IDEAS For Us - Tampa Bay | Eco-Action Projects in Florida

IDEAS For Us - Tampa Bay

About This Branch

IDEAS For Us originally expanded into St. Petersburg, Florida in October of 2018. This branch focuses on coastal resiliency, conservation, ecological restoration, and urban agriculture.

Environmental Challenges

Toxic algae blooms
Loss of habitats and deforestation
Wastewater flooding
Lack of clean energy within public utilities
Decrease in native species from urbanization and development

Get
Involved

Each month, the IDEAS For Us – Tampa Bay branch hosts eco-action projects such as tree plantings, waste clean ups, garden builds, native landscaping projects & more!

Branch
Leaders

IDEAS For Us – Tampa Bay is lead by Caroline Chomanics, an environmental advocate dedicating her life to climate action living in the St. Pete area.

To contact her, please reach out to contact@ideasforus.org.

Projects To Be Funded

Project 1: Waterway Cleanup

Objective: Combat the pollution of plastics and styrofoam along the critically polluted shorelines along the bayous and beaches of St. Petersburg.

Goal 1A: Collect as much trash as possible in the expanse of 1 mile of a polluted area.

Goal 1B: Mobilize volunteers to create an educational event around the shoreline restoration projects.

Project 2: Mangrove Restoration

Objective: Rapid urbanization and development along the Tampa Bay coastline have resulted in increased shoreline erosion and loss of critical habitats. By restoring and expanding mangrove ecosystems, you can protect shorelines, enhance biodiversity, and improve water quality.

Goal 1A: Plant 5,000 mangroves along the Tampa Bay shoreline each year.

Goal 1B: Educate local communities about the importance of mangroves in coastal protection and involve them in hands-on restoration efforts.

Project 3: Clothing SWAP SHOPS

Objective: The fashion industry is a significant contributor to environmental degradation, with textile waste filling landfills and producing greenhouse gases. Establishing clothing swap shops can reduce textile waste, promote sustainable fashion practices, and foster community engagement.

Goal 1A: Organize 12 clothing swap events per year in various communities, diverting thousands of garments from landfills.

Goal 1B: Educate participants on the environmental impact of fast fashion and the benefits of sustainable clothing practices through workshops and outreach.

Previous Project Highlights 2018-2019

Bayou Clean Up: In December 2018, Hive volunteers in St.Pete worked together to clean the shore of Big Bayou at Grandview Park thanks to our sponsor St.Pete For Good. We collected 136.4 lbs of trash and recyclables from this sensitive mangrove habitat!

The Big IDEAS Garden Installation: IDEAS For Us is excited to create an edible garden with the Urban Regeneration Station! The garden is in the shape of a light bulb to honor “bright ideas” for growing local food and creating regenerative environments.

Energy Action Project: In February, we welcomed Dana Whipple from Green House Solar and Air to come speak on the topic of how solar energy works and opportunities to engage in the solar energy movement in St.Pete. We learned about all of the solar panels in local parks and schools, and created our own version on eco-homes. Join us next month for a month all about sea turtles!