Help the Planet: Volunteer this Earth Day
Miami is one of the most environmentally unique cities in the world. Situated at the edge of the Everglades, bordered by Biscayne Bay, and home to the only living coral reef in the continental United States, South Florida's ecosystems are as spectacular as they are vulnerable. In fact, Miami is frequently referred to as “ground zero” for the problems posed by climate change. The good news? There are many ways you can help maintain and improve the natural beauty of South Florida.
Earth Day is April 22, and provides families with many opportunities to get their feet wet (perhaps literally) while helping the environment. This year’s theme is “Our Power, Our Planet.” According to earthday.org, this theme “reflects a fundamental truth: environmental progress doesn’t depend on any single administration or election. It’s sustained by daily actions of communities, educators, workers, and families protecting where they live and work.”
Get your Feet Wet at a Beach Cleanup
Looking to help clean up a beach near you this Earth Day? Clean Miami Beach is offering several opportunities to get your feet in the sand while helping the planet. All ages are welcome at the beach cleanups scheduled for various times throughout April.
Miami Waterkeeper is hosting an Earth Day celebration dedicated to protecting Biscayne Bay. This free, family-friendly event invites the community to take part in a marine debris clean-up, habitat restoration, environmental education, and hands-on community-based activities that support the health of Biscayne Bay.
Help the Planet from Home
Sometimes loading the kids into the car and getting to an organized activity can feel overwhelming. That’s where Doing Good Together comes in, with fun activities you can do at home that still help the planet! Try repurposing would-be waste into craft supplies with an upcycle bin! Create a space in your home to store items that can’t be recycled and encourage your children to use their imaginations to turn the item into something new. This is one small, fun way your family can learn to become earth advocates.
Want to get outside but skip the organized cleanups around town? You can cleanup your neighborhood on your own! Picking up litter is a fun, simple, and free activity that can have instant results for your child and your community. Clear out litter from a section of park, beach, vacant lot, or your own neighborhood. Take all necessary precautions, including wearing sturdy gloves, being careful on river banks or near roads, having adults handle dangerous items, and supervising children closely.
Teaching our children to care for the earth is integral to teaching compassion. Our planet is worth fighting for, and a few hours of your time can help protect Miami’s ecosystems for generations to come.
Doing Good Together’s Miami Kindness Project content is FREE thanks to the generous support of the Al and Jane Nahmad Foundation.