As Earth Day approaches, we all can do our part in protecting this beautiful planet that we call home. Here we rounded up what you can do to celebrate Earth Day along Florida's Emerald Coast. 

Support Audubon Florida and the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance.  

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 volunteering your time and talents to support them. This nonprofit relies heavily on the assistance of people like you who want to advocate for protecting land, water, and wildlife and help conserve our natural resources. 

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance is a local nonprofit organization responsible for sustaining healthy local waterways through monitoring, education, restoration, and research. Living shorelines to invasive species removal, CBA strives to improve swimmable, fishable waterways in our community. Support CBA by donating or volunteering your time to help sustain our beautiful waterways. 

Shop with Avantgarde. 

Not all acts to help our planet need to be extravagant. Consider your daily routine and pinpoint improvements you can make that add up to significant 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 Salon 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. 

Learn about Our Environment at Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge

Learn about sustainability, and get up close with animals. The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge will host a family-friendly Earth Day celebration on April 16th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. All day you will get a chance to learn about marine mammals, recycling, wildlife rehabilitation, and how you can make a difference in our community! Learn more about the event here. 

Do you have additional ideas on how we can help our piece of paradise? Share them with us in the comments below!