By Trimmel Gomes, Florida News Connection
Not everyone would venture into thick mangrove roots to collect trash, but one Miami man has been doing just that for years.
Andrew Otazo never aimed to clear 43,000 pounds of trash from this unique ecosystem. He simply grew passionate about it and wanted to make a change. Week after week, he tirelessly pulls trash alone from the mangroves.
Otazo, who runs Aro Communications, believes anyone can make a difference. “I saw the trash piling up, and one day I thought, ‘I need to do something,’” he shared. His first haul? A staggering 40 pounds of trash. And he’s been at it ever since.
Interestingly, most of the debris in the mangroves doesn’t come from people littering there. Instead, it washes in from city streets through storm drains. Otazo encourages others to start small, like picking up a plastic bottle on the sidewalk. It’s a simple act that can lead to bigger changes. When people see you doing good, they might just join in.
In Orlando, Susan Peoski, an agriculture and natural resources teacher at Edgewater High School, is teaching her students the same principles. During their walks to school, she gives them bags and grabbers to pick up litter, instilling the belief that caring for the environment is everyone’s responsibility.
“I want to model positive choices for my students,” Peoski explained. “It’s important for them to learn that it’s not just somebody else’s job to take care of our planet.” Even when her students question the value of picking up trash, they eventually appreciate its impact.
Both Otazo and Peoski recently attended the annual Climate Correction Conference, where community efforts to combat climate challenges were highlighted.
Recent research shows that communities engaged in local cleanup initiatives can see a marked improvement in local environmental quality. A study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicated that organized efforts can lead to a 30% reduction in waste in targeted areas. This data underscores the importance of grassroots efforts like those of Otazo and Peoski.
In a world where environmental issues are often daunting, it’s refreshing to see individuals making strides in their local communities. The joy in simple acts of kindness can ripple through neighborhoods, inspiring many more to take action.
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Climate Correction conference,Edgewater High School,environmental education,mangroves,VoLo Foundation,waste cleanup
