![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/files/2025/02/2017_Waste_microplasticCloseupFingers01_ifasTylerJonesCROP1650x470TINY.png)
We have all heard the mantra: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. We know plastic isn't natural and doesn't decompose. After all, you can’t compost plastic, right? You’ve probably seen those heart-wrenching images of straws in sea turtles' noses ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Water
In 2025, we celebrate Earth day’s 55th anniversary with the theme “Our Power, Our Planet.” This year’s theme calls us to actions that harness renewable energy resources to build a sustainable and healthy planet now and into the future. ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation
The Hidden Cost: Industry & Manufacturing’s Water Footprint When we think of water conservation, we often picture shorter showers or turning off the tap while brushing our teeth. The heavy cost of industry and manufacturing, on the other ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, Water
Blog co-authored by Mary Ellen Boelhower, Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) graduate Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) helps young professionals round out their skills Biologist Chelsea Dinon lives to go cave diving in Florida’s ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Professional Development, Water, Wildlife, Work & LifeBlog co-authored by Mary Ellen Boelhower, Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) graduate Meet Suzy Nolan, Volunteer Extraordinaire Indianapolis native Suzy Nolan grew up hiking and observing nature, but it wasn’t until the travel ... READ MORE
Category: Community Volunteers, Conservation, Natural Resources, Professional Development, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
You may have heard the phrase "leave the leaves" before. It was first coined by the National Wildlife Federation, then popularized by the Xerces Society. After that, many other groups followed suit. Before we dive into what that phrase means, ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Farm Management, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Lawn, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
All across the state, many disgruntled denizens adjusted their clocks this past Sunday, March 9, to accommodate daylight savings time. While this lets us have longer days, a historically helpful tool for farming...it can be a bit disruptive ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, Lawn, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
Hurricanes have left lasting scars on our landscapes in recent years, and Arbor Month 2025 offers us an opportunity to heal and rebuild by replanting the trees that are so essential to our communities. We are grateful to the Florida Forest Service ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Home Landscapes, Work & Life![a tangle of fishing line, plastic beads and other plastic waste on a beach. [credit: unsplash.com, soren funk]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2025/03/2025_Water_microplasticsBeach01_unsplashSorenFunk_CROP1650x470TINY.png)
We're hearing a lot about microplastics in the news, but what exactly are they and what can I do to reduce the impact of microplastics in our environment? Well, first, what are they? Microplastics are defined as plastic particles no larger ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Health & Nutrition, Water![photo illustration of resource conservation, with green earth globe set against backdrop of lush, green vegetation. [credit: pixabay.com, satheesh sankaran]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2024/07/2024_Waste_gbpBannerGreenEarthVegn_pixabaySatheeshSankaranCROP1650x470TINY.png)
The James Griffith Salon opened Aug. 1, 1988, in Venice as an AVEDA Concept Salon. Next came their partnership with The Gasparilla Inn & Club in Boca Grande, opening a second salon, and then expanding with a third location in Sarasota in ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation