Manatee Lagoon Promotes 'Plastic Free July'

Credit: FPL

(Press Release) West Palm Beach, FL – Manatee Lagoon is bringing back “Plastic Free July,” a month-long educational initiative aimed at raising awareness about the environmental impacts of plastic. Manatee Lagoon will offer educational content and free events to inspire individuals and communities to take action toward a plastic-free future. Activities will include Mia’s Summer Shell-A-Bration, a lecture on plastics, weekly story time events and a fun #PlasticFree4Manatees social media campaign to encourage individuals to join the movement towards plastic-free living.

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 ​Sunday, July 12 at 2 p.m. – Manatee Lagoon’s July Lecture at the Lagoon will feature the Solid Waste Authority (SWA) of Palm Beach County. Attendees will learn which plastics can be recycled, how materials are processed after collection and how SWA promotes reducing, reusing, recycling and rethinking waste at home, school, work and beyond. Register here for the lecture.

• Saturday, July 25 – Manatee Lagoon is hosting Mia’s Summer Shell-A-Bration from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.! The event will include outdoor games, mini tours, face painting, food trucks, educational exhibits and appearances from Mia the Manatee. Learn more here!
• Every Saturday – Throughout July, Manatee Tales Story Time will feature Plastic Free July-themed books, including a July 18 selection for Shark Week. Each story will explore the impact of trash and plastic on the ocean and marine life, followed by a themed craft activity. Registration is required.

 
“By raising awareness of plastic pollution and encouraging the four R’s, refuse, reduce, reuse and recycle, we can help protect our marine ecosystems,” said Manatee Lagoon Education and Outreach Specialist Heather Seaman. “Through educational programs, community events and hands-on activities, we’re excited to share with our community the simple ways to reduce plastic use and protect local waterways and marine life.”
 
Throughout the month of July, Manatee Lagoon is encouraging the community to participate in a beach cleanup at Loggerhead Marinelife Center to take action against littering. Volunteers can sign up at https://marinelife.org/conservation/beach-cleanups/ and select a Saturday to attend.  
 
For more information and to sign up for our programing this Plastic Free July, please visit www.VisitManateeLagoon.com and follow the hashtag #PlasticFree4Manatees.