Plastic Free Key Biscayne
#PlasticFreeKB plans to eliminate single-use plastics in the Village of Key Biscayne through partnerships with local environmental nonprofits with a three-tiered certification program for local businesses.
#PlasticFreeKB is part of #PlasticFree305, a county-wide initiative to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics and their detrimental effects on the environment. This website outlines the process for registration for Key Biscayne businesses, the types of plastics to eliminate, alternative products, and the benefits of participating in the program (such as inclusion on the Miami-Dade #PlasticFree305 map of participating businesses). It encourages businesses to contribute to our environmental sustainability and offers support in achieving plastic-free goals. Businesses provide proof of their efforts through inspections or documentation during follow-up visits. Businesses will be recertified annually.
#PlasticFreeKB is a youth-lead program. Local High School or first–year University students are trained and certified on the environmental impacts of plastic waste, the three-tier plastic free program, alternative best practice products, and public speaking. Once trained, the students interns then visit and inform Key Biscayne businesses on how to qualify and register for #PlasticFreeKB. Student interns also share sustainable product information and links to suppliers with products for best practice.
To read about the student internship and to join, CLICK HERE.
#PlasticFreeKB’s Goals
- Promote a culture shift away from single use plastics to REDUCE
- Plastic production
- The use of crude oil used to produce plastic
- Our negative effect on climate change.
- Educate on how to adopt reusable and sustainable replacement strategies.
- Outreach to Key Biscayne businesses to eliminate single-use plastics.
- Invite residents and businesses to register in a 3-tier certification program.
- Reward participating businesses and residents with exclusive incentives.
- Celebrate Key Biscayne’s businesses and residents who eliminate single use.
Our Strategies/Benefits
- Enhance Key Biscayne’s natural beauty and sustainability.
- Train student interns to register businesses to #PlasticFreeKB.
- Partner with local businesses and nonprofits and showcase and promote those businesses who register for #PlasticFreeKB with the support of the Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce and the Key Biscayne Community Foundation.
- Implement the 3-tier certification program that benefits business with a reward system.
- Support local businesses making eco-friendly transitions.
- Incentive program for businesses who register with the #PlasticFreeKB initiative.
- Bring the community of Key Biscayne together to protect our Island Paradise.
#PlasticFreeKB Certification Tiers
TIER ONE
Local businesses that have pledged to remove one or more eligible single-use plastic products.
TIER TWO
Local businesses that have removed two or more single-use plastic products.
TIER THREE
Local businesses that are currently 100% single-use plastics-free.
Local Nonprofit Partners
Key Biscayne Citizen Scientist Project
Promoting environmental education and awareness of local resources on Key Biscayne and Virginia Key. Learn more.
Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce
Serving local Member businesses and fostering prosperity in our community. Learn more.
Fill A Bag
Converting daily beach walks and paddle outings into meaningful beach and mangrove cleanups. Learn more.
A Zero Waste Culture
Composting waste and other organics to create rich-nutrient filled soil. Learn more.
Debris Free Oceans
Inspiring local communities to responsibly manage the lifecycle of plastics and waste. Learn more.
Ocean Conservancy
Ocean Conservancy is working with you to protect the ocean from today’s greatest challenges. Learn more.