Coastal Connections, Inc. was created in 2017 to foster a connection between people and the coastal wildlife by restoring the function and beauty of our coastal habitats through education, research, and conservation interactions.
It is with this in mind that Coastal Connections has launched a Vero goes Zero campaign to encourage reduction of the use of plastic straws and plastic bags. Their mission is to protect our coastal habitats through education and connecting people with the environment.
Whether you are a business or an individual, you can join Coastal Connections by saying “no thanks” to disposable plastic items. Every time you do, you will be helping spread the message that our planet will be a better place with less plastic.
Saying “no thank you” to plastic is vital, because recycling is not the answer. Unlike glass and paper, plastic is difficult to recycle, and Indian River County asks that plastic bags and plastic straws are not put into recycling bins as they harm recycling equipment.
Vero goes Zero aims to reduce the usage of plastic straws and single-use plastic bags.
Alongside this specific goal, Coastal Connections will raise awareness of the harm being done by using plastic when alternatives exist, so that the build up of plastic in our environment is reduced.
The campaign will be asking both business’s and the public to take part.
Business’s : business’s will be asked to voluntarily stop the use of plastic straws and plastic shopping bags. If they agree and sign up to the campaign their name and a supporting statement from them will be advertised in Portfolio magazine and on the campaign website. Portfolio will also champion all the business that sign on and contribute to the Campaign.
Businesses will be given supportive literature to display and to pass on to customers. They will also be able to purchase Vero Goes Zero shopping bags (to sell or give away) and alternative packaging if wanted.
Members of the Public: will be invited to join the campaign. If they donate $20 they will receive three items to help them live plastic free; a metal straw, a produce bag and a Vero goes Zero shopping bag.
In order to fund the launch of the campaign Coastal Connections is looking for a select number of Champion companies who each donate $500. In return for their donation their logo is put on all of their advertising, their website, their shopping bag etc.
Plastic pollution is one of the biggest threats facing our coastal habitats. Coastal Connections, Inc. is working hard to spread awareness about the harms of single use plastic on our coastal ecosystems, provide eco-friendly alternatives for them, and guide the public on how they can make simple life changes to reduce their plastic footprint.
- 12.7 million tons of plastic enter our oceans every year
- 100,000 marine mammals and turtles, and 1 million sea birds die from plastic pollution every year
- By 2050 there will be more plastic that fish in our oceans
Source: Coastal Connections, Inc.
Vero Communiqué 
I’m Emmalyse, a Vero native and current college student. As someone with a passion for sustainability efforts (former member of VBHS green team that did away with styrofoam trays) I am very excited to read this article. I currently have a job as a barista at a local business while home for the summer. As an employee, I’ve learned the unfortunate truth that small businesses like the one I work for are actually penalized for increasing their recycling efforts; the business gets fined if their recycling bin “top” doesn’t close completely. In other words, the more we recycle, the more we pay. The business (and surely many others) is essentially being punished and even discouraged from expanding recycling efforts. This particular business has made commendable strides towards reducing waste to begin with (paper straws, paperless menus, discount for recycled containers, etc.). I simply believe businesses should not have to pay for their attempt to do better for the environment- especially in a coastal community whose economy is driven by the beauty of its nature. I hope to start a conversation about what can be done to change this.
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This is a worthy effort and should be applauded.
Nevertheless, what is appallingly evident is that there are a LOT OF SLOBS who use the beaches and coastal waters.
How about SEVERE fines for those caught littering… any litter, whether degradable paper or non-degradable plastic? Thoughtlessness and carelessness in adults should be punished with fines.
This country needs to discipline its children and teach them that independence and freedom come with responsibilities. As the saying goes, “there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch” … no matter what Bernie says. Government cannot give to someone what they haven’t taken from others.
Litterers need to grow up and learn respect for their environment, their neighbors, and their community.
But most of all, they need to know what it means to have self-respect.
That picture of the beach is a disgrace. Let’s hope that isn’t typical for Vero Beach.
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