The IDEAS For Us Blog

Keep up to date with global environmental news and information​ every month

types of plastic

Types of Plastic: The Big 7

In 1970, Gary Anderson created the famous symbol used to indicate that a product is recyclable- three arrows chasing each other in a loop. The design is easily recognizable, but have you ever flipped the empty plastic product over and looked at the recycling symbol closely? If you have, you have probably seen that there is a number at the center of the three arrows. Most people are unaware that the number is actually an

Read More »
toxic wastelands

Toxic Wastelands: A Look Into Superfund Sites

Born From Tragedy In the 1970s the quiet community of Love Canal, Niagara Falls, NY, garnered national attention when chemical sludge began seeping up from the Earth. Kids came home with chemical burns after playing outside, basements flooded with noxious water, babies were born with birth defects and cancer rates soared1. As a result, residents started organizing, prompting officials to take a closer look at the town. New York State officials tested the soil in

Read More »

St. Johns River: Water Management Spotlight

The longest river that begins and ends within the state of Florida is the St. Johns. Originating at Blue Cypress Lake, the St. Johns River meanders over 300 miles north to its terminus in the Atlantic Ocean near Jacksonville.1,2 At its southern end, the river is shallow and marsh-like, scarcely navigable by boat. As it works its way north into Brevard County, the river deepens, snaking, curving and intertwining with itself while at other times widening

Read More »
apple tree

The Benefits of Community Fruit Trees

Spanning from the Keys’ sandy beaches to the mossy panhandle, Florida provides a unique environment for a variety of fruit trees to flourish. Planting fruit trees can be a rewarding personal or community effort. Not only do fruit trees provide a delicious and nutrient dense crop, but growing them locally fosters a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Fruit trees also benefit local environments in numerous ways, but before diving into that, let’s take a

Read More »
wildlife corridor

The Florida Wildlife Corridor

Habitat loss and fragmentation are some of the primary causes of declining plant and animal populations. The Florida Wildlife Corridor protects almost 700 different plant and animal species by conserving and connecting habitats all over the state. This includes the mighty Florida Panther, The West Indian Manatee, and the Gopher Tortoise. This blog dives into the importance of the corridor and how it supports conservation efforts. Image: Unsplash by Dawn Mcdonald The Florida Wildlife Corridor

Read More »
companion planting

Companion Planting

According to Almanac, companion gardening is growing plants together for the benefit for one or both plants2. For example, those practicing this technique might plant flowers among crops to attract pollinators, benefiting the crops2.   Companion Planting Made Simple What are the benefits of companion planting? When grown in close proximity, there are a number of different interactions plants can have with one another. While some plants may support the growth of its neighbors, other

Read More »
IDEAS For Us (IDEAS) is an Orlando-based 501(c)(3) grassroots non-profit organization and accredited NGO of the United Nations. IDEAS creates global environmental solutions through local action.
Skip to content