CHEERS TO A GREENER TOMORROW!
Celebrate Earth Day 2025 on Tuesday, April 22 with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) at one of our National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERRs)!
Choosing reusable water bottles over single-use plastics helps reduce environmental impact #RefillOverLandfill. When you commit to #MakeTheSwitch to a reusable water bottle, you reduce waste and become a solution to pollution.
On Earth Day, when NERR visitors commit to #MakeTheSwitch they have a chance to receive a *complimentary aquatic preserve refillable water bottle at the following NERR locations:
Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve
Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
*Limit one water bottle per household while supplies last.
In the right hands, a reusable water bottle can become a beacon for change. That’s why our water bottles have a voice!
When you #MakeTheSwitch and someone asks you about your cool water bottle, it’s a chance to spread your message and talk about why you are ditching single-use plastics. So, spread the word — celebrate your choice to reduce waste by carrying your water bottle everywhere you go!
These water bottles commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Aquatic Preserve Act, a landmark law passed in 1975 to safeguard Florida’s diverse ecosystems for future generations. Since the establishment of the first aquatic preserve in 1966, Florida has grown to 43 aquatic preserves spanning nearly 2.6 million acres of protected aquatic environments.
To inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, DEP is inviting students across the state to showcase their creativity and commitment to environmental stewardship through the 2025 Earth Day Poster Contest.
This year’s theme, “Protect & Preserve Florida’s Living Waters,” highlights the importance of Florida's natural water resources and celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Florida Aquatic Preserve Act. Students in grades 4-12 are encouraged to create a poster illustrating how they connect with and help preserve Florida’s Living Waters. All contest submissions are due March 28, 2025. For contest rules, guidelines and more ways to celebrate Earth Day, visit DEP’s Earth Day webpage.
Together, we can make sustainability a natural part of our daily lives — protecting our aquatic preserves — and our planet — for future generations.
Let’s refill, reduce waste and inspire positive change!
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Sign UpThe Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship – protecting our air, water and land. The vision of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources and enhance its ecosystems.
Learn MoreTallahassee, Florida 32399-3000 Public.Services@FloridaDEP.gov 850-245-2118
