I already knew that single-use plastic straws were bad, but when I saw the video with the sea turtle with a straw stuck in its nostril, I knew then that I wanted to help people understand just how much destruction single-use plastic straws can cause not only to our planet, but to marine life. Lynne from the Loggerhead Marinelife Center made a comment that I want to share. It goes, "The turtles tell us the health of our oceans, the oceans tells us the health of our planet."
I was fortunate enough to be awarded as a finalist in the 9th annual Loggerhead Marinelife Center's Blue Hatchling award. I was able to tour the facility and meet their turtle patients (Moana is my favorite) and learn first hand about the medical treatment the sea turtles receive at LMC. Not only is LMC world renowned for their turtle research, they have amazing volunteers (around 350) and the best mascot Fletch! LMC does not charge admission but gladly accepts donations. And, proceeds are donated back to Loggerhead Marinelife Center from memberships, donations and purchases in the gift shop.
If you are in the Juno Beach area of Florida, please check out the Loggerhead Marinelife Center. And, don't miss FPL's Manatee Lagoon where you can see actual manatees in the wild swimming right in front of you!