Dead fish and other marine life continue to wash up on our Southwest Florida shores. If toxic algae blooms and red tide continue to wreak havoc on our beaches, it has the potential to crush local tourism and make it unsafe for residents. This environmental problem has the potential to not only destroy our livelihoods, but to make us sick. The good news is that you can do something about it! Here are some ideas on what you can do about toxic algae and red tide in SWFL.
What You Can do About Toxic Algae & Red Tide in SWFL
Understand it
First off, read up on it and understand it.This Forbes article explains the rise of toxic algae blooms and red tide very well.
Don’t want to read the article? Here’s the bottom line: both red tide and the algae that occurs in the toxic algae blooms are naturally occurring. The problem is that it’s been worse in the last couple of decades. Rising temperatures, agricultural pollution, and the rerouting of water from Lake Okochobee, have made it much worse.
Contact your politicians
Sample letter to politicians about red tide and toxic algae
Clean water isn’t a partisan issue. It effects all of us. I’m asking that you continue to educate yourself on the issue, listen to scientists, and make decisions that are best for all of Florida, not just your party. I’d like for you to help with the following:
- Develop an action plan for combating toxic algal blooms. Twenty-two states in America have a task force for algal blooms. It’s a shame that Florida does not have one. We need everyone on the same page so we can work together to solve the issue. A task force to develop an action plan is the first step.
- Look into what is stalling the plans made from SB10 that authorized the South Florida Water Management District to buy back land in the Everglades Agricultural Area south of Lake Okeechobee. A reservoir on this land would help keep toxic water out of the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Rivers.
- Continue to learn about the problem and listen to scientist’s recommendations instead of being concerned about Big Sugar. Please listen to us, your constituents, instead of being swayed by campaign contributions from Big Sugar.
Sincerely,
______________
Make eco-friendly decisions
There are all sorts of eco-friendly changes you can make in your life to help SWFL. Small changes add up. Just imagine if we all picked one way to be more eco-friendly. Here are a few ideas:
- Recycle- all Collier County residents have FREE recycling
- Buy local and organic produce
- Buy used products before buying new
- Compost- we can help you set it up or hire us to do it for you!
- Bring your own bags to the grocery store
- Skip the straw
- Bring your own reusable cups when you order take out coffee
Have more ideas? Let us know in the comments and share this information on social media. Use #NaplesCompost so we can see what you are doing!
