On Sunday, April 27, the Town of Surfside will host a special Earth Day event. This event will bring together local organizations to showcase their initiatives and join forces with like-minded professionals to advocate for environmental awareness, eco-friendly practices, and healthy lifestyles. It aims to inspire and educate our community on the importance of sustainability and environmental care.

The Sustainability Committee will use this opportunity to explain why understanding sustainability is important to our daily activities.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a global body that assesses the science related to climate change. Its reports highlight the urgent need to address climate change through reduction, mitigation, and adaptation strategies. But what does it mean?

Reduction: The Importance of Cutting Carbon Emissions

Reducing carbon emissions is vital to slowing global warming. As a community, we can contribute by making simple choices like:

• Walking or biking instead of driving whenever possible.

• Using public transportation to reduce individual car trips or carpooling.

• Eating more plant-based meals to lower the carbon footprint associated with food production.

• Reusing and repurposing items instead of buying new ones, composting, and recycling diligently.

• Before purchasing something new, participate in community swaps for items such as furniture, clothing, and other goods in good condition. Engaging in these exchanges helps reduce waste and promotes a circular economy within the Miami community.

• When placing online orders, choose consolidated shipping options to deliver all your items on the same day. This reduces the number of delivery trips, optimizes transportation, and lowers carbon emissions.

Mitigation: Absorbing Carbon and Protecting Natural Resources

Mitigation involves actions to absorb carbon and protect our natural environments. 

We can help by:

• Preserving trees and planting more to absorb carbon dioxide.

• Protecting oceans and waterways to maintain their role as carbon sinks.

• Encouraging green spaces in urban areas and ensuring that new developments and the maintenance of our homes incorporate climate-conscious decisions, such as green roofs, solar panels, energy-efficient windows, and photocatalytic paints that can absorb carbon emissions.

Adaptation: Preparing for Climate Change

Adaptation is about preparing for the effects of climate change, such as extreme weather events. We don't want this to happen, but we are living it around the globe and here in this community. 

• We can protect ourselves and our community by:

• Having emergency kits ready with essential supplies and important documents.

• Staying informed about weather alerts and being prepared to act quickly.

• Protecting homes against extreme heat, flooding, and storms by improving insulation and using weather-resistant materials. 

• Learning first aid and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) to help ourselves and others in emergencies. Knowing how to respond to a medical emergency, such as a cardiac arrest, can be life-saving. A certified CPR and first aid course empowers individuals to act quickly and effectively when needed.

Join us on April 27th to learn more about these topics and see how you can contribute to a more sustainable future for Surfside. Let’s work together to make every day Earth Day!

Join Us!

We invite all residents to participate in our next Sustainability Committee meeting in Town Hall on April 17th at noon to discuss more ways to protect our environment and create a resilient community. 

Together, we can make a difference!

As we continue to explore ways to reduce waste generation, increase resource stewardship, and live more sustainably, composting stands out as one of the simplest and most impactful practices. By transforming organic waste into a nutrient-rich soil amendment, composting reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and helps combat climate change. Let’s take a closer look at composting, why it matters, and how Surfside residents can make a difference.

What Is Composting?

Composting is a natural process of recycling organic material, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a dark, rich substance called compost. This compost improves soil health, retains moisture, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. Composting mimics nature’s way of breaking down organic matter, turning what we might consider “trash” into a valuable resource.

However, not all materials marketed as “compostable” are created equal. Many compostable service items (e.g., plates, bowls, and utensils) require the high heat and controlled conditions of commercial composting facilities to break down, making them unsuitable for home composting. Meanwhile, items labeled “biodegradable” might take years to decompose and could release harmful substances into the environment. As consumers, we must read labels carefully and stay informed to avoid being misled by “greenwashing.”

The Environmental Impact of Composting

When organic materials ends up in landfills, it decomposes anaerobically (i.e., without oxygen), producing methane—a greenhouse gas twenty-five times more potent than carbon dioxide. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that organic materials like food and yard waste make up about 30% of what we throw away, meaning composting could significantly reduce landfill waste and methane emissions.

According to the EPA, only about 6% of food waste is composted in the United States, while the rest contributes to the staggering 292 million tons of waste generated annually.

Composting has an even more significant impact in Florida, where the subtropical climate supports year-round gardening and agriculture. By returning nutrients to the soil, composting helps combat soil degradation, reduces the need for water, and supports Florida’s unique ecosystems.

What If We All Composted?

If every household in Surfside embraced composting, the collective impact would be transformative. We could drastically reduce our community’s greenhouse gas emissions by diverting food scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials from landfills. Moreover, composting at home empowers residents to see firsthand how waste can become a resource, fostering a deeper connection to sustainability.

Our Sustainability and Resiliency Committee is exploring opportunities to make composting more accessible for Surfside residents. Options include:

• Backyard composting for individual households.

• A community composting program.

• A subscription service where a composting company collects organic waste, processes it, and either donates the resulting compost to community gardens or returns it to residents for personal use.

By understanding the differences between home and commercial composting, choosing the right materials, and working together, we can ensure our efforts have a meaningful impact. Let’s continue to make Surfside a leader in sustainability.

