Plastic Recycling: What Those Little Numbers Tell Us

I’m often asked how best to reduce one’s carbon footprint. My answer is to just start somewhere- pick a project you feel comfortable with and start there. Regardless of your effect on carbon emissions and climate change, anything you do to help the environment is good for the planet. My comfort spot is recycling, but navigating plastic recycling can be tricky!

My parents were always environmentally conscious (some might even call them hippies) so my childhood in the 1970s involved weekly chores of gardening, composting, and recycling. Many weekends I was sent to the basement to wash out cans and bottles, peel off the paper labels, and smash down the aluminum. When I left for college, I swore to my parents that I would move to the city and pave my entire yard; so, it’s ironic that I now work at a botanical garden promoting gardening, composting, and recycling, as my mother pointed out to me a bit too gleefully.

It was very natural for me to start recycling in my own home when curbside recycling became available, but recycling has changed since the ‘70s. These days curbside recycling is available in most urban and suburban neighborhoods, and we don’t have to peel off the labels from glass jars or smash the aluminum cans. But one of the biggest changes is the amount of plastic that we recycle -or rather the amount of plastic we don’t recycle.

To me, plastics are one of the most egregious threats to the planet. Plastics started to become mainstream in the 1970s. The plastic bag was first introduced to the grocery industry as an alternative to the paper bag in 1977. Some estimates put plastic production today at 9 times higher than in 1973. It is estimated that 380 MILLION TONS of plastic is produced every year now, and just 9% of it is recycled!

It is estimated that 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in our waterways annually. And unlike some other kinds of waste, plastics don’t decompose, which means they stick around indefinitely, disrupting marine ecosystems and creating havoc for marine life. Little microbeads of plastic can end up in our food supply and our drinking water.

But all plastic is recyclable, and we just need to be better about recycling, right? Wrong! Technically, most plastic is recyclable, but much of it is very difficult to recycle. Most recycling plants don’t have the equipment or capacity to recycle much of the plastic in production these days. The best solution is to minimize your use of single-use plastics and to recycle the plastic you do use responsibly.

I try to minimize my use of single-use plastics and recycle my plastics responsibly, but it’s hard to know what plastic is accepted by local municipality recycling programs. Recycling programs vary widely from city to city so it’s best to consult your local municipality to be certain.

Here’s a little cheat I depend on. You know those little triangles with numbers on the bottom? Those triangles are symbols created for recycling that indicate the type of plastic used in the product. The number is a resin identification code that specifies the type of resin used as well as the safety of that resin. It also indicates how that product might be recycled.

In general, number 1 and 2 plastics are widely accepted by most recycling centers. These plastics are made of Polyethylene and include almost any lightweight bottle whose neck is smaller than its body, such as water bottles, soda bottles, milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, and most bottles used for food, health, cleaning, or beauty products. These are easily recycled and there is demand for the product, so you can be fairly certain that your local recycle program (if you have one) accepts them. Usually, you can even recycle the screw-on caps. Caps are a #5 plastic which most municipalities accept now but check with your municipality first to be sure. Wash them out thoroughly before recycling, and screw on the cap so it doesn’t get mistakenly left on the ground.

Number 3 plastics are made with polyvinyl resin commonly called PVC. They are usually rigid and not as easily recycled. These include PVC pipes, plastic sheets like shower curtains and raincoats, and many children’s toys. More and more recycling programs accept #3 plastic, but there are still many that do not. Check with your municipality as #3 plastic may need to go into your trash. Avoid these if possible.

Number 4 plastics are of low-density polyethylene and are usually soft and flexible. These include grocery bags, dry cleaning bags, plastic food wrap, and squeezable bottles like ketchup or syrup bottles. The plastic bags and films are rarely recyclable, but the squeezable bottles may be.

Number 5 plastics are made of polypropylene and are a flexible hard plastic like “clamshell” food containers, screw-on caps, butter tubs, and food cups like yogurt containers. More municipalities have started to recycle number 4 and 5 plastics (except for plastic bags and film) but many still do not. Check with your local municipality. If you don’t know for certain, put them in with your trash- or better yet avoid them if you can.

