5.25 trillion pieces of plastic reside in our oceans compared to the 400 billion stars in the Milky Way. That means we have 13 times more pieces of plastic in our oceans than stars in our galaxy. This startling fact is the first thing you see when you visit the Debris Free Oceans webpage, a not-for-profit organization established by locals, Caiti and Jeremy Waks. Their long-time love of the water and the growing trash problem inspired them in 2014 to get more involved as well as find a fun and engaging way to educate Miami about the damaging effects of plastic pollution.

Debris Free Oceans focuses on the reductionist approach to motivate people to rethink disposable and single-use consumption by embracing lifestyles with more action and less clutter. To date, they have picked up over 23,000 pounds of plastics and have educated over 4,700 students in Miami-Dade County about plastic pollution and how to live zero-waste lifestyles. 

Through fun events like Keg and Clean where you're rewarded with complimentary beer after cleaning up a neighborhood (as long as you bring your own cup), Debris Free Oceans has inspired a new way of thinking of sustainability.  And to get you started, they've created a zero-waste kit which consists of a reusable aluminum water bottle, reusable bamboo cutlery, and a compact reusable bag which can be purchased on their website.

What You’ll Learn In This Episode:

• When and why plastics were invented
• Why plastics never really go away
• What you can do to reduce your waste/single use plastics
• How they created Debris Free Oceans
• What they do to bring awareness to zero waste and plastic pollution in Miami
• What you need to know about recycling
• What the city of Miami Beach is doing about single-use plastics and recycling
• The Florida plastic bag pre-emption law

We hope you enjoy the conversation,

Alex and Jeanette

For behind the scenes photos, show notes and more visit www.plantedinmiami.com.

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Youtube @plantedinmiami

There are a lot changes occurring in Little Haiti and Abraham Metellus of the Little Haiti Cultural Complex is helping to bridge the gap between community and culture by showcasing programs and events that highlight the Haitian and Afro-Carribean culture. The state of the art facility houses a 300 seat theatre, 2,150 square foot art gallery, outdoor courtyard and a Caribbean Marketplace with local vendors, music, miniature golf, vegan food and more.

When we sat down with Abraham we talked about his rediscovery of his Haitian culture upon moving back from Chicago and how he's been able to use his formal education and experience in his role at the LHCC to facilitate programming.  In addition to spearheading free classes and wellness offerings, Abraham has also organized free tours in traditional Haitian Tap Tap buses to enjoy the sights and sounds of Little Haiti. The Marketplace is a definite must visit on Saturdays with a little something for everyone.

We hope you enjoy the conversation,

Alex and Jeanette

For behind the scenes photos, videos, show notes and more www.plantedinmiami.com

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube @plantedinmiami

Cristina Ivory, the founder of Angry Booch, isn't afraid to experiment, which is why upon finding out about the health benefits of kombucha, she decided she was going to make some for herself. If you've never heard of kombucha, you're not alone.  However, the popularity of this effervescent and fermented drink made from tea is on the rise and Angry Booch is serving up some unique, Miami inspired flavors.

After perfecting her recipes in her parent's garage and working the farmer's market circuit, Cristina opened up Miami's first kombucha tap room in Palmetto Bay where you can enjoy eight different varieties. Using local, seasonal fruit to come up with creative flavors such as Hibiscus Ginger Orange and Lychee Rose, Angry Booch offers some of the tastiest kombucha around. Cristina also has a passion for health, specifically gut health, which has led her to experimenting outside of kombucha to offer seasonal kimchi, pickles, and sauerkraut.  In addition to the tap room, you can find Angry Booch at the Upper East Side Farmers Market and Verde Market.

It was such a pleasure chatting with Cristina in her new tap room and learning all things kombucha.

We hope you enjoy the conversation,

Alex and Jeanette

For behind the scenes show notes, photos, videos and more visit www.plantedinmiami.com

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Pinterest @plantedinmiami