Conservation has always held a special place in my life. In graduate school, I focused my research on the circular food system, exploring how food waste can fuel future food production and preparation. As Sanibel’s Chief Resilience Officer, I have the privilege of looking at how our daily choices shape the long-term sustainability of our island. During a recent City Council meeting, I learned from Island Water Association that nearly 60% of the water used on Sanibel goes toward irrigation. Hearing that statistic, combined with my own research background and professional role, sparked a bigger question for me: how can we reduce our waste size in every part of our lives?
That question became the foundation for the “Reduce Your Waste Size” workshop series, a practical and approachable program designed to help residents take both simple and long-term steps toward conserving our island’s precious resources.
The first workshop focused on energy conservation. Many participants arrived hoping to lower their electric bills, and we shared tips tailored to both year-round residents and snowbirds preparing to leave their homes for part of the year. Everyone walked away with easy behavioral changes, long-term improvement options, and practical tools to reduce energy use, whether at home or on the road…