#USA #Key West #Hyatt Centric #Proud Source Water #Reef Relief

Major Marine Cleanup Initiative in Key West

Proud Source Water, a key player in sustainably sourced bottled water, has joined forces with Hyatt Centric Key West in an ambitious marine debris cleanup project at Rest Beach located within the Key West Nature Preserve. This initiative forms part of Proud Source Water’s Proud Planet Project, which emphasizes community engagement in environmental efforts aimed at waste reduction and sustainability.

The cleanup, supervised by Reef Relief, a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of reef ecosystems, saw the participation of over thirty volunteers. Armed with specialized Parks Project cleaning kits, these individuals worked tirelessly to eliminate non-biodegradable waste littering the beach. This effort resulted in the collection of over 120 pounds of debris, with a significant proportion composed of microplastics harmful to the region's turtle population.

Michael Boyd, the President of Proud Source Water, expressed the company's commitment to reducing its environmental footprint, stating, "We have a responsibility as a consumer-packaged goods company to collect what we put out into the world." The initiative is designed not only to clean the beaches but to inspire local communities to engage in environmentally responsible practices, setting a precedent for cooperation between businesses and conservation organizations.

Hector Ortiz, the General Manager of Hyatt Centric Key West, echoed this sentiment, noting the importance of the natural beauty of the Florida Keys, stating, "As a premier resort destination, our pristine beaches and vibrant marine life are integral to the breathtaking natural ecosystem we proudly share with our guests." The collaboration not only aims to address the pressing issue of marine debris but also fosters a greater awareness of sustainability among visitors and residents alike.

The Proud Planet Project is the latest chapter in an ongoing partnership between Proud Source Water and Hyatt Centric Key West, established around shared goals of environmental stewardship. In the previous year, the two organizations launched The Infinite Bottle Project – an innovative initiative focusing on circularity and recycling. Thus far, this project has successfully reclaimed and recycled over 4,300 pounds of aluminum, contributing to Hyatt Centric's objective of becoming a single-use plastic-free resort. These endeavors reflect a growing trend toward responsible tourism and sustainable business practices in the hospitality sector.

Moreover, the initiative has gained traction in raising visibility for Reef Relief's mission, which aims to protect the Florida Reef, the only living coral barrier reef in North America – a critical habitat for marine life. The partnership's progressive approach serves to inspire others in the industry to take similar actions toward sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Proud Source Water and Hyatt Centric Key West plan to continue this momentum, expanding their efforts to engage the local community in sustainability initiatives. As they work toward combating the detrimental effects of marine debris and promotion of responsible consumption practices, they demonstrate how partnerships can yield significant positive outcomes for both the environment and the community.

This is more than just a cleanup; it’s about creating a movement toward sustainability, where every bottle of water consumed can contribute to the preservation of our planet’s invaluable natural resources. The actions taken at Rest Beach are a testament to what can be achieved when companies prioritize environmental responsibility and partner with community organizations toward a common goal.

Through such collaborations, Proud Source Water and Hyatt Centric Key West are setting an example for other businesses to follow in the pursuit of sustainability, improving the health of marine ecosystems and ensuring the beautiful landscapes of the Florida Keys remain pristine for generations to come.