Tag: Environmental impact

Is Your Photograph Worth That Starfish’s Life?

by Brynn Morey
June 24, 2025

Starfish, or sea stars, are iconic marine animals often found in tide pools, along the shoreline, in seagrass beds, and mangrove channels. Their unique appearance and vibrant colors make them an irresistible photo subject for snorkelers and ... READ MORE

Category: , Coasts & Marine, Conservation, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
Tags: Conservation, Environmental Impact, Florida Keys, Florida Sea Grant, Marine Conservation, Sea Star, Starfish

Enhanced efficiency fertilizers: Boosting crop production, mitigating environmental impact

by Megan Winslow
May 29, 2025

Applying fertilizer requires a careful balancing act between using too little -- which can be insufficient to support plant growth -- and applying too much, which wastes money and can hurt the environment. (more…) READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, UF/IFAS Research
Tags: Acidification, Agricultural, Agriculture, Controlled Release Fertilizer, Conventional Fertilizer, CRF, Crop Yields, Cropping Systems, Crops, Data, EEF, Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers, Environment, Environmental, Environmental Impact, Environmental Risk, Fertilization, Fertilizer, Grower, Guide, Hardeep Singh, IFAS, Institute Of Food And Agricultural Sciences, Journal Of Plant Nutrition And Soil Science, Labor Costs, Megan Winslow, Nitrous Oxide, NMP, Nutrient Efficiency, Nutrient Leaching, Nutrient Management Program, Nutrient-use Efficiency, Nutrients, Plant, Rate, Research, Researchers, Review, Slow-release Fertilizer, Soil, SRF, Tool, UF, UF-IFAS, University Of Florida, Yield

Composting! Natures Recycling Program

by Brynn Morey
May 22, 2025

Did you know that a lot of what we toss in the trash or chuck out in the yard could be recycled right at home? That’s right! Around 30% of the stuff we throw away is food scraps and yard waste. Think banana peels, coffee grounds, grass clippings—the ... READ MORE

Category: , Home Landscapes
Tags: #MonroeCounty, Beneficial, Compost, Composting, Composting Basics, Environmental Impact, Florida Keys, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Gardening, Green Living, Howtocompost, Natures Gold, Sustainability, Sustainable Living

Artificial Grass and the Environment: A Florida-Friendly Perspective

by Clarissa Chairez
April 15, 2025

There are a lot of factors to consider when picking a variety of turfgrass for your yard. How much sun does your yard get? What is the pH of your soil? Will there be heavy foot traffic? When there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to turfgrass ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, Lawn, Turf
Tags: Artificial Grass, Artificial Turf, Cflandscapes, Eco-friendly Yard Solutions, Environmental Impact, Florida Friendly, Florida Master Gardener, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Landscape Management, Landscaping Alternatives, Lawn Care Tips, Master Gardener Volunteer, Ocextension, Orange County, Orange County Master Gardener Volunteers, Runoff Prevention, Sustainable Landscaping, Synthetic Turf, Turf, UF/IFAS Extension Orange County, Water Conservation

Could you “buy nothing” for a year?

by Alicia Betancourt
January 23, 2025

It is a new year, and I want to work on what I can do to make it more planet-friendly. To live more climate-aware and reduce my environmental impact, I plan to start by being more mindful of what I consume. Moreover, I have been looking into ... READ MORE

Category: Money Matters, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
Tags: Advertising, Borrow, Buy Nothing For A Year, Carbon Footprint, Climate-aware, Consumer Awareness, Consumer Culture, DeClutter, DIY, Environmental Impact, Essential Purchases Only, Financial Benefits, Food Waste, Gift Giving, Leftover Repurposing, Locally Grown, Meal Planning, Mental Clarity, Mindful Consumption, Minimalist, Non-essential Purchases, Planet-friendly, Plant-based Meals, Recycling, Reducing Waste, Refurbished Items, Repair, Reusable Options, Reuse, Seasonal Produce, Second-hand, Share, Social Situations, Sustainability-driven, Sustainable Brands, Swap

UF study reveals environmental impact of artificial sweeteners

by Megan Winslow
July 8, 2024

The human body’s inability to break down sucralose, an artificial sweetener found in many zero-calorie food and drink products, is well established by scientific research. The compound is so stable that it escapes wastewater treatment processing ... READ MORE

Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Food Safety, Health & Nutrition, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Research, Water, Wildlife
Tags: Algae, Amelia Westmoreland, Aquatic Biology, Aquatic Environment, Artificial Sweetener, Bacteria, Biology, Cyanobacteria, Diatom, Ecosystem, Envionrmental, Environment, Environmental Impact, Environmental Impacts, Food Chain, IFAS, Institute Of Food And Agricultural Sciences, Marine, Megan Winslow, Microbial Communities, Microbial Respiration, Nutrient, Photosynthesis, Soil, Soil Water And Ecosystem Sciences, Sucralose, Tracey Schafer, UF, UF-IFAS, University Of Florida, Wastewater, Water And Ecosystem Sciences Department, Whitney Laboratory For Marine Bioscience, Zero-calorie

Making the case for managed moorings

by Alicia Betancourt
November 17, 2023

The Florida Keys, with their turquoise waters, vibrant marine life, and stunning coral reefs, have long been a haven for boaters and sailors. This unique and fragile ecosystem holds a treasure trove of natural beauty and wonders. However, ... READ MORE

Category: , Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, Recreation, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Boat Access, Boater Safety, Boating, Boca Chica Basin, Buoys, Coral Reefs, Economic Sustainability, Ecosystem Preservation, Ecotourism, Environmental Impact, Environmental Protection, Florida Keys, Infrastructure Development, Key West, Marine Biodiversity, Marine Conservation, Marine Ecology, Marine Resources Management, Maritime Conservation, Monroe County Commission, Mooring Fields, Revenue Generation, Seagrass Beds, Sustainable Boating, Sustainable Development, Tourism, Water Quality

Eco-Friendly and Ethical: A Guide to Sustainable Holiday Shopping and Spending

by Alicia Betancourt
November 13, 2023

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and giving. However, amidst the festivities, we must be mindful of our impact on the planet. Sustainable holiday shopping and spending are becoming increasingly important as people seek ways ... READ MORE

Category: , Community Volunteers, Conservation, Home Management, Money Matters, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
Tags: Awareness And Education, Charitable Giving, Conscious Choices, DIY Gifts, Eco-friendly Gifts, Eco-friendly Wrapping, Environmental Impact, Ethical Labor Practices, Ethical Spending, Experiential Gifts, Fair Trade, Green Holiday Practices, Handmade Products, Local Businesses, Mindful Gifting, Reusable Decorations, Sustainable Brands, Sustainable Holiday Shopping, Volunteer Work, Zero-waste Celebrations

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