With Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean lapping against the shores of Greater Miami & Miami Beach, our waterways and beaches are a top attraction for visitors and a major part of local life and culture. They’re also a part of what makes Miami’s ecosystem so unique, from the shallow “river of grass” seeping through Everglades National Park to the vast underwater expanse of Biscayne National Park. In Miami, we take stewardship of this precious ecosystem seriously. We want to ensure that visitors will enjoy Miami’s unique beauty for many generations to come.
From beach clean-up volunteer days to advocacy groups and local government initiatives, everyone has a stake in environmental conservation in Miami. In fact, Miami-Dade County recently launched the Plastic Free 305 Program – joining municipalities like Miami Beach, Key Biscayne and Coral Gables that have already adopted similar programs – in an effort to reduce and eventually eliminate single-use plastic in local businesses, including hotels and restaurants. Every year, we also celebrate Earth Day and World Ocean Day through educational initiatives, hands-on activities and family-friendly events.
You can do your part when visiting Greater Miami & Miami Beach by choosing a hotel that’s LEED-certified or a member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, both of which recognize hotels for their commitment to conservation and sustainability practices. When you dine out, you’ll find that there are also plenty of local restaurants where you can enjoy delicious farm-to-table cuisine with dishes that utilize produce from local purveyors, as well as others that participate in “zero waste” composting initiatives.
And, of course, one of the best ways to become an environmental advocate is to experience Miami’s beauty firsthand, whether that’s paddleboarding or kayaking atop the crystal clear waters of Biscayne Bay, embarking on a journey through the Everglades where you’ll spy alligators and other wildlife, or simply enjoying a perfect beach day.
