Beach cleanups in Florida are essential for protecting marine wildlife by removing plastic waste, cigarette butts, and fishing gear from the shoreline. This type of initiative helps eliminate harmful waste, preventing it from entering the ocean, while also boosting the tourism economy and taking concrete action against pollution as a visitor or resident.
Maryse Bouchard, a condo owner in Florida for 15 years and retired for the past year, invites readers of Soleil de la Floride to join her in cleaning up beaches whenever they are in Florida.
During her daily walks while in the Sunshine State, Ms. Bouchard dedicates herself to picking up trash and pieces of plastic along the shoreline. She hopes to encourage Quebecers to carry a stick to collect waste and plastic scraps—which are highly harmful to the environment and marine life—during every beach walk. For her, “it is by coming together that we can make a difference!”
In an email sent to the Soleil de la Floride, Ms. Bouchard states: “With over 1,300 km of coastline, its beaches and shorelines are a refuge for unique biodiversity. However, this natural beauty is under unprecedented pressure. Practicing responsible ecology here means understanding that every piece of trash picked up from a shoreline is a victory for the ocean. Microplastics pollute the marine food chain, affecting everything from plankton to manatees. Cleaning up the shoreline isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s an act of active conservation. For example, sea turtles that nest on Florida’s beaches need clean, unobstructed areas. A simple plastic bag can be fatal if mistaken for a jellyfish. Adopting a responsible approach means shifting from passive consumption to active stewardship of our environment! »
The entire team at Soleil de la Floride invites you to follow Maryse Bouchard’s example and keep the beaches clean during your stay in Florida. Not only is it good for the environment, but it’s also good for your health—you get some exercise and do a good deed.
Some cities, such as Pompano Beach, for example, provide buckets for beachgoers to encourage them to clean up. Beach cleanups are also organized regularly by cities, counties, and the Florida Oceanographic Society through the Beach Cleanup Program: www.floridaocean.org/beach-cleanup-program
Maryse Bouchard
