UF/IFAS Extension Intern Report: Grappling with Eco-Anxiety? Operation TRAP Can Help

Written by 2024 UF/IFAS Extension Intern, Hayden Henke.

If you’re like me, you might find yourself struggling with “eco-anxiety,” a term coined by the American Psychological Association and ecoAmerica. The constant stream of information about our deteriorating environment can be overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure how to make a personal impact. Operation TRAP (Trash Reduction for Aquatic Preserves), is here to help answer the question, “What can I do?”

Join Operation TRAP in the Fight Against Marine Plastic Pollution

Marine plastic pollution is a critical environmental issue that has captured global attention. Operation TRAP is dedicated to providing actionable solutions, and we need your help to make a difference!

Operation TRAP has been installing interception technologies to trap and prevent litter from entering our waters. Our goal is to reduce the amount of single-use plastic that enters waterways through storm drainage systems, boat access points, streams, and rivers. Our technologies include boom catchment devices, storm drain traps, and monofilament (fishing line recycling) tubes. Volunteers are essential for cleaning, organizing, and analyzing the litter captured by these devices.

Volunteer Training Course Launch

We’re excited to announce the upcoming launch of our Canvas Training Course for volunteers. This virtual training will prepare you for in-person cleanouts of boom catchment devices and storm drain traps. The course covers:

An overview of the environmental issues we address.
Our strategies to address these issues and our goals.
A safety module to ensure volunteer well-being.
Step-by-step instructions for storm drain and boom catchment device cleanouts.
An exit survey to confirm your readiness.

By completing this course, you’ll not only become proficient in our cleanout processes but also an advocate for Operation TRAP’s mission. Discover what types of trash are polluting your local ecosystems and take an active role in environmental stewardship with Operation TRAP!

How to Volunteer

Adopt-a-Watergoat: Perfect for groups interested in conducting monthly cleanups. Your group can adopt one of our Watergoats in Pasco County. Contact us for more information.
Monthly Cleanups: Sign up here as an individual or group to help with our monthly cleanups of booms, storm drain traps, and monofilament fishing line recycling

All volunteers will be trained and provided with the necessary tools to perform the cleanups. For any questions, please email Monica Wilson at monicawilson447@ufl.edu.

Operation TRAP is supported by NOAA’s Marine Debris Program with funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and in partnership with FDEP’s Aquatic Preserves, Florida Sea Grant, Pasco County, Keep Pasco Beautiful, and the City of Cedar Key.

Sources:
American Psychological Association. (2017). *Mental health and our changing climate: Impacts, implications, and guidance*. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2017/03/mental-health-climate.pdf