Florida offers eco-friendly vacation options catering to nature lovers and those looking to minimize their environmental impact. Here are some ideas for eco-friendly vacations in Florida.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Activities: Snorkeling, diving, bird watching, and exploring historic Fort Jefferson.
Lodging: Primitive camping on Garden Key.
Highlights: Pristine coral reefs, marine life and remote island beauty.

Crystal River

Activities: Swimming with manatees, kayaking and visiting the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.
Lodging: Eco-friendly resorts and vacation rentals.
Highlights: Manatee encounters, clear springs and diverse aquatic life.

Amelia Island

Activities: Biking, hiking, kayaking, and horseback riding on the beach.
Lodging: Green-certified hotels, eco-lodges, and sustainable vacation rentals.
Highlights: Beautiful beaches, maritime forests and historic sites.

Ocala National Forest

Activities: Hiking, swimming in natural springs, canoeing, and wildlife viewing.
Lodging: Eco-friendly cabins, camping, and lodges.
Highlights: Natural springs, diverse wildlife and forest trails. 

St. Augustine

Activities: Historical tours, kayaking, biking, and exploring nature reserves.
Lodging: Eco-friendly bed and breakfasts, green-certified hotels and sustainable vacation rentals.
Highlights: Historic sites, beautiful beaches and coastal ecosystems.

Everglades National Park

Activities: Kayaking, canoeing, bird watching, hiking, and guided eco-tours.
Lodging: Eco-friendly lodges, camping, and eco-tents.
Highlights: Unique wildlife, mangrove forests, and wetland ecosystems.

Here are some tips for an eco-friendly vacation:

Choose green accommodation: Look for hotels and lodges with green certifications or sustainability practices.

Reduce carbon footprint: Use public transportation, bike rentals or electric vehicles where possible.

Environmental clean-up: Sign up for a beach clean-up with a local organization.

Support local: Dine at local restaurants, buy from local markets and support eco-friendly tour operators.

Practice leave no trace: Respect nature by following “Leave No Trace” principles, including proper waste disposal and minimizing your impact. 

Minimize plastic use: To reduce plastic waste, bring reusable water bottles, bags and containers.

Respect wildlife: Keep a safe distance from wildlife and avoid disturbing their natural habitats.

Conserve water and energy: Be mindful of your water and energy use, especially in areas with limited resources. 

Upcoming waste diversion events

• Key Largo hazardous waste collection: second and fourth Wednesday at the Key Largo Community Park, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Long Key Transfer Station hazardous waste collection: First and third Friday at MM 68 Long Key, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Cudjoe Transfer Station hazardous waste collection: first and third Wednesday at MM 21.5 Blimp Road from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Food waste and composting workshop: July 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Coral Isles Church, Plantation Key, Islamorada. 
• Community recycling forum: July 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Big Pine Key Community Center 
• Food Waste to Flowers plant sale and food waste collection for compost: third Saturday of each month at Key West Botanical Gardens from 9 a.m. to noon.

Got an itchy bug bite?

Rub the affected area with the inside of a banana skin to reduce swelling and itching.

Recycle talk

Recently, a resident asked how she could recycle pallets from a shipment. That type of debris is considered construction debris. If the distributor does not take them back to recycle, the resident may need to contact their trash hauler to schedule a “bulk pick-up.” Once the pallets are delivered to the transfer station, they are separated and added to other construction debris. This debris is hauled to the mainland for processing and recycling when possible.

Remember, your actions matter. Plastic bags are only recyclable at Publix and Winn-Dixie, not in your curbside tote. Also, please be sure to flatten all cardboard.