Join Us!

Share your ideas and learn more about composting at our next Sustainability Committee meeting at noon on Thursday, February 20th at Town Hall. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener future.

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)

Recycling incorrectly or not at all adds to this problem, as contaminated or misplaced materials can disrupt recycling processes, leading to more waste and higher costs. However, when our communities come together, we can make a real difference in reducing this impact.

What Can Be Recycled Curbside in Surfside?

Every Thursday, Surfside collects residential recyclables curbside. Accepted materials include:

• Office Paper: Clean and dry.
• Cardboard: Flattened and free of food residue.
• Plastic Containers/Bottles: Only those with a neck smaller than the body.
• Aseptic Containers: Examples include milk and juice cartons. Clean and dry.
• Glass Bottles: Rinse and remove caps.
• Metal Containers: Clean and free of food residue.

These materials are processed at the Reuter Recycling Facility in Pembroke Pines, ensuring they are correctly processed and repurposed.

What About Special Items?

Some items require extra care but can still be recycled responsibly:

• Plastic Shopping Bags: Recycle these at designated bins in Publix stores.
• Batteries and Electronic Waste: Drop these off at Town Hall for proper recycling.
• Sensitive Documents and Medications: Participate in Surfside’s Paper Shred-a-Thon and Drug Takeback events. Sign up for Town alerts to stay informed.

Reduce Waste at the Source

While recycling is essential, reducing waste is even better. Here are a few ways to cut down on waste:

• Opt Out of Junk Mail: Use the Federal Trade Commission’s guide to stop unwanted mailings. Visit this link for easy instructions.
• Reuse Before Recycling: Repurpose jars, containers, and even holiday gift wrap.

Recycling is a shared responsibility that starts with each of us. By recycling correctly and reducing waste consistently, we can significantly lower the amount of solid waste sent to landfills, reduce harmful emissions, and conserve valuable resources. When multiplied across our Surfside community, small actions lead to powerful results, creating a cleaner, healthier environment for present and future generations. Recycling right not only reduces contamination and costs but also reflects our commitment to our only home, the planet. Together, we can reverse harmful trends and make a meaningful impact.
Can we count on you to join us in making a difference this year?

Join Us!

Surfside invites all residents to attend our monthly Sustainability Committee meetings, where your suggestions and ideas are always welcome. Our next meeting is on January 16th  at noon at Town Hall. Let’s make 2025 the year we come together as a community to reduce waste and recycle responsibly.

Together, we can make Surfside cleaner and greener—starting today!

By the Sustainability & Resilience Committee

How Small Choices During the Holidays Can Make a Big Impact

As we approach the holiday season, many begin planning celebrations and gatherings with family and friends. While this season is often filled with joy and connection, it’s also an opportune time to reflect on our impact on the environment and how we, as a community, can make a difference.

What is Sustainability, and Why Does it Matter?

Sustainability is about making choices that meet our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It’s about balancing environmental health, social well-being, and economic stability. This balance is particularly relevant in the face of the climate crisis, which affects us all physically, socially, and economically. Here in our community, one that formally declared a Climate Emergency in 2019, each of us has the power to contribute to a more sustainable present and future.

Understanding the Climate Crisis: A Brief Look at the IPCC Report

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has long been a leading and trusted source of scientific information on climate change. Their latest report emphasizes the urgent need for action in three areas: mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. In simple terms, this means:

• Mitigation: Taking steps to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases, such as planting trees and reducing waste and energy use.

• Adaptation: Making adjustments in our lives and communities to cope with climate changes, such as planning for extreme weather events.

• Resilience: Strengthening our communities so we can recover more quickly from climate-related impacts.

What is a Carbon Footprint?

Every one of us has a “carbon footprint” – a measure of the greenhouse gases we produce through our daily activities. This includes energy use, transportation, and even waste generation. By becoming more aware of our carbon footprint, we can then take steps to reduce it, which helps mitigate the impact of climate change.

Sustainable Practices for the Holiday Season

During the holidays, we have a unique opportunity to practice sustainability in our celebrations. Here are some simple but impactful steps we can all take:

1. Waste Reduction: Be mindful of the waste generated during celebrations. Using reusable or compostable plates, cups, and cutlery can help reduce reliance on single-use plastics.

2. Composting and Recycling: Correctly composting organic waste (like food scraps) and recycling materials can significantly improve waste management.

3. Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas: Instead of physical items, consider sustainable gifts like reusable water bottles, eco-friendly bags, or even experiences. These thoughtful gifts are often more memorable and reduce unnecessary waste.

4. Connecting Traditions and Sustainability: For those celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, or other holidays, there are meaningful ways to honor traditions sustainably, from using LED lights to creating DIY decorations from recycled materials.

Together, these small actions can have a significant collective impact, helping us move towards a community that celebrates responsibly and protects the environment for future generations. Let’s make this holiday season joyful and a step toward a more sustainable future.

Get Involved!

We invite all residents to attend our monthly Sustainability Committee meetings, where your suggestions and ideas are always welcome. Our next meeting will be on December 19 at noon. Together, we can work towards a more resilient and sustainable community.

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

• 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.