Ashantae Green, Sustainability Manager for the city of Jacksonville
Discover how Jacksonville is embracing sustainability, from innovative city initiatives to backyard farming. Learn how you can contribute to a greener future and grow your own food, guided by insights from the city’s sustainability manager and local farmers.
Meet Jacksonville’s Sustainability Champion
Ashantae Green isn’t your typical city official. As Jacksonville’s Sustainability Manager, she’s on a mission to transform Florida’s largest city into a model of environmental stewardship and resilience. Her journey from construction consultant to city planner to urban farmer gives her a unique perspective on sustainable development.
“Sustainability is about looking at how our environment, including the health of animals and people, intersects with the way our city functions,” Green explains. It’s a holistic approach that touches everything from air quality to energy use to food security.
Jacksonville’s Green Revolution
Under Mayor Donna Deegan’s administration, Jacksonville is making bold strides in sustainability. The city is developing its first-ever Climate Action Plan, a roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving quality of life for residents.
Green’s office is spearheading this effort, working with neighboring counties to create a regional approach to climate challenges. “For the first time, we’re going to have data that shows exactly where our city stands in terms of emissions,” Green says. This information will guide smart investments in transportation, energy efficiency, and infrastructure.
Tackling Transportation: The Biggest Emissions Culprit
One surprising fact emerged from Jacksonville’s preliminary emissions inventory: 40% of the city’s greenhouse gases come from transportation. In a sprawling urban area like Jacksonville, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity.
Green is collaborating with the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) and other partners to explore innovative solutions. From electric vehicles to improved public transit, the goal is to make moving around the city more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Building a Greener Jacksonville, One Structure at a Time
Buildings are another major focus of Jacksonville’s sustainability efforts. Green brings her construction background to bear on this issue, advocating for energy-efficient design in both new and existing structures.
“We’re looking at how we can make city-owned buildings as efficient as possible,” Green says. But the initiative doesn’t stop there. Her office is also exploring ways to encourage energy efficiency in homes and businesses across Jacksonville.
From City Hall to Your Backyard: The Urban Farming Movement
Green’s passion for sustainability extends beyond her day job. In 2021, she and her family founded Green Legacy Farm, born out of a simple need to grow nutritious food for her son with sickle cell disease.
What started as a backyard garden has blossomed into a thriving urban farm and educational center. “Growing food is one of the most liberating things you can do,” Green says. “It empowers people to take ownership of their health and food security.”
The Power of Local Food Production
Jacksonville’s history as a farming and dairy community is finding new life through urban agriculture. Green and other local farmers are proving that you don’t need acres of land to grow substantial amounts of food.
“You can grow a lot in one square foot of space,” Green explains. “Even in a five-gallon bucket, if you don’t have a backyard.” This accessibility is key to the urban farming movement, allowing city dwellers to connect with their food and reduce their environmental impact.
Community Gardens: Growing More Than Just Food
The benefits of urban farming extend beyond fresh produce. Community gardens and farms like Green Legacy are becoming hubs for education, team building, and neighborhood revitalization.
Green’s farm hosts monthly community days, supports school gardens, and offers workshops on sustainable growing practices. These initiatives are building a more resilient and connected Jacksonville, one plot at a time.
From Farm to Table: Closing the Loop on Sustainable Food
Growing food is only part of the equation. Green’s mother, an award-winning chef, completes the circle by teaching people how to prepare and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor.
“Growing it is one thing, but if you don’t know how to prepare it or eat it, you can’t improve your health,” Green says. This farm-to-table approach is creating a more sustainable and health-conscious food culture in Jacksonville.
Getting Involved: How You Can Support Local Sustainability
Green’s message to Jacksonville residents is clear: everyone can play a part in building a more sustainable city. Here are some ways to get involved:
1. Support local farmers by shopping at farmers markets or joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program.
2. Start your own garden, even if it’s just a few pots on a balcony.
3. Educate yourself on energy efficiency and implement changes in your home.
4. Participate in community sustainability initiatives and workshops.
5. Advocate for green policies and investments in your neighborhood and city.
By taking these steps, you’re not just improving your own life – you’re contributing to a greener, healthier Jacksonville for everyone.
#SustainableJacksonville #UrbanFarming #ClimateAction #GreenCity #LocalFood
