5 Easy Ways to Travel More Sustainably in the Florida Keys

Whether you're an eco-warrior or just starting to think more about your travel footprint, the choices you make on vacation matter. At Grassy Flats Resort, we believe travel can be both enjoyable and environmentally responsible, and we’re here to help you do it effortlessly.

Here are five simple, practical ways you can travel more sustainably and how we’ve built our resort to support you every step of the way:

1. Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodations

Sustainable travel starts with where you stay. By choosing Grassy Flats, you’re already ahead of the game. Our resort was built with green living in mind, from solar-powered energy systems to zero single-use plastics.

Why it matters: Traditional hotels consume massive amounts of energy and water. Eco-resorts like ours use significantly less and give back more.

2. Refill Instead of Tossing

It’s easy to forget how much waste a single trip can generate—especially plastic bottles. That’s why Grassy Flats provides refillable water stations and aluminum water bottles that you can use throughout your stay. We also stock reef-safe sunscreen, refillable toiletries, and compostable packaging wherever possible.

Tip: Bring a reusable bottle, tote bag, and utensils to reduce your footprint even further.

3. Try Low-Emission Activities

Exploring the Keys doesn’t have to mean revving up an engine. At Grassy Flats, you can rent kayaks, paddle boards, or bicycles to explore the surroundings. Our location offers easy access to activities that don’t harm the environment or your peace of mind.

Bonus: Non-motorized sports mean zero emissions and a better chance of spotting dolphins, manatees, and tropical birds (hello, flamingos!).

4. Be a Reef-Safe Swimmer

The coral reefs in the Florida Keys are stunning and fragile. Sunscreens with harmful chemicals like oxybenzone contribute to coral bleaching. We proudly offer reef-safe sunscreen in our gift shop and market and educate guests on how to protect marine life.

Pro Tip: Choose mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They’re safer for your skin and the ocean.

5. Travel Consciously, Not Perfectly

Sustainable travel isn't about being perfect, it's about being mindful. Whether you’re skipping daily towel changes or shopping local at markets, small choices add up. Our team is always happy to suggest locally-owned restaurants and activities around town.

At Grassy Flats, we believe every guest can make a difference. And when you leave a lighter footprint, you take home something even greater: a deeper connection to the world around you.

Ready to Travel Better?

Book your stay at Grassy Flats and experience how easy sustainable travel can be. Because paradise should stay paradise!