Adopt-A-Turtle to Support Sea Turtle Conservation
Take a personal interest in one of the satellite-tagged turtles or a turtle flipper-tagged in Costa Rica. The donation directly supports sea turtle conservation programs. Click the blue ADOPT button on the top right for details or use this link.
Reduce the Amount of Single-Use Plastic in Your Daily Routine
Collect all the plastic trash you use in a 24-hour period. Consider how much plastic trash your street produces in a day; the whole city; the state; the nation. Think about how you and others can get through each day using less plastic and encourage others to reduce and recycle as well. Replace plastic items with more eco-friendly options. Start with something simple, such as switching plastic bags for reusable cloth bags and work your way towards leading a plastic-free life! To upcycle hard-to-recycle items, check out TerraCycle.com.
Tell People How Helium Balloons Harm Sea Turtles
Helium-filled balloons are frequently released into the sky to celebrate events. Like plastic trash, helium balloons end up in the ocean, especially when released near the coast. Sea turtles mistakenly eat the balloons and die. If you know of a group planning a balloon release, ask them to consider another attention getter.
Use AmazonSmile to Shop Online
Visit smile.amazon.com and select the Sea Turtle Conservancy as your charity of choice. Amazon will automatically donate .05% of your purchase price to us! Start shopping for sea turtles now at https://smile.amazon.com/ch/59-6151069
Reduce the Amount of Chemicals You Use
Many people use chemicals and fertilizers on their lawns and gardens. Used motor oil and paints are deadly to plants and animals if not disposed of correctly. Many of these chemicals get washed into coastal lagoons and wash up on beaches. Find biodegradable lawn and garden products that you can use and facilities that properly dispose of toxic chemicals.
Support Brands that Support Sea Turtles and other Environmental Initiatives
“Vote” with your dollar! Click here to see a list of brands who have partnered with the Sea Turtle Conservancy.
Organize a fundraiser/bake sale/shirt sale to benefit sea turtles
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Check out this list for tips on ways to reduce your carbon footprint!
Instead of asking for gifts for your birthday or other special occasion, consider asking your family and friends to donate to the Sea Turtle Conservancy.
Purchase a Sea Turtle Specialty License Plate
If you live in Florida you can purchase a “Helping Sea Turtles Survive” specialty license plate for your vehicle! Proceeds from the sale of the sea turtle plate go to support Florida’s Marine Turtle Protection Program and help fund the Sea Turtle Grants Program. The grants program awards around $300,000 each year to support research, education, and rehabilitation projects the benefit Florida’s sea turtles. Learn more about the Sea Turtle Grants Program.
Write a Letter to the Editor of Your Newspaper or Email/Tweet/Call Elected Officials
Find out how to submit a “Letter to the Editor” to your local paper. Write letters that inform your community about the plight of sea turtles and other marine wildlife.
Make Sure Your Seafood is Sustainable
Don’t Buy Products Made from Real Turtle Shell
Check out Too Rare to Wear for more information and take their pledge! https://www.tooraretowear.org/
Request to Skype with a Sea Turtle Biologist
Don’t live near the beach but still want your students to learn about sea turtles? No problem! Check out STC’s Distance Learning programs where you can request to Skype with one of our staff members! Contact Dr. Dan Evans at Sea Turtle Conservancy at least two weeks in advance to arrange a date and time for your video conference. Email at drevans@conserveturtles.org, or call 352-373-6441.
Use Coral Reef-Friendly Sunscreen
Use turtle friendly lighting
Don’t use flashlights or cell phones on the beach during nesting season
Use caution when boating (don’t anchor in seagrass, obey speed signs)
Vote for leaders who want to protect marine life
Avoid cruise excursions or other events that include daytime hatchling releases