August 2025

Florida International University’s Chaplin School is addressing the global issue of food waste, which accounts for over a third of all food produced annually. They've established a sustainable garden and food circularity lab, where garden beds are composted with food scraps from local festivals. The innovative "Farm to Bar" initiative exemplifies a fun approach to sustainability by reusing cocktail garnishes as bases for oleos or composting them.

This scheme not only tackles a significant moral and environmental problem but also proves that being green can be enjoyable.

In an effort to adapt to changing climate conditions, scientists are sending seeds into the stratosphere aboard a SpaceX rocket with NASA astronauts. Seeds from various countries, including the U.S., Brazil, and Nigeria, are exposed to zero gravity and cosmic radiation, with the theory that these conditions will trigger DNA changes to make plants more resilient to heat, droughts, and floods back on Earth.

This project follows successful trials where Chinese wheat varieties returned with improved drought tolerance, pest resistance, and higher yields. The long-term goal also includes developing seeds capable of surviving trips to the moon or Mars.

Optimism is returning to Florida’s Apalachicola Bay as wildlife officials have preliminarily approved the re-starting of oyster harvesting from January 2026. A five-year ban was instituted after the oyster population, once accounting for 90% of Florida’s farmed oysters, plummeted due to drought, increased water demand, and overharvesting.

The intervening years have allowed the shellfish to recover, leading to a carefully monitored, limited re-opening. This move is expected to revive the local fishing industry and allow tourists to enjoy local, freshly shucked oysters again, boosting the regional economy.

A leading Florida water management consultancy shows how their smart approach plays a significant role and pays dividends both for their clients and their own continued growth and reputation.

For the communities that Insight Irrigation supports, Hoover's Flowguard software and intelligent pump stations provide the ready access they need to huge volumes of data, documenting flow rates and operating pressure at every sprinkler head, water usage, water source levels and the status of every pump on every property they manage. This collaboration underscores Hoover's role in helping consultants deliver efficient and effective irrigation monitoring and water management consultancy services for their clients.

A breakthrough at FAMU-FSU’s College of Engineering offers a solution to plastic waste with the creation of a sustainable polyurethane made from waste products of paper manufacturing. This new material is as practical and versatile as traditional polyurethane but critically eliminates the hazardous compounds typically used in its production. It boasts lower energy consumption and greater manufacturing efficiency, significantly reducing the toxic load for both people and the environment.

This scientific advance targets a tricky waste problem, with plans to scale up the technology for mass production.

UF/IFAS research in Florida is revolutionizing agriculture by focusing on building healthier soil through the power of microscopic microbes. Similar to efforts to strengthen seeds, scientists are studying how these microbes act as "recyclers," breaking down organic matter and building vital soil nutrients. The aim is to reduce the need for chemical fertilizers, minimize damaging run-off into waterways, and cultivate crops that are more resilient to climate change and drought.

Specific work includes identifying microbes that protect seagrass from toxic sulfides, promising both cost reduction for farmers and environmental protection.

If you haven't already seen them, take a few moments to browse these stunning images from the Florida Wildlife Federation's 2025 Lou Kellenberger Florida Photo Contest.

The winning photographs give us a real appreciation of the lovely and varied life and landscapes of the Sunshine State, and more than just beautiful art, they reinforce the reason we are so dedicated to its protection. The contest aims to celebrate and raise awareness of Florida's rich wildlife.