7 Tips for Leading a More Sustainable Lifestyle in Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay is home to diverse ecosystems, including sea grass and mangrove communities, salt marshes and numerous species of fish and animals. However, like many urban areas, it faces environmental challenges, particularly regarding water quality.

The City of Tampa has embarked on several eco-action projects to address these issues. Most recently, the City of Tampa and the CLEO Institute launched a comprehensive Climate & Equity Action Plan to mitigate climate change impacts and promote social equity. The plan outlines specific goals, strategies and actions to achieve a more resilient and sustainable city. The plan includes increasing green infrastructure, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring affordable housing for all residents.

Additionally, the city launched its trash collection vessel, “The Little Skimmer,” which offers a new way to clean Tampa Bay’s waterways that is cost-effective and eco-friendly. It is a small, easily maneuverable boat that uses patented technology to collect debris and pollutants from the water’s surface. Since its launch, it has contained 40,216 pounds of trash (about 20.01 tons) from Tampa Bay’s waterways.

7 Tips for Sustainable Living in Tampa Bay

A project is sustainable when it adapts to evolving requirements, facilitates future maintenance and copes with a changing climate. Living sustainably in Tampa Bay is a multifaceted endeavor involving various daily life aspects.

1. Home gardening: One of the critical elements is home gardening, which provides fresh, organic produce and contributes to reducing carbon emissions and increasing carbon storage in soil and plants. This practice minimizes human impact on the Earth by avoiding polluting chemicals in fertilizers and pest control, preserving natural resources and reducing waste. Community gardens are also an effective way to promote sustainable living, fostering a sense of community while contributing to local food production.

2. Reduce Single-Use Items: Another significant aspect of sustainable living is reducing single-use items. By swapping out disposable items like aluminum foil or plastic bags for reusable alternatives, residents can significantly decrease landfill waste. For instance, using reusable containers for packing leftovers can make a substantial difference over time.

3. Invest in Reusable Items: Investing in reusable items is another effective strategy for sustainable living. Bringing a reusable mug to a local coffee shop or investing in recyclable straws can reduce waste. Many shops in Tampa Bay even offer discounts for customers who bring their own cups, providing an added incentive to adopt this practice.

4. Public Transportation: Public transportation is another crucial element of sustainable living in Tampa Bay. Public transportation systems, such as buses, trolleys, streetcars or carpooling with others, can significantly reduce carbon emissions. Walking or biking in daily commutes can further contribute to this effort.

5. Reduce Meat Consumption: Reducing meat consumption is another effective way to lower carbon footprint. Factory-farmed animal protein has a higher carbon footprint than many other food options, so opting for plant-based meals can significantly impact sustainability.

6. Sustainable Shopping: Sustainable shopping is another important aspect of sustainable living. Residents and visitors can look for certified sustainable products when shopping and bring their bags to the store to reduce plastic waste. Several eco-friendly shops in Tampa Bay, such as Sans Market and Lufka Refillables Zero Waste Store, offer sustainable products.

7. Upcycling: Upcycling is a creative and fun way to contribute to sustainability. Finding creative uses for items that have served their primary purpose can reduce waste and promote resourcefulness. An old mug could become a planter for succulents or an old pair of jeans could be transformed into a rucksack.

To live sustainably in Tampa Bay, one must consider different aspects of daily life like home gardening, reducing single-use items and meat consumption, investing in reusable items, using public transportation, practicing sustainable shopping and upcycling. By practicing these habits, individuals can contribute to a sustainable future in Tampa Bay.