The new year is a great time to begin — or continue — enthusiastically embracing behaviors that have a positive impact on the planet. For example, a “reduce, reuse and recycle” philosophy is a vital element of the Florida Keys’ commitment to protecting our natural resources — including the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef.
The new year is a great time for Keys visitors to embrace activities that protect the island chain’s uniquely beautiful environment.
But it’s not just Keys residents who can make a difference in the uniquely appealing island chain. We encourage visitors to make New Year’s resolutions to grab reusable bags (or ask for paper) when stocking up on vacation groceries and goodies — and join Keys groups and residents who are skipping plastic straws at eateries and watering holes.
Speaking of eateries, you can make a significant difference when dining out by ordering lionfish whenever it’s offered on the menu. Why? Because this invasive species, whose population is exploding, preys on over 70 species of native fish in the Keys and also competes with them for food.
Lionfish have a light, delicious flavor and can be savored in everything from sushi and ceviche to lusciously sauced dishes — making it a pleasure to decrease the invader’s population by practicing “conservation through consumption.”
Want to add meaning to a Keys visit by giving back to the island chain? Connect with the earth, ocean and the living things that call the Keys home by dedicating a part of your vacation to a voluntourism activity.
If you’re a recreational diver, you might participate in coral restoration efforts in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. From Key Largo to Key West, “citizen scientists” are joining researchers and trained scientists with the Coral Restoration Foundation and Mote Marine Laboratory to outplant reef-building species of coral — steadily restoring endangered corals by replanting new growths from coral nurseries to the reef.
Other voluntourism opportunities range from beach clean-ups to helping kids or spending time working in a wildlife refuge.
Whether you have special skills or interests, or simply want to help out, you can connect with the causes and charities that are dedicated to protecting and improving the quality of both human and animal life in the Florida Keys. Just visit fla-keys.com/voluntourism/ and choose the one that matters most to you.
Wherever you travel in the Keys, you can make a positive difference by following the “10 Keymandments.” While the Bible’s 10 Commandments advise people what NOT to do, the Keymandments suggest things you CAN do to have a meaningful, memorable vacation while respecting and helping preserve the Keys environment.
Lighthearted yet educational, they’re guidelines for enjoying a sustainable travel experience in the laid-back subtropical spot.
A great white heron perches on a mangrove at the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center. The center treats sick and injured indigenous birds. (Photo by Bob Krist, Florida Keys News Bureau)
ONE: Plant a coral (or adopt one of the cute little things, but don’t touch them on the reef).
TWO: Support the wildlife (volunteer food, funds or time to a local wild bird center).
THREE: Take out the trash (especially if it’s floating in the water).
FOUR: Capture a lionfish (any time and any size — we can show you how).
FIVE: Leave a digital footprint (share pictures with fans, friends and followers).
SIX: Hike it, bike it or hoof it (it’s low on eco-impact and high on fresh tropical air).
SEVEN: Catch dinner (and release all the fish you know you can’t eat).
EIGHT: Use a mooring buoy at dive sites (save your back and leave the anchor alone).
NINE: Conserve vs. consume (reduce, reuse and recycle even on vacation).
TEN: Get off the beaten path (you can hike, bike, walk, kayak or paddleboard along Keys trails).
To protect the Florida Keys’ priceless natural resources, eco-conscious residents and visitors practice a culture of conservation as they eat, drink, sleep, swim, explore and play above, on and beneath the waters surrounding the 125-mile island chain.
As 2019 begins, resolve to be part of that positive culture.
