Everyone who lives, works or even visits South Florida benefits from a healthy environment. Many think our ecosystems and waterways are fully contained in parks and natural areas completely isolated from the places we live and work. But the lakes, rivers and wetlands –including the Everglades — as well as the plants and wildlife are connected, and are all part of what makes Florida special.

Residents and visitors all have an impact on the Everglades. Think about things many of us do on driveways and in yards like fertilizing, insect control, car washing, cleaning paint brushes and rollers, even dumping excess cleaning materials or chemicals. Pollutants from these activities can be picked up by stormwater runoff and carried into the ground and surface water, contaminating the environment and threatening our drinking water sources.

Businesses and farms are equally connected to the environment. Many can make the same types of changes in their workplace as individuals make in their homes. Most of South Florida's agricultural growers have long histories with the land and have established practices to minimize pollution and conserve water. Still, new strategies are devised all the time.

Although our population continues to grow, our water supply is limited. South Floridians consume an average of 170 gallons per day per person, a much higher rate than the national average. Most of us can reduce our use by making small, simple changes in the ways we use water.

That's why conserving water and preventing pollution from fertilizers or pesticides can make a big difference. In this section, we show you how YOU can make that difference.