Since the first observance of Earth Day in 1970, the designation has grown into the largest civic observance in the world, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) website. The day is an opportunity to think about how lives are impacting the environment.
This Earth Day, April 22, join the DEP to recognize Florida’s efforts in sustaining our air, water, land and ecosystems. The department’s theme for 2024 is “Clean is Green: Preserving Florida’s Future,” its website says.
The DEP offers these ways to practice Earth Day, every day:
- Volunteer. Find Florida State Park volunteer opportunities and other volunteer opportunities near you.
- Practice Florida-Friendly Landscaping.
- Sign the pledge and Rethink. Reset. Recycle.
- Use Green Lodging when you travel.
- Help your favorite school achieve a Green School designation.
- Practice clean boating habits and use a Clean Marine Program for boating needs.
- Increase awareness of Florida’s natural resources by exploring its state parks, aquatic preserves and national estuarine research reserves.
- Help protect Florida’s coral reef.
The DEP works year-round to protect and restore Florida’s natural resources by:
- Providing recreational opportunities for the public to enjoy Florida’s natural resources through the Florida State Parks
- Conserving the state’s natural and cultural history by acquiring environmentally sensitive lands
- Using science to identify impaired water bodies and work with local communities to implement restoration and pollution prevention projects
- Investing in water quality protection and restoration projects
- Regulating air emissions sources to protect air quality
- Working with communities to identify and implement projects to improve resilience
- Communicating real-time water quality status to Florida residents and other interested parties
- Enforcing the state’s environmental laws
For more information and links to programs, visit https://floridadep.gov/comm/comm/campaign/earth-day-2024.
See The Laker’s What’s Happening section this week for Earth Day events and activities.
Published April 17, 2024
