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Happy World Vegetarian Day! October 1st kicks off Vegetarian Awareness Month while also serving as World Vegetarian Day. This day and month are not meant to single out vegetarians, instead, it celebrates and educates others about this popular way of eating. Meat consumption worldwide has increased significantly in recent decades, with per capita consumption almost doubling since the early 1960s, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. While this may not seem significant in the grand scheme of things, meat consumption and demand worldwide has had a massive impact on environmental and human health. By reducing the amount of meat that humans consume, we can help reduce the impact this industry has on the environment. This does not have to mean completely giving up consumption of meat products. Being meatless even for a meal can have positive impacts on the world around us and our own health.

The meat industry alone contributes greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere through the production and raising of different meat products. Cows emit gases such as CO2, nitrous oxide, and methane into the atmosphere which are three gases that have been linked to global warming. In addition to greenhouse gas emissions, the meat industry overall uses energy to raise and produce the amount of meat needed to feed humans worldwide. Freshwater ecosystems are also impacted by the animal-based food industry. Not only are organisms (such as trout, clams, and crayfish) removed from the ecosystem for food, but their harvesting can increase water pollution in these areas. There are other benefits to eating a vegetarian diet besides helping the environment. Vegetarians tend to eat less fat and focus on foods that are rich in other nutrients such as fiber and vitamins. Decreasing meat consumption helps us focus on balance within our diets.

Below are some easy ways to incorporate meatless options into your everyday meals:

Instead of using meat for your tacos, try using refried beans

In your salads, try using nuts or seeds instead of shrimp or chicken

Use tofu as a substitute for meat in dishes like stir fry or dumplings

When making soups or chilis, chickpeas or lentils make a good substitute for meat

Try making a curry with sweet potatoes and/or chickpeas

Instead of deli meat, try using hummus or tofu for your sandwiches

Use meat alternatives instead of beef in lasagna and sauces

Here are some fun and easy vegetarian recipes:

Sweet Potato Black Bean Quesadillas {Easy Vegetarian} – WellPlated.com

Easy Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers | Healthy Fitness Meals

Quick & Easy Vegetarian Curry {15 minutes} – Family Food on the Table

Zero Emissions Day focuses on ways we can better improve our relationship with the planet by trying to reduce what we put back into the planet. This day focuses specifically on greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to global warming and climate change. While it takes effort to be carbon neutral (removing the same amount of carbon that is placed into the atmosphere), there are ways to be more cautious of the emissions we individually contribute.  By encouraging and giving people ways to limit their emissions, helpful habits are forged that benefit the planet and all those inhabiting it and ensure the continuation of our planet for future generations.

Below is a list of different ways that we reduce our personal greenhouse emissions:

• Carpool/Alternative Transportation
  • Now, it might not be easy to switch up the way you move throughout the day, but look around and see how you might be able to reduce your reliance on greenhouse gas-producing transportation options. If you have a roommate, instead of doing your errands separately, try doing them together. If you have a kid, try carpooling with other parents or taking the bus. Look around for other modes of transportation, instead of driving yourself to the store down the street, try biking or walking.
• Food Systems/Choices
  • Another way to help is looking at the way we buy and consume food. While picking up groceries at your local Target, Wal-Mart, or Publix, try limiting the packaging on the products you buy. Buying in bulk or opting for fresh veggies instead of packaged options helps reduce the amount of trash that is created and is sometimes even more cost-effective. Check out farmers’ markets in your area or other local stores to support local businesses and the local economy. This also helps reduce the number of emissions that are produced in transporting goods to and from the big box stores.
  • Another way to help include limiting the meat products you consume. The production of meat products around the world contributes to a lot of greenhouse gas emissions. Rather than eliminating meat from your diet altogether, try a meal or two during the week without it- like a meatless Monday.
• Secondhand Shopping
  • Instead of spending a lot of money on new clothes, try going to secondhand stores and build that wardrobe for less. This helps reduce waste that is generated by the fashion industry through transportation and fast fashion (the idea that clothing needs to be changed constantly). Over the years, fast fashion has led to cheaper clothes and more clothes being thrown away due to poor quality.
• Reuse
  • Look around at the things you use in your life and see if there are ways to reuse them. Instead of immediately throwing away containers that items come in, try finding ways to reuse them. Glass jars make excellent containers to store pantry items like grains, beans, spices, and even leftovers.  Gently used clothing and toys can often be enjoyed by other children if donated.

