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Local Exhibit Shows Impact Of Trash On Fla. Waterways, What Residents Can Do To Help

Anita Grove
/
Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve

How does everyday trash affect Florida’s natural environment and wildlife? A local exhibit is hoping to educate residents on that very subject.

Through the end of October, the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve is hosting a free exhibit called “When Trash Meets the Sea.”

“We want to the local residents aware of the different sources of marine debris and we specifically use the word trash because much of what ends up in our bay, in our estuary, does come off the land,” said Jennifer Harper.

Harper, the Reserve manager, says the trash doesn’t just impact the water quality, it also negatively affects wildlife.

“One common piece of trash is disposable plastic bags that everybody uses for grocery bags,” she added. “As they end up in the ocean, they end up looking very much like jellyfish—which sea turtles feed upon—and of course, when the sea turtles consume the plastic bag, it often ends up in death. So, that’s one point we want to make...to bring awareness…encourage folks to use reusable grocery bags…several other points we’re trying to make are little things that folks can do to just keep the trash out of the bay.”

The exhibit will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Reserve Center in Eastpoint.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.