Video news stories reported and produced by Victoria Crosdale and Alice Barlow. Anchoring by Courtney Patterson. Web editing by Jamie Newby and David Rose.
Every year, at least 8 million tons of plastic seep into our seas, the equivalent of one garbage truck full of plastic being dumped into the water every minute. By 2030, that number is anticipated to rise to two garbage trucks every minute, and four by 2050, when studies predict that there will be more plastic in the oceans by weight than fish if nothing is done.
Tampa Bay has equipped a fully operated robot to help pick up trash in response to concerns of litter on Florida beaches.
The BeBot, an eco-friendly cleaning robot, was manufactured by Poralu Marine, a global company engaged in the design, manufacture and installation of environmentally-friendly marine technology and infrastructure. This beach robot was made for the sole purpose of cleaning and restoring our coastlines while preserving the natural environment. It mechanically sifts sand to remove plastic waste and other debris.
“There is a growing trash problem of people, whether they’re tourists or Florida residents leaving behind their trash on our beaches,” said Debbie Evenson, executive director of Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful. “When a plastic bag is floating in the waterways, turtles, t’s like they think that it’s a jellyfish. So, they’ll ingest the plastic bag and when they do, they suffocate. Marine debris affects not only in our community of how it looks, it’s like it also impact the marine life.”
For more information to reduce your use, visit Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful for more information.
Gas prices hit a 7-year high as holiday season nears
Gas prices in Florida have almost doubled since its low of $1.82 in May 2020. According to the Energy Information Administration, crude oil demands have returned faster after the COVID-19 pandemic than supply inventories.
Due to the personal travel changes, government and business responses and economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for petroleum products declined drastically, and prices fell. Now with travel numbers almost to their 2019 equivalent, petroleum supplies have struggled to meet demand.
The White House has asked oil companies to increase production which would help lower fuel costs around the nation.
The EPA has put out some tips on different ways to help improve the car’s fuel economy. Watching how to brake and accelerate can make the car 10-40% more efficient and using features like cruise control on the highway will also use less fuel.