 September 16^th celebrates the coming together of individuals within different communities to help clean and take care of our shared resources along the coasts here in the US. Coastal clean-up day focuses on the importance of preserving the coastal habitats for the organisms that inhabit and enjoy it. Pollution is a big issue and is a major contributor to the decline in the overall health of oceans and coastal habitats. Plastic and other trash not only causes the beaches to look unappealing to beachgoers, but these items are also a direct hazard to the animals that live in the water and frequent the beach. Items such as rope, plastic bottles, and tires are extremely harmful to the ocean habitat. Rope has been known to get wrapped around animals while they are swimming and can damage their limbs. Plastic bottles and other plastic items cannot be easily broken down, so these items end up either floating around or sinking into the ocean. When they do break down, plastics start spreading into the ocean and impacting the chemistry of the water which severely impacts the habitat and organisms living within the ocean. The plastics that don’t break down can become food for organisms or can injure ocean organisms. To help prevent these impacts, it’s important to remember that anything that is brought to the beach should be taken with you or disposed of properly. 

By participating in your community’s Coastal clean-up day, you are preventing the spread of pollution into the ocean, protecting ocean organisms, and preserving the integrity and beauty of the beach and coastal ecosystems for future generations. To find more about local events occurring in your area, check out the link below.  

Trash Free Seas: Find a Cleanup with Ocean Conservancy’s Interactive Map 

Ways YOU can reduce plastics in the oceans.  

• Single-use plastics  

• Single-use plastics are plastic items that are only used once and then discarded. Such items include water bottles, plastic utensils, cleaning sprays, plastic bags, and more. Easy ways to reduce your plastic consumption include utilizing reusable water bottles and reusable bags in your daily life. Looking for alternatives is not always easy but look for ways to either replace one-use items (razors where you replace the head, cleaning supplies the allow refills) or ways to reuse them.  

• Education 

• Education regarding recycling and proper disposal is vital because recycling is not always as easy as throwing a plastic container into the recycle bin. Not all counties or states are able to recycle the same items. Education on local issues and laws in your local area helps you also get involved with your community.  

• Microbeads 

• Microbeads are found often in face scrubs, hand soaps, toothpaste and body washes. These tiny beads of plastic are a growing source of ocean pollution. These items are ingested by ocean organisms which are often eaten by humans. The next time you are looking for cosmetic products, check the label and look for environmentally friendly alternatives.  

National Wildlife Day is celebrated each year on February 22^nd and September 4^th.  These days serve to bring awareness to endangered animal species both nationally and globally as well as the organizations that help them through education and conservation efforts. Countries around the globe are working on research and helping improve the health and population of animals every single day. These efforts include educational work, tracking practices, and laws that scientists, conservationists, and policymakers put in place to help ensure the safety and health of these populations all over the world. This work has already helped improve populations and overall health of many endangered species including the bald eagle, American alligator, sea turtle species (green, Hawksbill), and manatees.  

While it may seem that you need to do something big to make an impact, local efforts around the world can make a big difference. Below is a list of ways that you can help local endangered species in your community.  

• Support local nature centers 

• Local nature and wildlife centers educate about and support lots of the native wildlife in your community.  By supporting them financially and with your time, you can have a direct impact on local wildlife.  

• Vote  

• Voting in your local elections and supporting environmentally friendly issues and politicians helps to impact the environment positively in your local area.  

• Get involved  

• Look around your community and get involved in local volunteer projects and conservation efforts including habitat restorations, beach clean-ups and planting projects.  

• Re-vamp your backyard  

• You don’t need to do a complete overhaul of your backyard to have it be more friendly to your local wildlife visitors. Creating small habitats can be as easy as setting up small areas where animals can rest and find natural food and water.  

• Habitat awareness  

• When traveling and exploring natural areas be sure to stay in designated areas. Otherwise, you could unintentionally interfere with habitat in a negative way.  

• Education 

• Help educate yourself and others about the local wildlife in your area and how you can coexist with them.  

Roksanna Keyvan

On World Nature Conservation Day, let us all take a moment to reflect on the importance of preserving and protecting our beautiful planet, and, in particular, our vibrant home state.

