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| We're committed to taking care of the environment for future generations | |
At SECO Energy, we believe that our environment is one of the most precious possessions we have. Because we place such a high value on protecting the environment, and its inhabitants, our members feel they can count on us to exercise proper stewardship of that trust. Clearly, having a reliable source of electricity is absolutely essential for today's society. Imagine what life would be like without it. Our pledge to our service area is that we will provide this critical commodity while treating our natural resources with respect. It's not at all uncommon to see a SECO employee gently carrying an injured, or orphaned, animal, or bird, to a wildlife rehabilitation specialist to save it. In fact, two red tailed hawks and four baby American kestrels have been rescued from certain death near our headquarters office. SECO also installs osprey, and eagle, nesting dishes on its utility poles to keep these beautiful birds of prey and their offspring safe from possible injury or electrocution. Even the squirrels get a break because SECO installs squirrel guards on its transformers wherever large populations of these comedians of nature are found. Consequently, SECO has always placed a high priority on environmental issues, working to stay in harmony with nature. Since 1996, each issue of our customer newsletter SECO News has contained a special column called Nature's Reflections. This column has won both local and national awards for its content highlighting the flora and fauna of Florida and eco-friendly topics like Xeriscaping. The content is educational and useful for the members and they often write or e-mail us with compliments about it. It is so popular that, due to member requests, a special booklet, pictured right, of selected columns has been published. Booklets are available at any local SECO Energy office and may be purchased for $7.95 plus tax. All proceeds benefit the SECO Angel Fund. If you would like to have one sent to you, contact Sandi Staton to make your request. In 2005, our commitment to the environment was as strong as ever, with a new program for recycling our printer and copier ink cartridges. Not only do we recycle them, we also encourage our members to drop their cartridges off at any of our five local offices, as well. In addition, SECO recycles all of its retired power equipment, scrap steel, aluminum, copper, porcelain, light bulbs and batteries. It all helps save resources and protect this fragile globe we live on. Not visible to the members is yet another important initiative aimed at preventing oil spills. State-of-the-art spill containment systems are installed on all power transformers to avoid potentially harmful accidents. It’s another measure of respect for our part of central Florida. Our animal friends are of special concern to us. The burrowing Gopher tortoise is a threatened species in our state. We, too, have found tortoises on parcels of land where we needed to place things like substations to improve customer service and reliability. However, we recognize that this tortoise has a place in our world and we work with licensed specialists to humanely trap and then relocate these unique members of the animal kingdom. Of course, SECO continues to install osprey nesting dishes atop our utility poles when a pair of these magnificent birds appear to be trying to build a nest on pole cross arms. The dishes keep the adult raptors and their chicks safe from injury or electrocution. Being able to watch the upbringing of young ospreys is a favorite pastime of many SECO members. And, our squirrel guards that we install on our transformers protect a variety of animals from danger, including the squirrels. It’s about respect for the land and those that share it with us. Environmental stewardship is important and we can ill afford to ignore it. One of the other benefits that flow from being an environmentally conscious, member-owned business is the focus our employees have with regard to protecting our natural resources. A good example of that is the concern that is continually demonstrated by co-op workers for our indigenous wildlife. It goes well beyond the important tasks of saving gopher tortoises and creating safe nesting havens for ospreys. SECO employees are always on the lookout for animals and birds that may be injured, orphaned or distressed in some manner. When found, these creatures are saved and sent to certified wildlife rehabilitation experts. Our beautiful birds of prey seem to sustain more than their share of injuries and require very specialized handling to return them to health once injured. SECO employees have found literally dozens of raptors that needed a hand. Co-op workers have dealt with everything from Red-tailed hawks that have injured a wing to orphaned baby American kestrels. In addition, a variety of mammals and reptiles have also benefited from caring interactions with our employees. This caretaker role our employees have assumed is something in which our members can take a good deal of pride. Page last updated: Thursday, February 28, 2008 |
Outdoor Burning Safety OUTDOOR BURNING TIPS:
Remember… If your fire escapes, you may be liable for costs of suppression and damage to the property of others. |
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