By the Sustainability & Resilience Committee

Dec. 19, 2024

A New Year’s Resolution for a Cleaner and More Sustainable Surfside

The holiday season often leaves us with abundant packaging, decorations, and other materials that must be managed properly. As we start a new year, let’s commit to recycling “right” and reducing waste throughout 2025. Proper recycling helps safeguard our environment and reduces costs for our community. Here’s how you can do your part. 

The Scale of the Problem

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 292 million tons of municipal solid waste are generated in the United States every year, which equates to nearly five (5) pounds per person per day. Shockingly, only 32% of this waste is actually recycled, with the rest combusted or disposed of in a landfill, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Globally, waste accounts for about 3-5% of total greenhouse gas emissions, and our country is one of the most significant contributors. (Source: EPA - Facts and Figures about Materials, Waste and Recycling). 

Read the blog Here.

Nov. 19, 2024

Small Holiday Choices Can Drive Big Environmental Change

As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on sustainability and take steps to reduce our environmental impact. From minimizing waste and composting to giving eco-friendly gifts and embracing energy-efficient traditions, small actions can collectively make a significant difference. By adopting these practices, residents can help address the climate crisis and contribute to a more resilient community. Attend the next Sustainability Committee meeting on December 19 to share ideas and learn how to celebrate responsibly. 

Read the Blog Here

Nov. 8, 2024

Surfside Presents “Platform Surfside: Flood Mitigation and Resilient Strategies for Coastal Communities”

The Town of Surfside Sustainability and Resiliency Committee will host Platform Surfside: Flood Mitigation and Resilient Strategies for Coastal Communities, an interactive exhibition focused on innovative approaches to flood mitigation, climate adaptation, and sustainability. The exhibition, featuring cutting-edge research and conceptual proposals from students at Syracuse University and the University of Miami Schools of Architecture, will take place from Saturday, Nov. 16, through Tuesday, Nov. 19, at the Surfside Community Center, 9301 Collins Avenue.

Surfside’s proactive approach in organizing this exhibition reflects the Town's commitment to environmental stewardship and building resilience against climate impacts on its coastal community. Designed to inform and engage residents, local leaders, and architectural professionals, Platform Surfside serves as a platform for knowledge-sharing on sustainable solutions for coastal living.

Key Events:

• Seaside Adaptations Workshop
  Date: Saturday, Nov. 16, 12–3 p.m.
  This workshop invites attendees to participate in a collaborative discussion on sustainable coastal design strategies. Led by Pablo Sequero of Syracuse University, Lily Wong of the University of Miami, and Roy Raskin from Surfside’s Sustainability and Resiliency Committee, the session will bring together students, faculty, and special guests from institutions such as Pratt Institute, Florida Atlantic University, and local architectural firms. Town officials to deliver opening remarks to support this academic exchange and foster community involvement in sustainability.

• Closing Session Presentation and Roundtable Discussion
  Date: Tuesday, Nov. 19, 12–3 p.m.
  The exhibition culminates in a closing presentation led by Dean Michael Speaks of the Syracuse University School of Architecture. Attendees will have the chance to view students’ architectural models, discuss resilience and adaptation strategies with Dean Speaks, and engage in a roundtable discussion with Town leaders.

Throughout the exhibition, Platform Surfside will present a variety of student-driven projects, with design concepts addressing flood prevention, ecological resilience, and sustainable urban planning, specifically tailored for Surfside and similar coastal areas. Attendees are encouraged to explore these exhibits during open hours and take part in discussions that could shape future planning and policy decisions for coastal sustainability.

About the Town of Surfside Sustainability and Resiliency Committee:
The Town of Surfside Sustainability and Resiliency Committee actively works to address climate change challenges through community engagement, partnerships with academic institutions, and the promotion of innovative strategies for a more resilient and sustainable Surfside.

Oct. 16, 2024

Surfside Takes Action: Sustainability Committee Launches First Meeting

On Oct.15, the newly reinstated Sustainability and Resiliency Committee held its first meeting. During this inaugural session, Former Mayor Daniel Dietch was elected as Chair and Charlotte Al-Sahli as Vice Chair. In light of the urgency of the issues facing Surfside, it was agreed that the committee will meet monthly to ensure consistent progress on pressing sustainability and resilience topics.

In his new role, Chair Dietch shared: “It is an honor and privilege to Chair Surfside’s newly constituted and talented Sustainability and Resiliency Committee and to carry forward the countless initiatives of the past and current Town Commissions. We have a strong foundation to build upon, and I am excited for our work to engage our community, build partnerships, and recommend specific initiatives to the Town Commission for action help realize a more sustainable and resilient Surfside!”

The committee is eager to involve the entire community in this critical journey. Residents are encouraged to attend meetings (next one is Nov. 21 @noon), share their concerns, and contribute ideas. Together, we can make Surfside stronger and more resilient! Your input is vital to our collective future.