Here in Florida, we boast a remarkable array of ecosystems, each teeming with life and beauty. The Everglades, known as the “River of Grass,” is a captivating wetland that supports a myriad of plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. The delicate balance of this ecosystem is a testament to the resilience and interconnectedness of nature. From the mangroves along the coast to the cypress swamps and the hidden springs, Florida’s diverse landscapes provide habitats for countless species, protect our local communities from damage, and supply our economy with sustainable income.  In appreciation of this incredible biodiversity, here are some great ways to celebrate our planet, and our state, this World Nature Conservation Day.

Visit the Sawgrass Nature Center & Wildlife Hospital!

Here at the Nature Center, we celebrate all wildlife and have a beautiful facility where you can visit animals of all shapes and sizes. Take a walk through our habitats and immerse yourself in the true spirit of nature amongst our wildlife.  Our Nature Center hosts great educational and recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages.  

Enjoy a Nature Hike!

South Florida boasts beautiful preserves and parks with lush natural trails.  Enjoy a day in the outdoors and share a memorable meal with friends and family.  Many trails offer opportunities for furry friends to tag along, so no one will be left out in celebration of Mother Nature’s special day.

Volunteer in Nature!

Whether it is a beach clean-up or a community gardening event, immerse yourself in tending to nature.  These beautiful ecosystems support our livelihoods and protect our homes.  A great way to give back is to help nurture and promote the welfare of our planet.  Here at the Sawgrass Nature Center & Wildlife Hospital, we offer a wide array of service opportunities for those interested in getting involved.  Check out our website to learn more!  To make it fun, grab some friends and make a game out of your efforts – it will be sure to make great memories.  And Mother Nature will thank you for it.

For more information on ways to celebrate nature today, and everyday: https://phsonline.org/for-gardeners/gardeners-blog/world-nature-conservation-day

By: Roksanna Keyvan

Mangroves are the superheroes of our coastlines. A vital ecosystem, mangroves not only provide a sanctuary for a rich diversity of species but also offer countless benefits to the prosperity of our local Florida communities!

The Coastal Guardian

Three species of mangroves call the Florida wetlands home: the red, black, and white mangroves.  These forests, with their intricate network of trees, submerged roots, and thriving biodiversity, act as natural protectors of coastlines. Their dense root systems serve as barriers against erosion and storm surges, safeguarding nearby communities from the devastating impacts of hurricanes and tsunamis. By absorbing and dissipating wave energy, mangroves serve as a living buffer, reducing the risk of coastal flooding and offering invaluable protection to both humans and the environment. Considering the high risks of hurricanes in South Florida, these mangrove ecosystems are vital to protecting Florida neighborhoods and communities from flooding, storm surges, and other damages caused by high winds and battering rains.  Mangrove ecosystems are reported to save the local Florida economy billions in coastline damage annually.

The Protector of Nature’s Creatures

Mangroves are extraordinary hubs of biodiversity, providing a habitat for a myriad of plant and animal species. Their unique combination of saltwater and freshwater creates a dynamic ecosystem that supports a wide array of marine life. Countless fish, crustaceans, reptiles, and migratory birds depend on mangroves for breeding, nesting, and foraging. These vital ecosystems nurture intricate food webs, sustaining the delicate balance of coastal ecosystems and preserving the rich biodiversity of our planet.  Mangrove forests also serve as natural nurseries for fish and other marine species, contributing to sustainable fisheries. Mangroves are essential to the Florida economy, providing a source of livelihood for millions of people who rely on fishing, aquaculture, and ecotourism. 

Carbon Sinks: Storing our Carbon and Saving Our Economies

Mangroves are unsung heroes in the fight against climate change. Despite covering only a fraction of the Earth’s surface, they possess an impressive ability to sequester and store vast amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The dense vegetation of mangroves acts as a carbon sink, capturing and storing carbon dioxide in their roots, sediments, and biomass. By conserving and restoring mangrove forests, we can help mitigate the impacts of climate change, as they play a crucial role in regulating global carbon levels.

