April 30, 2025

Hi and welcome to newsletter #53 of OneBeautifulPlanet.org! The newsletter archive starts in June 2023, and you are one of our 276 subscribers.

Mindset

“I could never stay long enough on the shore; the tang of the untainted, fresh, and free sea air was like a cool, quieting thought.”
― Hellen Keller

The Spring Break Issue

Two weeks ago, I had the chance to vacation in South Florida. Sunshine and relaxation are always welcome—but for me, travel also means learning something new and giving back to the places I visit.

This trip delivered on both fronts. My significant other and I squeezed in two quick beach cleanups and paid a visit to Loggerhead Marine Life Center, a turtle hospital and research hub in Juno Beach. While there, we caught a fascinating talk by Julian Gunther, a photographer and wildlife guide with Big Fish Expeditions: Southern White Whales.

In Palm Beach, we stumbled upon a brilliant grassroots effort: the Beach Bucket Foundation. They provide buckets at beach entrances so visitors can help clean up litter and return the buckets when done. Local sponsors back the initiative and get their names on the buckets—simple, effective, and community-driven.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) is one of Florida’s most visited nonprofit scientific destinations focused on ocean and sea turtle conservation. The research team at LMC monitors a 9.5 mile stretch of beach from March - October, in Juno Beach, FL: one of the world's most densely nested sea turtle beaches on the Atlantic Coast.

LMC is a leader in sea turtle conservation, conducting research, rehabilitation, education, and conservation programs. Its location near the Gulf Stream provides access to a rich marine environment, supporting data collection and fieldwork. They collaborate with organizations worldwide to develop marine debris prevention strategies and improve sea turtle care. The center’s work is grounded in four main areas: rehabilitation, research, education, and conservation.

Beach Bucket Foundation

Beach Bucket Foundation installs patented Box O' Buckets® cleanup stations, giving beach lovers the chance to give back while helping combat marine pollution. These cleanup stations spark conversations about single-use plastics and the global marine debris crisis. They serve as a gateway to community activism for beachgoers and offer a unique philanthropic opportunity for local businesses seeking to engage with and support their communities. The organization partners with municipalities, businesses, and other nonprofit groups to coordinate public cleanups throughout the year. Very cool effort, and we lent a hand!

Please share this newsletter if you found it helpful or interesting. And if you would like to collaborate in some way, whether in writing, or volunteering together at a cleanup, get in touch!

Razvan