Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — October 22, 2026 — As part of Florida Climate Week™ 2026, Dream in Green partnered with the City of Fort Lauderdale to host a Residential Energy Efficiency Workshop on Saturday, October 10, bringing residents practical information and resources to help lower utility bills, conserve water and energy, and make their homes more efficient and resilient.

The 90-minute workshop featured presentations and guided discussions on simple, affordable actions residents can take at home to reduce energy and water consumption. Attendees also learned about City programs and resources available to support household sustainability and preparedness.

“Building a more resilient Fort Lauderdale starts at home,” said Mayor Dean J. Trantalis. “Partnering with Dream in Green during Florida Climate Week gives our community actionable, affordable ways to cut household expenses, protect properties and take meaningful collective action toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for the next generation.”

With rising energy costs and increasing flood risks, energy efficiency, water conservation, and household preparedness remain important priorities for South Florida residents. Reducing household energy use can lower monthly utility bills, decrease carbon emissions, and help make homes more resilient to environmental challenges.

During the workshop, residents learned about low-cost improvements that can deliver meaningful savings over time. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), families can save money by installing water-efficient fixtures and ENERGY STAR-certified appliances. Replacing an older, inefficient toilet with an EPA WaterSense-labeled model, for example, can save an average family nearly 13,000 gallons of water and more than $110 in water costs annually. Sealing air leaks and adding attic insulation can also help homeowners save up to 10% on annual energy bills, according to the EPA’s ENERGY STAR program.

To help residents put these strategies into practice, the residents who attended received a free energy efficiency kit, with one kit provided per household. Each kit included practical items such as LED bulbs, a solar-powered battery bank, foam switch and outlet gaskets, a smart hot water temperature check card, rope caulk, a shower timer, and other tools to support energy and water conservation at home.

The workshop reinforced Dream in Green’s commitment to empowering individuals and families with the knowledge and resources to take meaningful environmental action. Whether renting or owning a home, residents can make a difference through small, everyday improvements that reduce household expenses and environmental impact.

On October 21, 2026, Dream in Green was recognized at City of Fort Lauderdale’s Commission meeting. Commissioner Glassman presented a Proclamation recognizing October 2026 as Energy Month. Dream in Green’s Executive Director, Barbara Martinez-Guerrero accepted the proclamation and addressed the meeting about the importance of energy conservation. Through partnerships with local governments and community organizations, Dream in Green continues to connect South Florida residents with accessible sustainability education and practical solutions that support a more resource-efficient and resilient community.

PART OF FLORIDA CLIMATE WEEK™ 2026

This event is part of Florida Climate Week™ 2026, a week of virtual sessions and in-person community events promoting climate action and connecting Floridians with practical information, resources and local solutions related to Florida’s changing climate.

About Dream in Green

Founded in 2006, Dream in Green is a South Florida-based nonprofit whose mission is to empower individuals, especially youth, to lead in the response to climate change and other environmental challenges. The Water and Energy – Learning and Behavior (WE-LAB) program serves residents throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Dream in Green is headquartered at 66 W Flagler St, 9th Floor, Miami, FL 33130.

For more information, or to support Dream in Green, visit www.dreamingreen.org.