Mardi Gras is easily one of the favorite times of the year for locals and tourists along the Gulf Coast. In this season of plenty, great food, drinks and beads are the main themes for fun. But it can also become a very wasteful event. As we approach the 2020 Mardi Gras season, keep the following tips in mind to make it an eco-friendly celebration. When you yell “Throw me something, mister,” be sure to save your haul, then give [...]
Green, eco-friendly fishing practices guarantee there will be populations of ocean and freshwater fish for the future. Below are 10 tips regarding what you can incorporate on your next fishing trip. Take a trash bag or extra grocery store bag along with you on your trip. It’s really handy for any trash you create, from bait containers and fishing line to food wrappers. It also works out well if you come across garbage on or near the water. Be proactive and [...]
The beginning of a new year comes with much promise and hope. We often set forth with new resolutions to make a positive change in our lives. What if you could make one change that would help the entire planet for years to come? Would you do it? What if we told you it was simple? Intriguing, right? One small thing you can do that will make a huge impact is to reduce paper waste at work! A whopping 70% [...]
We all know plastic waste is a huge problem for our planet. Many restaurants along the coast and other areas are switching from plastic straws to an eco-friendly alternative like bamboo straws to help make a difference along the Gulf Coast. Plastic straws not only end up in the waste stream, but can also end up in waterways, ultimately injuring wildlife. Many of you have seen the devastating video of a sea turtle with a plastic straw stuck up his [...]
Small behavioral changes can have a significant impact, particularly when it comes to the environment. If you have already switched over to paperless billing, take a bow. You are making a bigger difference than you can imagine. A 2008 study commissioned by the PayItGreen Alliance found that by choosing electronic bills, statements and payments, the average American household could save 6.6 pounds of paper, 0.08 trees, 24 square feet of forest, 63 gallons of water, and 4.5 gallons of fuel per [...]
The Alabama Gulf Coast is a wonder. The endless blue skies, emerald water that gently laps on the sugar-white sands, the smell of fresh salt air and the shells you find scattered along your path. All wonders. All part of our natural environment. It’s easy to want to take home a treasure from the beach. A symbol of the memory of the day spent on the Alabama shores. But we want future generations to continue to enjoy the shores, soak [...]
There are several ways to have a green vacation, even a very merry green Christmas. It all begins before you leave home. Start by lowering your heater to 60 degrees and adjusting your water heater to the lowest setting. Then unplug all unused appliances such as your TV, toaster and other electronics that will not be in use while you are away from home. Next thing to consider is your transportation to your emerald green Christmas on the Gulf Coast. [...]
There are many threats and dangers for nesting birds along the Alabama Gulf Coast beaches, dunes and barrier islands. Beach-nesting birds like the Wilson’s plover, least tern, snowy plover and black skimmer all encounter hurdles, including storms and other natural disasters, as well as loss of habitat due to coastal development, off-road vehicles and people. Although each of those has contributed to their decreasing population, there are measures we can take to help these birds thrive once again. American Bird [...]
Picnics are so much fun, especially when they are on the beach! And it’s actually easy to decrease or eliminate the use of disposable products that may get left behind. Learn how to pack a zero-waste, delicious picnic with a few easy steps. First, finger foods are a great way to go. They are perfect for a picnic because they do not require any utensils or wrappers that may be blown away or thrown away. Pick your favorites from this [...]
Noise pollution. Did you know it may be harmful to your health? Or why it is beneficial to take a break from it, such as with a beach break? Let’s break it down. Noise pollution is the presence of excessive and disturbing noise from machines, transportation systems, aircrafts, trains, vehicles, machinery, construction and more. It’s harmful to your physical and mental health - more than just annoying, it can lead to hypertension, as well as increase stress and anxiety levels. [...]
