Green Industry Best Management Practices Certifications: Could Potentially Save the State Millions of Dollars and Boost Local Counties Economy
Part of a comprehensive program under the University of Florida’s, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program is the Green Industry Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) Program; a standardization of practices for proper pruning, planting, weeding, fertilizing, irrigation, and pesticide use. That would otherwise have harmful environmental impacts to both surface water and groundwater caused by run-off and leaching of fertilizers.
Marketable Job Skills
In the fall of 2021, GI-BMP training classes were held at the Jefferson County Correctional Institute. Here (87) men completed the 6 modules of training, passed tests, and received their GI-BMP certification. One of the goals of the Jefferson County Correctional Institute is to provide enhanced training programs. Which should translate into meaningful work experience and marketable job skills for their future when leaving prison. By offering educational programs like the GI-BMP, the reoffending rates can be reduced. With as much as 33% according to Saylor and Gaes (1997).
Reduced Recidivism Rates
After asking 4 to 5 inmates from each class, what county was home? Their replies were neighboring Counties, Dixie, Taylor, Suwannee, and Leon. Also, that they would likely go back to their home County upon release. We can see where the potential increase in the economy for these local Counties, where they will live, work, and shop. GI-BMP training is a good career fit for reentry inmates, because of the local County’s rural horticultural and agricultural industry. Also having a larger useful impact for the State occurs, when these inmates utilize their training and are gainfully employed. Which also reduces reoffending rates and results in saving thousands of dollars. According to the Florida Department of Corrections, the cost of one individual in the system costs the State $22,750 per year. Above all, If 20% of these 87 trained men became employed, the state would save $409,500.00 in one year.
Discussions at the 2021 Climate Change Conference in Glasgow emphasized the urgency for all countries to ‘take action’ to reduce greenhouse gases. One action we all can benefit from is learning about landscape practices that address the protection of water resources. In short, Learning where pesticides and nutrients enter groundwater and surface water from runoff. If you would like information on where you can take the GI-BMP training near you or become a lead instructor go to the GI-BMP website at https://gibmp.ifas.ufl.edu/
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