Beach Clean-Ups: Join Us at New Smyrna!

Florida’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world, but they are also under threat from pollution and other environmental hazards. In order to protect our shores and preserve the health of our oceans, let’s all do our part to perform beach clean-ups that keep our shores clean and free from debris.

Coastline Clean-Ups Pack a Punch

Simply, one of the most effective ways to make a difference is through beach cleanups. These volunteer events bring together people from all walks of life to collect trash and other waste from our beaches. Prevent this waste from entering the ocean and harming marine life by picking it up as soon as possible. These beach clean-ups don’t just have a positive impact on the environment. They also provide an opportunity for people to connect with their community and take action on issues that matter to them.

IDEAS For Us volunteers clean up New Smyrna Beach in 2022.

Shore Up to Save the Planet

Fortunately, many organizations and programs make it easy to get involved in beach clean-ups. For example, the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup is the largest volunteer effort for the ocean, mobilizing millions of people around the world to clean up their local beaches and waterways. Similarly, the Surfrider Foundation has a network of volunteer-led beach cleanup events throughout the year, helping to keep our shores clean and healthy.

Indeed, by volunteering for beach cleanups and supporting other environmental initiatives, we can make a positive impact on the world around us. So next time you visit a Florida beach, consider bringing a trash bag and doing your part to keep our shores clean and healthy for generations to come.

Join Us at New Smyrna Beach!

This Month, on Saturday, February 25th, join IDEAS For Us and American Conservation Coalition in cleaning up New Smyrna Beach! We will be meeting at the 27th Ave Beachfront Park at our tents. Volunteers will gather and then clean up the beach together while playing beach clean up bingo! We will have refreshments and space to relax, so feel free to bring your beach set up.

The parking information and additional details will be sent to those who sign up. For any questions, please email kristin.anderson@ideasforus.org.

RSVP here.

United Nations Food Gardens

The United Nations acknowledges IDEAS For Us’s nonprofit urban agriculture program, Fleet Farming, as part of an edible garden initiative. Specifically, Fleet Farming is recognized for “outstanding efforts to further sustainable urban agriculture and contribute to the food security and well being of their community.” What is the Food Gardens Initiative? The United Nations Food Gardens initiative was developed on the premise that community food gardens can serve as an excellent source of local produce. Not only that, they can simultaneously empower communities to grow food in an increasingly urbanized world. Well, that’s what Fleet Farming is all about! How do the

Why Local?

On every corner of urbanized communities is a supermarket offering thousands of products and produce shipped from all over the world. While grocery stores are a convenient and inexpensive option for quick shopping, they do little to benefit the community economically and environmentally. There is also little information on where the produce comes from. It is often shipped from thousands of miles away. Imagine the fossil fuels expended and nutrients lost in transit. Fleet Farming’s mission is to farm locally for a healthier, more connected world to change the cycle of food accessibility. Lettuce get local! Environment For every calorie

Our Plastic Problem

Plastic bags, water bottles, straws and utensils have become an everyday convenience, especially because of their small financial costs for major corporations, but at what cost to our planet? The Ocean Conservancy organization has collected over 200 million pounds of plastic from the ocean over the last 30 years. That includes straws, plastic bags, water bottles, cigarette filters, plastic utensils, and more. There is no number that exists for how many plastic bags have been used worldwide. In the United States alone, 100 billion bags are used annually such as shopping bags for groceries, clothing, or bags from any other retail