Numbers 6 plastics are made with polystyrene (Styrofoam) and are difficult to recycle. These include disposable cups and plates and meat trays and should usually be placed in the trash. Number 7 plastics include a broad range of acrylic, nylon, and other plastic resins difficult to recycle such as CDs, DVDs, sunglasses, and cellphone cases which should also be placed in the trash. Again, check with your municipality. Some recycling centers have started to take plastics 6 and 7, but very few take Styrofoam in any form whether plates, cups, or packing noodles. Avoid Styrofoam if possible.

In general, it is safe to assume that plastics 1 & 2 are recyclable in your municipality if you have recycling, while 3, 4, & 5 are probably accepted in your municipality (except for plastic bags and films), but check first. Plastics 6 and 7 are rarely recycled but check you curbside collection to be sure.

Remember to check with your municipality to see what they will recycle. I can’t stress this enough! Even while fact-checking this blog, I found conflicting information between reputable sites and even on my own municipality’s website! Municipalities vary greatly. Some municipalities accept plastics 1-7 except for plastic bags, plastic films, and Styrofoam of any kind. Other municipalities do not recycle at all but choose to convert trash into energy through incineration programs instead. Most municipalities fall somewhere in between.

Better yet, eliminate plastic use wherever possible so you are certain to keep it out of our landfills and waterways. If you can’t, here is a cheat sheet for you to print and save for easy reference.

As a final reminder, never place any of the following into your recyclable bins:

  • No plastic film or plastic bags of any kind (return to retailer where possible)
  • No Styrofoam (find a drop-off site at earth911.com)
  • No paper napkins, plates, cups, or tissues (these are probably compostable in the landfill)
  • No foods or liquids (compost instead)
  • No electronics (donate instead, schedule bulk pick up, or find a drop-off site at earth911.com)
  • No textiles, including clothes, bedding, rugs (donate them instead)
  • No hose, strings of lights, rope, hangers, or any objects that can tangle equipment
  • No tires, auto parts, or scrap metal (find a drop-off site at earth911.com)
  • No concrete, wood, or construction debris (schedule a bulk pick-up)
  • No yard waste or wood (compost or place in your yard waste container)
  • No non-recyclable plastic items without a recycling symbol

 

Keith Clark is the CEO of Flamingo Gardens. As a Baby Boomer he is inspired by the younger associates at Flamingo Gardens to make small changes in his own life to combat climate change and help the planet. Each month he blogs about the changes he’s making to reduce his own carbon footprint in an effort to inspire others.

Busy August for Eco-Teers: Promoting Sustainability and Protecting Beaches

As summer draws to a close, the dedicated members of the Eco-Teers have been busier than ever, working tirelessly to promote environmental awareness and take meaningful actions to preserve our natural world. From educational events to beach cleanups, August has been a month filled with impactful initiatives that highlight the organization’s commitment to sustainability.

Promoting Eco-Friendly Back to School with Flamingo Gardens

One of the highlights of August was the Eco-Teers’ involvement in the “back to school” event at Flamingo Gardens. Representing the organization, members took the opportunity to engage with visitors and spread the word about Eco-Teers’ mission. Ashley, our Eco-teer coordinator, accompanied by Beth Jarvis part of our Special Programs Department and Anita Sobaram our Education Manager, distributed informative pamphlets about the organization’s activities and the upcoming events at Flamingo Gardens. In an effort to captivate young minds and foster curiosity, Eco-Teers brought butterflies and a patch of fur from Josh the bear. The kids were encouraged to ask questions and interact with these tangible reminders of the natural world.

Taking Action: Beach Cleanup Collaboration

Eco-Teers demonstrated their commitment to the environment through their participation in a Beach Cleanup collaboration with MODS. On a Saturday, August 12th, morning the team gathered at Dania Beach at Dr. Von D. Mizell – Eula Johnson State Park, armed with determination and trash bags. From 8 AM to 12 PM, they meticulously combed the beach shore and surrounding pavilions, collecting an impressive 29.6 pounds of microplastics. Among the most common items were bottle caps and beer cans, which, if left unchecked, could wreak havoc on marine life and coastal vegetation.

The team’s efforts extended beyond mere cleanup. Their collaboration with MODS took an innovative turn, as they provided bottle caps to contribute to the museum’s plastics project. This project is a testament to the power of collective efforts and creative initiatives aimed at turning waste into valuable resources.

