Islanders 4 Clean Water Educational Videos

For the birds and the bees and the beautiful seas I planted a tree." 

Each month as part of our Islanders 4 Clean Water educational campaign we will be sharing educational videos on things that you can do to do your part in keeping our waters clean. January's topic is planting native plants in your home gardens. To learn more click the video to the left. 

"A rookery in my branches, a nursery in my sea. If I was a forest a mangrove I would be."

This month's Islanders 4 Clean Water educational topic is our local mangrove forests. 

DID YOU KNOW THAT mangrove forests: 

-stabilize the coastline from storm surges. 

-remove pollutants from stormwater runoff. 

-provide nursery habitats for fish and shellfish

-protect species that are a basis of a $7.6 billion seafood industry

"Undersea grasses, a food source in bays, stabilize the sediment and impact from waves."

Why do seagrasses matter?   

-20% of the world’s largest fisheries depend on them 

-They improve water clarity 

-They capture and store carbon 

-They help protect shorelines 

-They are a nature -based solution to climate change

"I no longer buy plastics I don't really need. I reduce marine litter from the course to the sea." 

-Reduce your use of single use plastics. 

-Support legislation to curb plastic production and waste.

-Recycle properly

-Participate in beach or river cleanups. 

-Avoid products containing microbeads. 

-Support groups and organizations addressing plastic pollution. 

"Receding tides, exposing the plight, blades of grass are vanishing from sight." 

Here are some tips for boating responsibly: 

-Don't throw litter from boats

-Be careful of erosion and vegetation damage from launching your boat

-Sewage from boats should not be allowed to enter waterways

-Use safe biodegradable soap, detergent, and other cleaning products

-Avoid seagrass meadows by boating in marked channels

"Regardless of where, regardless of why, mankind continues to feed the red tide." 

Here are some tips for how you can do your part:
-Scoop the poop! Pick up your pet’s waste.
-Wash your car over grass or gravel, not on the street. An even better option is the car wash.
-Make your yard more ocean friendly.
-Go organic. Stop using chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
-Plant native and climate-appropriate plants.
-Direct gutters into your landscaping. 

Clean water starts with us!

Here are some tips for how you can do you part:
-Bring your own bag to the beach.
-Carry a reusable water bottle.
-Consider reusable straws.
-Avoid heavily packaged foods.
-Use no bag or a fabric bag for groceries.
-Organize and participate in local beach cleanups. 

-Be Floridian- fertilize responsibly. 

-Pick up pet waste and reduce poo-lution. 

-Keep leaves and grass clippings on the lawn. Don’t blow them in the street. 

-Direct downspouts into plant beds rather than down the driveway. 

-Plant trees and other native plants. 

-Use a commercial car wash rather than washing at home.

-Never pour anything down storm drains.

-Never flush medications down the toilet. 

-Stay away from stain-resistant carpets and upholstery. 

-Don’t use water- proofing sprays. 

-Avoid nonstick cookware. Instead use cast-iron, stainless steel, 

glass or enamel products.

-Boycott takeout containers and other food packaging. 

-Reduce plastic consumption and pack out your trash.

-Learn where restrooms are located ahead of time.

-Stick to designated fire rings/grills.

-Stay on designated trails to and from the beach.

-View wildlife from a distance.

-Sometimes you have to pick up other people's trash.