Last October, EarthDay dot org, the organizer of Earth Day and the largest recruiter of environmental movements worldwide, announced the theme for Earth Day 2023 – “Invest in Our Planet.” The theme is focused on engaging governments, institutions, businesses, and the more than 1 billion citizens who participate annually in Earth Day to do their part.
In honor of Earth Day, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) hosted a poster contest for students in the 4th to 12th grades. The art contest theme, “How do you take care of your environment?” invited students to illustrate how they can create a greener future.
A finalist in each age category was selected within DEP’s six district offices. The finalists’ art was sent to the Tallahassee office, where staff selected a state winner for each age group.
Alia Garrett, outreach coordinator for Sarasota County in the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension & Sustainability department, wrote a blog on how savings experienced by nonprofits from implementing energy and water upgrades are then used to further the important missions of these organizations, which include providing food, clothing, education, and more to local families.
Meanwhile, a group of UF researchers in the College of Public Health & Health Professions in UF’s Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Water Institute, and Emerging Pathogens Institute focused on what’s below the surface for Earth Day. They are working to identify contaminants in Florida’s waters, assess their impact, and use that data to inform local, state, and federal agencies. UF states that Florida has “more than 30,000 lakes, 700 springs, 12,000 miles of rivers and streams, and 1,350 miles of coastline.”
Florida State University announced that a Department of Art professor uses art to teach people about water conservation and sustainability. During an Earth Day event, the “Water for All: An Art Exchange,” an interactive project, was hosted at pop-up events throughout Florida. The project informs visitors how single-use plastics like water bottles possibly contribute to global warming and more hurricanes.
At Florida International University, an ecology professor discussed the importance of Everglades preservation to protect the endangered Florida panther and other species following the release of National Geographic’s “Path of the Panther” documentary by FIU’s Institute of Environment, Global Indigenous Forum, College of Business and the World Happiness Fair.
(2/2) Elementary Winner:
Suah, 4th Grade, @ChilesElem
"Only One Earth"Middle School Winner:
Aisys 7th Grade, @OrlScience
“Two Earths”High School Winner:
Kendall, 10th grade, @gulfhighschool
"Invest in our Future"#EarthDay2023 @FLStateParks pic.twitter.com/t1iMi5OdWB— Florida DEP News (@FLDEPNews) April 22, 2023
Happy Earth Day 2023! 🌍💚
This year's theme is all about investing in our planet. It's time for us to take action and make a commitment to creating a more sustainable future for ourselves and for generations to come.#sustainability #protecttheplanet pic.twitter.com/n8LDwcnotA
— UF IFAS Wildlife (@UFWildlife) April 22, 2023
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