The Eco-Teers’ dedication shows no sign of slowing down. With plans for more events on the horizon, their commitment to environmental conservation remains unwavering. As the end of August approaches, another event is in the works. Furthermore, September promises to be just as eventful, with two initiatives scheduled despite a brief absence during the first week and a half of the month

If you would like to join the Eco-teers and help make an impact in our community against pollution and climate change, contact Ashley at [email protected] or call 954-473-2955 for more information.

Official NOAA Weather-Ready Nation Ambassadors™

We’re excited to share some fantastic news: Flamingo Gardens has taken a significant step towards enhancing community resilience and preparedness against extreme weather, water, and climate events. Flamingo Gardens has been accepted as a NOAA Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador™, joining a network of organizations dedicated to fostering a Weather-Ready Nation.

Flamingo Gardens’ was encouraged to apply after a recent visit to the NOAA facility in Miami, FL by our Eco-teers. The NOAA Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador™ initiative is an endeavor that recognizes and celebrates partners of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) who are actively contributing to the nation’s readiness for unpredictable weather challenges. Flamingo Gardens’ commitment to this initiative reflects our dedication to strengthening the nation’s capacity to withstand and respond to extreme weather events.

As a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador, Flamingo Gardens is aligning itself with NOAA and other esteemed Ambassadors, forming a united front against the growing threats posed by extreme weather phenomena. This collaboration underscores the importance of preparedness, proactive response, and resilience-building at both local and national levels.

The NOAA Weather-Ready Nation logo, which Flamingo Gardens is now authorized to display, symbolizes our role as a key player in this initiative. This emblem will grace our digital platforms and print materials, serving as a visible reminder of our commitment to fostering awareness, education, and cooperation in the realm of weather and climate readiness.

Flamingo Gardens’ participation in the Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador™ initiative signifies more than just a title—it’s a pledge to contribute to the betterment of our communities. By incorporating the NOAA Weather-Ready Nation logo on our website and materials, Flamingo Gardens is not only demonstrating our partnership with NOAA but also providing a link to valuable resources available through the NOAA Weather-Ready Nation website. This creates an avenue for visitors to access information that can aid in their own preparedness efforts.


What’’s on the horizon? Flamingo Gardens will collaborate with a designated NOAA point of contact, who will offer insights, answer questions, and explore potential a variety of opportunities. This partnership is a two-way street, with both sides benefiting from the exchange of knowledge and expertise to further enhance our collective ability to tackle extreme weather challenges.

To learn more about the NOAA Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador™ initiative, and to explore the valuable resources available, please visit the NOAA Weather-Ready Nation website at http ://www.weather.gov/wrn/.

Eco-teers – National Weather Service Visit

On Saturday July 29th our Eco-Teers toured the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations (NOAA) Miami hurricane center, also known as the National Weather Service (NWS). Eco-Teers were lucky enough to get a comprehensive tour into their facility and speeches from the majority of their staff detailing their daily responsibilities and how that affects us as civilians. Robert Molleda (Warning Coordination Meteorologist) spent the full two hours walking us through each department and ended each department with a Q&A. We were able to see their news/media room where they give full weather reports during times of crisis, we were escorted through the main weather prediction center where the employees detailed how they perform multiple operations and procedures during hurricane seasons and throughout the year.

We also got information from the coastal marine forecast department on how they track ships coming in and out of ports during fluctuating weather events and how that affects our commerce, (i.e. cargo, cruises, etc). We were able to speak to a few employees that enlightened us to different ways they have experienced tracking hurricanes outside of the everyday office-work. Two specific employees shared their experiences in flying into the eye of a hurricane in order to gather information on those storms and send it back to their respective organizations with NOAA and the U.S. Military. We were able to see some of the equipment that’s used for hurricane tracking for example; hydrogen balloons being sent into the hurricane and any information picked up being sent back via radio and then transmitted to a PC.

Additionally, Melissa Auld, our Director of Operational Systems and IT, and I were told about an opportunity to become Weather Ready Nation ambassadors (WRNA) which is useful for the everyday procedures taken at Flamingo Gardens to keep guests and employees safe. It’s also valuable for me to have for the purposes of outreach projects and educating the public. We are excited to participate in this opportunity.

If you would like to join the Eco-teers and help make an impact in our community against pollution and climate change, contact Ashley at [email protected] or call 954-473-2955 for more information.

