events and aging power grids.Solar generators provide a noise-free, fume-free battery …

The school bus was built for a cooler America

BusesForSale reports that many U.S. school buses lack air conditioning, posing heat risks for children, especially in high temperatures, due to funding issues.

Cow manure could be the next data center fuel

Sentient reports that cow manure is being explored as an energy source for data centers, potentially powering operations while aiming for sustainability.

For the first time, Americans are getting more of their electricity from solar than coal

Grist reports that for the first time, solar energy has surpassed coal in U.S. electricity generation, contributing 12.8% compared to coal's 12.2%.