Across the media landscape, there’s certainly an understandable commentary about global warming and the need for change in order to protect our planet for the future.
We’re pleased that a number of the fabulous destinations we’re lucky enough to represent are working hard to introduce initiatives and strategies that promote responsible, eco-friendly and sustainable travel.
The Florida Keys & Key West is just one of these…
PR Account Director Beth recently travelled to the sub-tropical island chain to spend time showing UK and French media how the Keys is working to preserve and restore its own natural environment and resources through its 2018-launched ‘Connect & Protect’ initiative.
This aims to raise awareness of how visitors can support local efforts to be environmentally friendly and make positive changes when travelling in the destination to protect its natural habitats and wildlife.
Here are just some of the ways visitors can ‘Connect & Protect’ while in the Florida Keys:
- Swap the harsh chemicals in traditional sunscreen for a reef-friendly version
- Visit charitable organisations like Marathon’s Turtle Hospital to support local efforts to rescue, rehabilitate and re-release turtles that have found themselves down on their luck due to boat strikes, ocean pollution and medical conditions like bubble butt syndrome
- Ask for your drinks with a paper not plastic straw, or better yet skip the straw and save a life and limit single use plastics in the process. And, if you do have to use a plastic cup, be sure to dispose of it responsibly to avoid these ending up in the ocean – as turtles often confuse them for one of their favourite food sources – jellyfish!
- Stop by Key Largo’s Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF) to learn about how marine biologists are working to cultivate and re-plant stag-horn and elk-horn coral to restore reefs throughout the Keys. Dive qualified visitors can join in with the efforts, while local charter company Rainbow Reef collaborates with the CRF to run snorkelling excursions out to coral nurseries that lie around seven miles out to sea
- Dine on lionfish in many restaurants throughout the island chain to support local efforts to rid Keys waters of this invasive species that is posing a threat to native marine life
- Opt for low-impact activities like snorkelling and kayaking over motorised water sports to minimise the footprint you leave in the Keys and help protect wildlife
For more information on sustainable travel in The Florida Keys, visit www.fla-keys.co.uk