Protecting Our Hero

As we celebrate the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, it is crucial to acknowledge the importance of collective action in preserving these remarkable habitats. By supporting local and international conservation initiatives, advocating for sustainable coastal development, and raising awareness about the value of mangroves, we can contribute to their long-term preservation. Mangroves not only offer countless ecological benefits but also hold immense cultural and economic significance. By valuing and preserving mangrove ecosystems, we are investing in a sustainable future for our planet and ensuring the well-being of present and future generations.

For more information on mangroves visit: https://www.conservation.org/priorities/mangroves

By: Roksanna Keyvan

July 16th marks the official date of World Snake Day, a day dedicated to appreciating and understanding these often misunderstood creatures. Snakes captivate us with their slithering movements, incredible adaptations, and diverse array of species. They play an important role in ecosystems by maintaining and sustaining species throughout the food chain.  On this special day, let’s take a closer look at the world of snakes, unravel some myths, and appreciate the important roles they play, particularly here in South Florida.

1. Native Snakes 

Florida boasts an impressive collection of native snake species adapted to the state’s unique habitats.  There are over 44 snake species native to Florida inhabiting a variety of ecosystems ranging from coastal mangroves to dry uplands to residential areas.  If you see one of these scaly critters, there is no reason to worry as most snakes tend to keep to themselves.  These native snakes play important ecological roles maintaining balance within their respective habitats.

2. Venomous Snakes

 Out of all 44 species of native snakes in Florida, only 6 are venomous, meaning that they are able to release venom capable of paralyzing or killing their prey.  The 6 venomous snakes in Florida include: the eastern coral snake, the southern copperhead, the cottonmouth, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, the timber rattlesnake, and the dusky pygmy rattlesnake.  Venomous species, like non-venomous species, are beneficial to maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Although venomous species may seem intimidating, they, like most species of snakes, are not particularly aggressive unless stepped on or otherwise provoked.  It’s essential to understand and respect these venomous species, as they play a role in the ecosystem while demanding caution and proper education to ensure human safety.

3. Exotic Invaders

Several non-native snake species have found their way into the Florida landscape often as a result of accidental or intentional releases. Animals not native to Florida ecosystems are considered to be exotic.  When exotic species begin to negatively impact the surrounding native ecosystems, they become an invasive species. Invasive species can harm and displace native populations and undermine the balance of the natural ecosystem.  A notable example of an invasive species in Florida is the Burmese Python. A snake originally from Southeast Asia, the Burmese Python has become an established exotic species in the Everglades. Known for its impressive size and ability to thrive in the subtropical environment, this snake has caused significant ecological impacts by disrupting native wildlife populations with its voracious appetite. Efforts to manage and control the spread of these exotic invaders are ongoing.

4. Coexistence & Conservation

Florida’s snake population showcases a remarkable diversity of snake species, each contributing to the intricate web of life within the state’s ecosystems.  Snakes manage the middle ground of the food chain, simultaneously controlling populations of rodents and small mammals, while providing sustenance for larger species of birds and reptiles.

Living alongside snakes, whether native, venomous, or exotic, requires a balanced approach that prioritizes both human safety and the conservation of these remarkable creatures. It is crucial to educate ourselves about snake behavior, habitats, and proper safety measures when encountering them. Conservation efforts play a vital role in protecting native snake populations and managing the impact of exotic species.  It is critical to understand the role each type of snake plays within the ecosystem and take efforts to remove exotic species that do more harm than good.  

While some may fear or misunderstand snakes, they are an integral part of Florida’s biodiversity. By learning about their ecological importance, appreciating their beauty, and dispelling myths, we can foster a greater sense of harmony with these slithering creatures. Participating in educational programs, visiting reputable snake exhibits, and supporting conservation initiatives are ways to deepen our understanding and appreciation for these fascinating reptiles.

For more information about Florida snakes: https://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/wildlife/snakes/

https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/florida-snake-id/

By Roksanna Keyvan

In March 2020, the world came to a halt. Lives were turned upside down in a matter of days as businesses shut down and schools closed their doors. Two weeks of what initially seemed like vacation turned into months of quarantine and isolation for individuals across the world. What sounds like the prologue to a dystopian novel was actually the onset of a global pandemic known as coronavirus or COVID-19. 

Prompt and decisive health measures were taken in response to the crisis. However, their consequences sustained a profound impact on both human health and the global economy. This has significantly impacted the environment — for better and for worse.

