Nature
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| Willet shorebird stands in clear, frothy waters. |
Keep Florida Beautiful
Here are Suncoast Girl's top tips for conserving the Sunshine State's natural beauty, but you can apply them to wherever you live and keep your state beautiful!
Natural beauty and wildlife thrive on Florida's vast land and in more than 11,000 miles of rivers, streams and waterways. Florida ranks #1 in the nation for best natural environment, according to a U.S. News report that measured the air and water quality of all 50 states. We share this subtropical slice of earth with native flamingos, dolphins, manatees, sandpipers, egrets, and countless other fascinating creatures. How can we, as caring conservators of this one precious planet, protect our paradise? How can YOU help keep Florida beautiful?
Here are 3 fun ways you can contribute to preserving the dazzling wildness that envelops us like the Florida sun.
1. Plant a Tree
Trees produce oxygen while reducing smog and cleansing the air we breathe every moment of every day. Plus, they moderate temperatures with a cooling effect that we Floridians desperately need (ever been to Miami in July?) In partnership with the USDA Forest Service, you can sponsor a tree to be planted in Florida. A minimum donation of $10 will get you a frame-worthy certificate recognizing your good deed. Even better, you can dedicate the tree to a loved one or have one planted in celebration of a special occasion, like a wedding or birth. Click here to learn more.
2. Clean Up a Beach
Roll up your sleeves and prepare to get dirty in the name of keeping our beaches clean. Volunteer an hour or an afternoon of your time to scavenge for harmful litter, especially plastic throwaways, that can do fatal harm to Florida's sea turtles and other marine life. This website lets you search for beach cleanup events across the state, or you can sweep the shores on your own any day of the year.
3. Join the Movement
Thanks to the dedication of a flock of volunteers, Keep Florida Beautiful is not just a catchy slogan; it's a nonprofit organization and a growing movement of conservationists. You can get involved with International Coastal Cleanup Day, America Recycles Day, and other efforts in your community. Find a volunteer event and meet some like-minded neighbors who share your passion for a healthy environment.
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| Ahhh there's no place like Florida. |
Bonus Ideas:
5 Simple Things to Do Today
Whether you live in Florida or any of the other 49 states, here are 5 super simple action steps you can take today to show your appreciation for the environment.
1. Purchase Reusable Grocery Bags and Ditch the Plastic
2. Eat Organic and Shop Local
3. Ride Your Bike or Walk Instead of Driving
4. Learn More About Solar Power
5. Open the Curtains and Turn off the Lights!
More Resources:
Red Tide Research Institute at the Mote Marine Aquarium and Laboratory in Sarasota
Save Our Seas Foundation
Sierra Club of Florida
Save Our Seas Foundation
Sierra Club of Florida