There are a few trends sprouting up in St. Pete, and they all are centered on going green. From the restaurants to the streets, the landscape is changing. Locals are raving about the raw-food diet called sprouting. These little baby plants make you healthier, more energized and younger according to nutritionists and the Food & Wine magazine. Sprouting changes the chemicals, and the minerals and vitamins in the seeds become nutritional powerhouses.

These micro-greens can be purchased in downtown St. Pete, Mazzaro’s, the Saturday Morning Market and at the shop of Urban Greens. Even the city’s restaurants and chefs are jumping on board. The chefs at 400 Beach are using these little morsels not only to add visual appeal to the plates but to keep patrons healthy. From wheatgrass and soy to sunflower and quinoa, St. Pete is transforming into a market where health is a top priority.

The juice craze is also flourishing in St. Pete. Local Kelly Lessem recently opened Squeeze Juiceworks to help residents get back to getting the most of nutrition from juicing herbs, veggies and fruits. One of her most popular drinks is called “The Burg.” It’s a delicious mix of plum, ginger, pear, orange, basil and spinach. This magic potion is ideal to kick up your immune system and allows the body’s organs to rest and rejuvenate.

Even the local transportation department is going green. In place of the 70 MPG gas-powered scooters that the meter maids use to use, the city is now using Segways. With these eco-friendly Segways, emissions are reduced by 81 percent. It’s all part of the downtown Parking Management Program. The goal is to use technology to reduce operating expenses while helping out the environment.

With all of its green updates, St. Pete is remaining true to its commitment for a better environment. It was the first city in Florida to become a “Green City” by the Florida Green Building Coalition. The city was awarded this distinction for its recycling programs, extensive park systems, tree planting programs and reclaimed water systems. Residents can also take advantage of the city’s many environmental educational programs at Weedon Island, Sunken Meadows and Boyd Hill Nature Preserve.

Photo courtesy of Squeeze Juiceworks: Website

For more information on Estelia Mesimer and her team, and to learn more about the high-end homes she represents, visit www.estelia.com.

You can reach Estelia at (727) 686-2859 and at estelia@estelia.com. Her office is located in downtown St. Petersburg at 111 2nd Ave. NE, Suite 400.