Plastic Free Cities Capstone Celebration
Hello Biscayne Bay Advocates!
Adding to the number of events and activities happening this weekend, I wanted to share our final event this weekend that officially ends the Plastic Free Cities project in Miami, led by Ocean Conservancy, Debris Free Oceans, and Big Blue & You, and funded by the NOAA Marine Debris Program.
The Plastic Free Cities program has trained over 200 middle and high school students in inland cities across Miami-Dade to work with their local businesses and advocate for plastic-free business practices. Over the two-year project, our students worked with over 100 businesses and assisted with changes that have led to almost 1.3 million single-use plastic items being diverted annually. I've engaged with many of you through this project over the years, and I'm very sad to wrap it up - but this last event is one you don't want to miss!
On 12/14 from 4-7pm, we will be celebrating the work of our students, sharing our lessons learned after contracting over 250 Miami-Dade businesses, and discussing the future for plastic and waste reduction in Miami-Dade. Join us for:
Opening remarks from:
-J.P. Brooker, Director of Florida Conservation for Ocean Conservancy
-Amy Gohres, Acting Director of the NOAA Marine Debris Program
-Nancy Jackson, Biscayne Bay Program Director for Miami-Dade County
A Panel Discussion, titled "Miami-Dade’s Path to a Plastic-Free Future," with panelists:
-Eva Lizardo, Senior Manager for Environmental Planning & Development Outreach for Miami-Dade County's Division of Environmental Resource Management (DERM)
-Caiti Waks, Founder of Debris Free Oceans
-Gioia Gentile, Plastic Free Cities Mentor from Doral Academy
-Michelle Duncan, Owner of Cuento Sandwiches
We will be providing food and beverages, discounted parking at The HUB @ Office Logic, and a local artist will be collaborating with Plastic Free Cities students to lead a plastic-into-art activation! To RSVP, please use our eventbrite.
The Ocean Conservancy, Debris Free Oceans, and Big Blue & You teams hope to see you there!
Best,
Maggie
Maggie Winchester-Weiler, M.Sc.
She/her/hers
Florida Conservation Program Manager
Miami FL, 33133
O:(202) 788-0650