Earth Day might be tomorrow, but tending to our planet’s natural wonders is a year-round affair. More than any other year in recent memory, the environmental disasters that plagued 2020 emphasized the need for bold ideas and swift action in addressing climate change.
While it can feel overwhelming — and the need for mass structural change remains very real — fortunately there are a number of organizations working to engage and educate folks on protecting what we have here in Miami’s backyard. Among them is Miami Waterkeeper, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. The advocacy org led by Rachel Silverstein has done a great job of not only raising awareness about environmental issues, but also directing folks on actionable ways to make a difference. Just yesterday, Miami Waterkeeper claimed a major victory with the county’s passage of an ordinance banning the use of fertilizers during rainy season. The measure is aimed at keeping nutrients out of Biscayne Bay and curbing algae blooms, a phenomenon that exacerbated last year’s devastating fish kill in the famed body of water.
Even with this achievement, the work is far from finished. Miami Waterkeeper was kind enough to partner with The New Tropic to share the myriad initiatives it has underway for Earth Day and beyond. Here’s how you can get involved…
✏️ Know a teacher looking for lesson plans on Earth Month or the environment in general? Check out Miami Waterkeeper’s Saving Biscayne Bay curriculum series as well as its docuseries “Waves of Change” right here.
🚰 If you’ve ever wondered how your house or workplace fares at being clean water-friendly, this quiz assesses your accommodations and offers tips on how to have a more environmentally base of operations.
🎓 Young folks looking to gain hands-on experience in sustainability measures and environmental advocacy can apply for Miami Waterkeeper’s Junior Ambassador Program for 2021-2022. The initiative is open to high school students and offers a year-long curriculum on how to champion climate causes. Applications and additional information can be found right here.
🍙 A good deed is its own reward, but getting some sushi to go along with it is always nice too. Pubbelly Sushi has teamed up with Miami Waterkeeper to offer a complimentary Butter Krab Roll to anyone who completes a beach cleanup this month. More information and details on how to use social media to claim your rightfully earned prize are available here.
👕 Help #SaveBiscayneBay with this custom apparel designed by Feisty Ink Designs. The wares will be on sale through Monday, April 26 and all proceeds benefit Miami Waterkeeper.
🗣 Compass South Florida is hosting a free virtual discussion on best management practices for our waters tomorrow for Earth Day. “Homeowners Guide to Clean-Water Conscious Living” kicks off at 6 p.m. and you can register to attend over at the link.
🍹 There’s still a few days left to do some good, sip a delicious alcoholic beverage, and enjoy a scenic view all at the same time: If you stop by Lido Bayside Grill at The Standard and order The Enchanted Forest — a specialty cocktail by Mijenta Tequila — by Sunday, April 25, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Miami Waterkeeper.
🏖 Want to learn how to identify water pollutants and be able to report them yourself? Sign up for “Defenders of Biscayne Bay,” the latest installment of Miami Waterkeeper and Miami Beach Rising Above’s Sustainachella 2021 series.
👀 The 1,000 Eyes on the Water training program is inviting participants to patrol the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens for pollution and waste. The initiative can be completed both in-person and virtually — and to sweeten the deal, there’s two tickets to Vizcaya in it for anyone who finishes the training by the end of April.