As Earth Day approaches, we all can do our part this year in protecting this beautiful planet that we call home. With a passion for sustainable tourism and a core value of “do more with less”, we’re no strangers to conserving and optimizing limited resources. If you’d like to join us in celebrating Earth Day close to home, here’s how you can participate in helping the planet along Florida's Emerald Coast.  

Clean-Up with the CBA and the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge.

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance, Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, and multiple local organizations are hosting beach clean-up events throughout Okaloosa and Walton Counties this Saturday, April 24 in honor of Earth Day. To keep our local beaches and parks beautiful, locals and visitors alike, are encouraged to bring a bag and head to the beach to remove trash and debris. Along with helping the environment, attendees can enjoy free breakfast, t-shirts, contests, and prizes. Find event details and register to participate here. 

Support Audubon Florida.  

Audubon Florida is the state's most influential conservation organization and fights year-round to ensure our area remains a place for people to enjoy natural beauty and wildlife for generations to come. Consider becoming a monthly donor or volunteer your time and talents to support them. This nonprofit relies heavily on the assistance of people like you who want to advocate for the protection of land, water, and wildlife and help conserve our area’s natural resources. 

Shop with Avantgarde. 

Not all acts to help our planet need to be extravagant. Consider your daily routine and pinpoint small improvements you can make that will add up to big changes over time. For example, do you use clean skincare, haircare, and body care? If not, switch out toxic items for clean cruelty-free products you can find locally at Avantgarde in Destin or Niceville. Caring for the planet is at the heart of their mission and they pride themselves on clean, cruelty-free, vegan ingredients, recycled packaging, responsible manufacturing and sourcing, and more. 

Do you have additional ideas? Share them with us in the comments below!