Going Green in the South: Beaches of South Walton, Florida
Here’s a bit of trivia for you. What state, in 2008, has 37 beaches that have received Blue Wave certification by the Clean Beaches Council (CBC)?
Obviously, if you’re reading this blog, it must be a southern state, so that should narrow it down for you.
Still unsure?
Well, the answer is Florida. 
And did you know that nearly half of those 37 beaches happen to be in the Beaches of South Walton. That’s right, the 14 beach communities as well as the three state parks have been certified through the CBC’s Blue Wave Ethic Program - or the past eight years. Yes, eight years. Surprised? Well, you shouldn’t be, because it only makes sense that some of the most beautiful beaches would be environmentally sound.
“We wave our blue flags with pride,” says Tracey Louthain, director of public relations and visitors service with the Beaches of South Walton. She adds that it’s important to to assure travelers visiting the beaches that it’s a clean and pristine environment.
Beaches of South Walton has to apply every year for certification and according to Louthain, it’s quite a detailed process that include testing the sand and taking a water quality sample.
And it doesn’t end with the testing. The beaches have implemented a handful of green-conscious programs, such as the “Leave No Trace.” This focuses on visitors (and locals) responsibility (PDF file) of taking everything with them after their visit to the beach.
“Leaving that tent or chair overnight has ramifications,” she points out. “Not only is it challenging for the beach maintenance team to groom the beach, but also can have an affect during sea turtle nesting periods. That item may prevent the turtle from laying a nest.”
Back to the beach maintenance team that she mentioned above. The team oversees the health of the beaches 365 days a year. Not only are they responsible for the upkeep of the beach, but also they constantly replant sea oats, which are vital to the endangered beach mouse.
In addition, the Visitors’ Center also provides free recycled garbage bags for visitors to use throughout their stay. At the end of the visit, they can place the bag on the curbside for pick-up. For a green souvenir, you can even purchase a recycled tote bag for a $1. Louthain comments the tote bags are really popular, and not only fun, but useful too.
“This is all a natural extension of the green lifestyle that is practiced at home, and we want it extended to the beach vacation as well.”
From the Blue Wave certification to the eco-friendly programs, it really comes down to the visitors’ experience on the Beaches of South Walton. And the visitors are the only one benefiting either; Louthain says that locals love it.
“They’ve see the impact year around and really support it.”
Photo credit: All photos are courtesy of Walton County TDC/Beaches of South Walton
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POSTED IN: Beaches, Eco-Tourism, Eco-friendly travel, Florida Panhandle, Going Green in the South, Green Travel, Southern Byways, Things to See in Florida
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