The Good

When the world came to a halt, industry followed suit. Factories closed their doors, employees stashed away their uniforms and global pollution rates began to drop. 

The decrease in industrial activity during the pandemic led to a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from factories and power plants. In 2020, The Earth Observatory at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) reported that declines in GHG emissions had been observed and reported across the world. As the world ceased its daily processes, the lessened consumption of fossil fuels slowed the onset of global climate change.  

The absence of industrial pollution also led to cleaner water sources, specifically in developing countries that previously dumped domestic and industrial waste into untreated bodies of water. Water bodies that were characteristically turbid or discolored, such as the Bay of Bengal and the ports of Venice, were clearer due to decreased boat activity.

While water and air pollution have visible effects, noise pollution is an invisible threat that has harmful physiological and psychological effects on humans, other living organisms and natural ecosystems. Noise pollution is unnatural sound generated from different human activities, such as construction, and is considered by the World Health Organization to be the third-most hazardous pollution after air and water pollution. 

Satellite images taken by NASA during lockdown periods in the city of Wuhan, China, reveal how decreased air travel and road transportation significantly lessened anthropogenic noise pollution in China, Ireland, and major cities across the globe. 

Restrictions in transportation and travel have allowed nature to heal itself. With the absence of human activity, popular tourist sites experienced ecological restoration and assimilation with the natural environment. Research findings from Eulogio Soto of Universidad de Valparaíso reported that, with the lack of human waste and disturbance, urban-coastal ecosystems displayed an ability to recover in terms of biodiversity and system functionality, dropping from high levels of turbidity with many aquatic and local species returning.  Social distancing and the lack of human disturbance correlated to a decline in the frequency of forest fires in the Southeastern United States, especially on federal lands, which house popular tourist spots such as national parks and wildlife management areas.

The Bad

Although the onset of COVID-19 reduced anthropogenic waste, it fostered an increase in biomedical waste. Biomedical waste relates to chemicals from disinfectants and infectious remnants from non-biodegradable personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks and gloves.  This waste now poses a major threat to public health and the environment.

Professor Ana María Rule of John Hopkins University stresses that overuse of PPE has resulted in a surge of plastic waste that will take hundreds of years to break down. Smaller and smaller microplastics from plastic waste will accumulate throughout the environment — in the soil, water and air. Invisible and omnipresent, these harmful microplastics will inevitably be consumed by all organisms – including humans.

PPE plastic and medical waste increase the risk of disease transmission to waste workers and thus require special disposal methods, like incineration. Although these disposal methods are designed to prevent contamination and reduce the volume of waste, they still harm the environment by emitting heavy metals, particulate matter and GHG. Disinfectants and surface cleaners also contain particles and chemicals with harmful byproducts. These byproducts, which take many years to degrade, are unable to be processed in water treatment plants and will resultantly accumulate in municipal wastewater across the globe.

The Ugly Truth 

The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant environmental impacts, both positive and negative — but we are not in the clear just yet.

With almost all lockdowns ending and economic activity resuming pre-pandemic normalcy, NASA reported that levels of air pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide, have returned to pre-pandemic conditions.. As typical pollutant levels rebound worldwide, an imminent return to environmental problems awaits us. 

As a society, it is important to assess our next steps and consider what changes need to be made to improve ourselves and our planet. Not all PPE is necessary, and its overuse does more harm than good. COVID-19 spreads primarily via airborne means, not surfaces, as the virus can only exist on surfaces for about three days. Anna María Rule, an assistant professor in Environmental Health and Engineering at Johns Hopkins recommends that it is more effective and environmentally efficient to consistently wash your hands with soap and water. 

Other sustainable environmental management strategies, as recommended by Professor Tanjena Rume of Jahangirnagar University, include sustainable industrialization. This strategy focuses on investing in technologies that reduce emissions and utilizing more renewable energy sources. It also emphasizes the improvement of wastewater treatment and waste recycling while finding ways to reuse these resources. Rume also emphasizes ecological restoration and ecotourism, a measure that requires international cooperation to ensure a more sustainable future. Finally, on an individual level, we can all work toward making behavioral changes daily to be more environmentally mindful.

As we return to a pre-pandemic normalcy, it is important to consider the environmental impact of our actions. By making united efforts, we can work toward guaranteeing a more sustainable future for all.