Eco-Teers – Southgate Meadow Reclamation Project

The Eco-teers managed to remove 4 pounds of Ruella (Mexican Petunia) and Gale of the Wind. These volunteers learned about Trideck Daisies and Sandbur. Volunteers planted native plants to the meadow and saw the difference that has been made over the past month by an increase in native wildlife. We were able to see Sulphur butterflies, Monarchs, and other moths from that family. We also noticed an owl family living in the tree adjacent to the meadow. Volunteers learned how to identify certain plants and utilize the app “INaturalist” to add plant species known to a specific area and interact with others in the field. This project is ongoing and there will be other projects at this location introducing more wildlife and educational purposes.

BEFORE (June 11, 2023)
AFTER (July 22, 2023)

More photos from that day:

Be EPIC!

The Florida Everglades is an ecosystem found nowhere else on earth, and its very existence is constantly under threat. In order to preserve this natural wonder, we all need to make changes. As the source of our drinking water, home to species of flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth, and a major layover for hundreds of migratory bird species, we must make sure that we take the steps necessary to ensure its preservation for generations to come.

One of the greatest threats to the Everglades is habitat destruction, and pollution is a major contributor. Every day, about 1,650 people move to Florida. With these new residents comes increased single-use plastics, increased water consumption, increased solid waste, and urban sprawl that moves us closer and closer to this precious habitat. In South Florida, roughly eight million people depend on the Florida Everglades for their drinking water. Much of the water we drink comes from the Biscayne Aquifer, an underground river that is replenished by the flow of water through the Everglades, whose wetlands filter out the impurities. Impurities that can’t be filtered out, however, are microplastics. Plastics persist in the environment forever. Even when they are broken down over multiple lifetimes, tiny plastic particles remain and are consumed by fish, birds and animals, eventually making their way into our bodies through the food that we eat. Other impurities that pollute the water in the Everglades are chemicals and pesticides from farming which leech into the groundwater, and as runoff into the wetlands. These toxic chemicals not only end up in our water, but they affect the hundreds of thousands of birds which live in or pass through the Florida Everglades on their annual migration. For these reasons and more, preserving and protecting the Everglades is imperative, AND YOU CAN HELP!

By making small changes such as reducing our use of plastics, reusing our waste products and conserving water, together we can impact great change. Flamingo Gardens is poised to present education on everyday changes that can make a difference to over a quarter of a million guests each year. By presenting information through signage, classes, programs and events, Flamingo Gardens aims to educate and inspire the public to make changes in their everyday lives to help preserve the Everglades.

We invite you to join us and “Be EPIC”. That stands for Everglades Preservation Involves Change.

 

We know it won’t be easy. It is going to take all of us making changes to achieve the following goals:

Water conservation – Did you know that Flamingo Gardens consumed 5,104,000 gallons of city water in 2022? Our goal for the next year is to reduce our city-water consumption by 5%. That’s just over 250,000 gallons of water which is a significant amount of water to be saved. At home, you can take steps to reduce your water consumption by installing low-flow sinks and low-capacity toilets, fixing leaky pipes and hoses, only running your dishwasher when it is full, and turning off the water when brushing your teeth.

Reduced single-use plastic consumption – Did you know that in 2022, Flamingo Gardens sold over 17,000 beverages in single-use plastic bottles? Our goal is to completely stop sales of all plastic drink bottles at Flamingo Gardens in the next year. Plan on seeing more water refill stations throughout the gardens, and pick up a Flamingo Gardens reusable water bottle next time you’re in the Gift Shop. At home, you can reduce single-use plastic consumption by replacing bottled shampoo with a shampoo bar, ditching plastic straws for the reusable stainless-steel variety, asking for no extras when you get takeout, and bringing your own reusable bags when you shop.

Composting – Did you know that Flamingo Gardens has a compost pile? Our Horticulture Department has been composting plant material at the nursery for well over a year, and that compost material is used throughout the gardens as rich soil. Our goal is to increase compost production at Flamingo Gardens by 50% in the next year, by installing compost collection stations at the Flamingo Pond Snack Bar / Grill and in our Animal Care clinic. You can compost your own organic waste at home and use it in your own garden. Some cities are implementing composting city-wide, and if your city isn’t one of them, you can advocate for that change.

All of these changes won’t happen overnight, but we are excited to implement strategies here at Flamingo Gardens, with your help, to preserve our precious resource and natural wonder, the Florida Everglades. Keep an eye out for new signage and more as we roll out our Be EPIC campaign in the coming months.

Eco-teers – Tree Tops Park Invasive Species Removal

EcoTeers had their third project of the month! They participated in an invasive species removal where we dug up snake plants and removed them from Tree Tops Park. During this project they managed to remove 400.1 pounds of Dracaena Trifasciata (snake plants) by the roots in under three hours. These plants were double bagged into 5 separate garbage bags and disposed of away from the park. 

Eco-teers – Beach Clean Up & Pollinator Project

Eco-teers June Projects

Beach Clean Up - Sat June 10th, 2023

at 4414 N. Surf Road in Hollywood, Florida. (MEEC at the Carpenter House).

On Saturday the Eco-Teers participated in a collective Beach Cleanup/Meet and Greet where we partnered with the Marine Environmental Education Center (MEEC) and worked alongside other organizations such as Youth Environmental Alliance (YEA) and Nova Southeastern University (NSU). We had a booth set up in order to educate the public on Flamingo Gardens and what the Eco-Teers do as an outreach conservation and preservation group. We had a total of 9 volunteers show up with 7 of those being already existing members of the Eco-Teers and managed to collect a total of 28.27 pounds of garbage from Dania Beach.

Pollinator Project - June 11th, 2023

at Southgate Meadows, Tamarac

Backstory: Sue Chalmers (a friend of Flamingo Gardens) has received a donation and a plot of land to create and care for as a “meadow” on the NE corner of Southgate Blvd and University Drive in Tamarac, Florida. Her motto for this project is “Mow to Meadow: Build it and they will come” meaning if we spend our time building a miniature ecosystem we will see a positive result in the way of providing homes and nutrients to other species of insects and birds along with nurturing the growth and bloom of other native plants. For this Project, Sue and I discussed quite a few ways the Eco-Teers can help build upon the reconstruction of this grassy area. Some of those ideas include digging plots, labelling plots of land, removing invasives, planting natives, spreading seeds, and other educational applied experiences. This project is beneficial to the Eco-Teers in that they will learn in a hands-on environment and the process will provide multiple projects for them to take part in and see the results of. 

On Sunday June 11th, about 7 Eco-Teers contributed to the Meadow project by removing invasive species (plants, weeds, etc.), planting native flowers, collecting bidents to spread on another project date that will, in time,  attract butterflies to the meadow. They spent time learning about different species of butterflies and flowers such as Gulf Fritillary butterflies and Sulphur butterflies. They removed 5-10 pounds of invasive weeds that were running through the garden and around our native plants and planted 9 Mexican Poppy (yellow-prickly poppy) or known by its scientific name as “Argemone Mexicana”.

If you would like to join the Eco-teers and help make an impact in our community against pollution and climate change, contact Ashley at [email protected] or call 954-473-2955 for more information.

By Way of The Dodo

The dodo (Raphus cucullatus) is an extinct species of bird that once lived on Mauritius island off the coast of Madagascar. Dodos have become a symbol of human-caused extinction. The dodo is also the centerpiece of a new exhibit at Flamingo Gardens highlighting the impact of Climate Change on wildlife. Sean Kenney’s Nature POP®! exhibit of 44 sculptures made from more than 800,000 LEGO® bricks consider the interconnectedness of nature and climate change through the highly stylized, colorful displays.

The dodo was a flightless relative of pigeons and doves, which once inhabited the islands of Mauritius and Reunion. Their large size and inability to fly were adaptations that contributed to their survival among the island’s adverse conditions and climate change events, including extreme drought and volcanic eruptions. These adaptations, however, became a hindrance when the Dutch colonized the islands in the 1600s. Mauritius and its neighboring islands harbored no permanent human population before the Dutch East India Company established a settlement there in the 1600s. By then, previous visitors to the island had already introduced so many predators that dodos no longer roamed the beaches and mountains. Later, deforestation removed much of the dodo’s woodland habitat. By the end of the 17th century, the dodo was extinct.

Estimates show that by 2100, up to 14% of all bird species across the globe could be extinct, given the momentum of climate change, widespread habitat loss, and an increasing number of invasive species.

It’s not just birds that will be affected. Biologists are becoming more and more concerned that global climate change will drastically reduce wildlife biodiversity. Some biologists estimate that 35% of animals and plants could become extinct in the wild by 2050 due to global climate change.

