In a powerful demonstration of the potential of community action and voluntarism, the Libertarian Party of Miami-Dade (LPMD) recently led a successful environmental cleanup initiative in Biscayne Bay, collecting nearly 200 lbs of garbage and removing it from the bay. This event highlights the LPMD’s commitment to fostering a culture of voluntarism in their communities and serves as a shining example of how grassroots efforts can drive positive change.

On Sunday, November 12, 2023, a dedicated team of volunteers, including LPMD members and local residents, came together for a paddle boarding and kayaking event aimed at cleaning up Biscayne Bay. The impressive result of almost 200 lbs of garbage removed from the bay underscored the effectiveness of voluntarism over government regulation in addressing environmental issues.

Lisa Gansky, then Vice Chair of the LPMD, expressed her pride in the community’s dedication to protecting Biscayne Bay, emphasizing that voluntary efforts can create a significant impact without the need for heavy-handed government intervention. “Our community showed immense dedication and spirit in protecting Biscayne Bay, one of Miami’s most cherished natural treasures,” she stated.

Hector Roos, Chair of the LPMD, echoed this sentiment, explaining, “Taxes and regulation don’t make people suddenly care about the trash they leave behind. Instead, those who grew up with the ecological treasure we have in Biscayne Bay – who are concerned about its future – are the best people to take care of it.”

The LPMD’s collaboration with Biscayne Bay Paddle Boards & Kayaks, led by Daniel and Ricardo Luces, was key to the event’s success. The partnership with a local business dedicated to the environment played a vital role in motivating volunteers and facilitating the cleanup effort.

“Biscayne Bay is blessed with the presence of dolphins, manatees, and an array of amazing marine life. It’s essential that we protect our waters and these beautiful creatures,” stated Daniel Luces. “We wholeheartedly encourage and commend groups interested in participating in future cleanup efforts. To support voluntary endeavors, we’re always pleased to offer discounted rates to those who want to join us in safeguarding our environment.”

Building on the success of this event, the LPMD encourages State Senator Ileana Garcia to consider the potential of voluntarism and community-led initiatives. The party believes that organizing regular cleanup events, driven by the power of the community, will help to foster environmental stewardship and create positive change.

“We believe that true conservation comes from the ground up,” Gansky added. “We invite our lawmakers, including Senator Garcia, to witness the power of community action firsthand and join us in future events.”

The LPMD remains committed to leading by example in the realm of environmental responsibility and hopes that this event serves as a catalyst for further voluntary conservation efforts across Miami-Dade and beyond.

As the Libertarian Party of Miami-Dade continues to make a difference in their community, they are looking forward to organizing more such events to continuously improve and protect the environment. Their dedication to voluntarism and grassroots action is paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.

Lisa Gansky, Columbia Business School MBA, photographer, and Threat Intelligence Analyst, is a passionate libertarian activist. She actively volunteers for the LPF, LPNY, and LP National, and shares her insights on politics and liberty via her Substack, lisaliberty.com. You can also find her on X: @lisa617.

The opinions shared here do not necessarily represent the official position of the Libertarian Party. These editorial articles have been submitted by Libertarians across the country, and featuring these topics does not represent an endorsement of the content therein.

The opinions shared here do not necessarily represent the official position of the Libertarian Party. These editorial articles have been submitted by Libertarians across the country, and featuring these topics does not represent an endorsement of the content therein.