Every Action Counts: Sophie Ringel of Clean Miami Beach (SI NEWS CLIP)

In this Sneaker Impact News clip, Sophie Ringel, founder and executive director of Clean Miami Beach, shares her journey from Germany to Miami, the formation of Clean Miami Beach, and her experiences growing into a non-profit powerhouse. Sophie and Bryan discuss the importance of community involvement in environmental cleanup, overcoming challenges as a non-profit, gaining corporate support, and the recent success in advocating for a statewide ban on balloon releases. From sharing best practices for organizing cleanups to highlighting upcoming events like EcoFest, this conversation is packed with inspiration and practical advice for making a positive environmental impact.

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Watch the full podcast episode at https://youtu.be/KkCPYxSWmXM?si=5e-7qSppv6pzBPdR

Transcript

Sophie Ringel: 0:00

Did you know that one of these cups stays in a landfill for 450 years? It's not my responsibility to pick up other people's trash, but leaving it in nature is even worse. Clean Miami Beach has conducted 368 cleanups, educating 15, 200 volunteers and the removal of over 100, 000 pounds of debris from Miami Dade County's beaches, parks, and waterways. I reflected and realized that I had created a movement and I wanted to take it to the next level. it was very helpful to grow with social media, to reach more people in the area. Along the way what really was key was consistency. Keep going, keep doing, keep posting, keep talking about, keep inviting. And that's how we grew. I'm going to share the news that we're going to launch Clean New York City. over 80 percent of the trash we find here locally is Local. What happens is when people discard their trash by throwing it out of the windows, which please, guys, please don't do that. And if you see somebody, please educate them. reduce the amount of trash. Stop all the single use plastic. Leave no trace. Take only pictures. the state of Florida recently banned the release of balloons. the average American produces around 4. 9 pounds of waste per day. But in Miami Dade County, it's almost eight. what I've personally seen, all the single use plastic, they're used in offices and homes. It's always better to use reusable. Today, there is 170 trillion pieces of plastic in the ocean and it only Took 60 years. every single action, no matter how big or small matters, because they all add together and it does, Inspire others. There's no planet B, be kind to each other and just do the best we can.