![assorted microplastics shown resting on two fingertips, with a pile of microplastics in the background. [credit: uf/ifas, tyler jones]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/wp-content/blogs.dir/40/files/2025/02/2017_Waste_microplasticCloseupFingers01_ifasTylerJonesCROP1650x470TINY.png)
You might have heard about "microplastics," a term that has been in the news in recent years. But, do you know what microplastics are? What damage they can cause? Or, how to help lessen the impacts? We've got you covered. Microplastics ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Water![closeup of a sarasota county solid waste truck using a mechanical clamp to pick up a blue solid waste bin and empty it. [credit: sarasota county government]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/wp-content/blogs.dir/40/files/2025/07/2023_Waste_sacoSolidWasteTruck_saco_CROP1650x470.png)
Recycling programs across Florida are influenced by a range of drivers, including political influences, social expectations, and economic realities. From a political perspective, governments play a crucial role by enacting legislation, setting ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Water![young hands, cradled by older hands, hold a pile of soil with a young plant growing from it. [credit: pixabay.com, shameers rk]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/wp-content/blogs.dir/40/files/2026/02/2026_Waste_plantHandsSoil_pixaayShameersRkCROP1650x470.png)
Be part of Sarasota County’s first-ever Master Waste Reduction Educator Program! UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension is launching the inaugural Master Waste Reduction Educator Program. This immersive, six-week experience is designed to empower ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Teaching![a group of young adults sits at a table in a restaurant/bar, with "brewing ideas" pint glasses, sharing conversation. [credit: unsplash.com]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/wp-content/blogs.dir/40/files/2025/11/2025_Waste_brewideasGroupAtBar_unsplashSergeyTarasov_EDITicon1650x470TINY.png)
Cheers to "Brewing Ideas with UF/IFAS"! We launched this innovative series last month, to bring together community members and local experts for an evening of open discussion on relevant environmental solutions. The goals were simple: make ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Water, Wildlife![plant shoots sprout from stacks of coins and a clear glass jar full of coins, against a background of greenery. [credit: pixabay.com, nattanan kanchanaprat]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/wp-content/blogs.dir/40/files/2025/09/2025_Waste_plantCoins02_pixabayNattananKanchanaprat_EDITS1650x470.png)
Sarasota County has taken another step towards a greener future, with the launch of its Green Business Partnership "Partner Showcase" video series. The goal is to highlight and promote local businesses dedicated to environmental practices, ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation
Sarasota County has taken another step towards a greener future, with the launch of its Green Business Partnership "Partner Showcase" video series. The goal is to highlight and promote local businesses dedicated to environmental practices, ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation![screen grab from video showcasing "walls by me," a member of sarasota county extension's green business partnership. [credit: uf/ifas extension sarasota county]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/wp-content/blogs.dir/40/files/2025/09/2025_Waste_screengrabGBPShowcaseWallsByMe02_CROP1650x470-1.png)
Sarasota County has taken another step towards a greener future, with the launch of its Green Business Partnership "Partner Showcase" video series. The goal is to highlight and promote local businesses dedicated to environmental practices, ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation![screen grab from a video showing a wide view of raised garden beds, an educational feature at mangrove school of sarasota. [credit: uf/ifas extension sarasota county]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/wp-content/blogs.dir/40/files/2025/08/2025_Waste_gbpMangroveSchoolSara01_CROP1650x470.png)
Sarasota County has taken another step towards a greener future with the launch of its Green Business Partnership "Partner Showcase" video series. The goal is to highlight and promote local businesses dedicated to environmental practices, ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources![outdoor scene of water body with heavy vegetation on shoreline, and blue skies on horizon. [credit: sarasota county government]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/wp-content/blogs.dir/40/files/2022/11/2020_Water_socialLakeApprecMo_sacoCROP1338x357TINY.png)
Homeowners associations (HOAs) and neighborhoods have critical roles to play in protecting local water quality. HOAs manage thousands of stormwater ponds and countless acres of landscapes across Sarasota County. The way those community assets ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Water
We're proud to announce our latest Green Business partner: Gulf Coast Community Foundation - Venice Headquarters and Gulf Coast Community Foundation - Sarasota Philanthropy Center. About Gulf Coast Community Foundation Headquartered in Venice, ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Water