To date, global warming has been most pronounced in the Artic, and this trend is projected to continue. Temperatures in the Arctic are rising nearly four times as fast as the global average, and Arctic Sea ice extent has declined since 1979 for every month of each year. There are suggestions that before mid-century we could have a nearly ice-free Artic in the summer and two-thirds of the world’s polar bears could be extinct if greenhouse gas-fueled global warming keeps melting their Arctic Sea ice habitat.

A recent two-year drought in Kenya has wiped out 2% of the world’s rarest zebra species as the climate crisis continues to take its toll on Africa’s wildlife. The Grévy’s zebra is in rapid decline, with estimates that their population has decreased by 50% over the last 18 years, attributed in part to having one of the most substantial reductions of range of any African mammal. Once found roaming across Ethiopia, Kenya, Djibouti, and Somalia, the animal is now confined to Ethiopia and Kenya, with an estimated 1,966 to 2,447 left in the wild. The biggest threat to zebra populations are habitat loss and drought. Increasing temperatures and changes to the rainy seasons mean lack of water for zebras, forcing them to congregate at the remaining water sources where there is an increased chance of disease.

Most of the time when we think about climate change, we think about warming temperatures. However, rainfall patterns will change as well, which is something that insects seem to be especially sensitive to. Rainfall extremes can have negative effects on insect populations over very short timescales.

Insects are incredibly diverse and important, filling the ecosystem roles of pollination and decomposition, and as a food source for many birds and mammals. Spiders eat an astronomical number of insects, many of which are agricultural pests or the carriers of human diseases. Their loss will become ours as it impacts future ecosystems.

Several traits make the monarch vulnerable to a changing climate. Like most butterflies, they are extremely sensitive to weather and climate, depending on environmental cues (temperature in particular) to trigger reproduction, migration, and hibernation. Their dependence on milkweed alone as a host plant is a further vulnerability, particularly as milkweed abundance is declining throughout the monarch range.

The bald eagle is a resilient species, and often held up as a symbol for conservation success. But as the climate changes, they too face new challenges. Extreme temperatures cause drought which threatens bodies of water that eagles depend on. Stream temperatures have spiked in recent years as glaciers retreat and provide less cool water, affecting cold-water species like salmon that bald eagles rely on for food. Climate change has also led to heavier river flows and floods in late fall, washing dead salmon out to sea before they can be eaten by eagles.

Global warming also brings extreme weather and damaging winds that can endanger nests and baby birds, and in the south, extreme heat which could threaten the bird’s ability to reproduce. Taking all these factors into account, the Audubon Society predicts that three quarters of the bald eagles’ current summer range will become unsuitable for the birds in 60 years’ time.

Sculptures featured in Sean Kenney’s Nature Pop®! exhibit include a polar bear, zebra, lion, snow leopard, rabbits, dragon flies, and many more.  Nature Pop®! hopes to engage young brick-building enthusiasts and inspire acts of art, preservation, and conservation while educating the public about Climate Change and its impact on global wildlife.

Sean Kenney’s Nature Pop®! is on display at Flamingo Gardens May 27 to September 4, 2023. Tickets are included with the price of admission. For more information, visit www.FlamingoGardens.org or call 954-473-2955.

SW 36th Court Canal Clean Up

12 Eco-Teers gathered at Flamingo Gardens, May 6th, 2023, from the morning hours of 9AM to 12PM. Some were Flamingo Gardens volunteers and others were new Eco-teers members who applied through their science teachers over at their respective high schools (i.e. American Heritage and Miramar High School). 

Their purpose was to collect garbage out of our SW 36th Court canal adjacent to Flamingo Gardens. Eco-Teers spent three hours cleaning up the canal and additional parking on the corner of South Flamingo Road. The volunteers found plenty of bottles (plastic and glass), paper, damaged car tires, etc. A total of 232.22 pounds of garbage was removed that day! 

UPDATE!

On May 20th the Eco-teers conducted another canal clean up. As a group of 14, 61.77 pounds of garbage was collected from and around our canals during the hours of 9AM to 11:30AM. Bringing the total to 293.99 pounds of trash collected out of our local canal. Below are some photos from that day!

If you would like to join the Eco-teers and help make an impact in our community against pollution and climate change, contact Ashley at [email protected] or call 954-473-2955 for more information.