Dine out sustainably this summer season at Keys eating places which have pledged at hand out single-use objects — like plastic utensils, straws, and condiment packets — solely if you ask.
This summer season, eating out within the Keys comes with a aspect of sustainability. Eating places and meals vans are becoming a member of the Skip the Stuff Summer time marketing campaign, a easy but highly effective pledge at hand out single-use objects — like plastic utensils, straws, and condiment packets — solely if you ask.
It’s a small change with a huge impact: fewer plastics in our lovely waters, price financial savings for eating places, and a simple method for guests to journey (and eat) a bit lighter.
The Skip the Stuff Summer time initiative is a partnership between Surfrider Florida Keys, Monroe County authorities, and passionate native companies who love the Keys as a lot as you do.
So subsequent time you seize a chunk, be a part of the motion — say “no thanks” to stuff you don’t want and assist defend the coral and different marine life within the Florida Keys Nationwide Marine Sanctuary.
The place to Eat & Skip the Stuff
Right here’s the place you’ll be able to dine sustainably this summer season at eating places taking part within the Skip the Stuff pledge:
Key Largo
Num Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar
Tavernier
Gardenias Bistro at Island Dwelling Backyard Middle
Islamorada
Love Bites Bistro at The Banyan Tree
Puerto Vallarta Mexican Bar & Grill
Marathon
Key West
This marketing campaign runs by means of September 30 — however why cease there? Collectively, we are able to make “skipping the stuff” a Keys behavior all yr lengthy.
Take pleasure in Mexican delicacies with daring flavors at Amigos Tortilla Bar on Greene Road in Key West. Picture courtesy of Amigos.

Discover Love Bites Bistro within the backyard at The Banyan Tree in Islamorada. Picture courtesy of Love Bites Bistro.
Along with the “Skip the Stuff” marketing campaign, many companies all through the Keys have signed on for Reef Reduction’s Skip the Straw initiative together with the Plastic Free Key West pledge for companies within the southernmost metropolis. Each campaigns goal to maintain plastic out of Keys waterways and the ocean, primarily as a result of marine life that ingests plastic has a excessive mortality fee.
If you happen to’re in search of different methods to assist our marine ecosystem, you’ll be able to take a free cruise with Conch Republic Marine Military to gather trash and marine particles from delicate mangrove shorelines. Journeys depart from Marathon, Looe Key and Key West. They’ll reward your efforts by taking you to a close-by sandbar for some well-deserved rest and a free lunch!
Divers can take an lively half in restoring coral reefs on coral planting dives with I.CARE or Coral Restoration Basis within the Higher Keys, or Reef Renewal and Mote Marine in partnership with Capt. Hook’s in Huge Pine Key.
And whilst you’re within the Keys, please make sure you use mineral sunscreens, that are ocean pleasant versus most business chemical sunscreens. Most of these sunscreens include chemical compounds that may harm marine life DNA, induce coral bleaching, deform or kill younger fish and even induce defects in younger dolphins.
Ocean-friendly manufacturers embody Stream2Sea, Uncooked Parts, Little Arms Hawaii, All Good and Uncooked Love, which will be discovered at quite a lot of Keys companies together with those listed right here by Reef Reduction.