One of the highlights of The Palm Beaches is the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, which provides protection to many species of wildlife. Visitors can partake in a range of activities, such as hiking, cycling, fishing, and kayaking in the historic Everglades wetland ecosystem. Additionally, the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary at Abramson & Schlaggar Reserve is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to wildlife conservation and education. Here, injured native Florida wildlife is rescued and rehabilitated, and the sanctuary also provides a permanent home for animals that cannot be returned to the wild.

For those seeking a more active experience, Visit Palm Beach offers the Mangroves and Mansions Kayak Tour where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of some of the destination’s most spectacular estates. The South Cove Natural Area provides an opportunity to paddle through the mangroves and spot birds, fish, and manatees. Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center allows guests to catch a glimpse of Florida’s beloved “sea cows” during manatee season (Mid-November through late March), or to adopt a sea turtle patient at Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) on Juno Beach. This center is dedicated to ocean conservation, rehabilitation, and research and offers guests first-hand experiences to engage with the local community and provide vital health care to endangered species, in line with this year's theme, Planet Vs Plastics.

When it comes to getting around The Palm Beaches, visitors can explore in an eco-friendly way with Circuit’s convenient 100% electric shuttle service. Available in downtown West Palm Beach free of charge and in Palm Beach for a small fee, this is a great alternative to driving. Delray Beach Freebee is also a free on-demand service that transports visitors and locals in and around the downtown Delray Beach area. Furthermore, last year saw the launch of a sustainable high-speed rail service, Brightline, between Miami and Orlando, with stops in Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach. The advanced technology provides an energy-efficient alternative way to explore the city, reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions and helping to remove more vehicles from the roadways.

Sustainability is reflected in The Palm Beaches’ hospitality scene, with several hotels belonging to the Florida Green Lodging programme, such as The Jupiter Beach Resort and Spa, Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, and Courtyard by Marriott Boynton Beach, among many others. This initiative recognizes lodging facilities that make a voluntary commitment to conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources. The Hilton West Palm Beach is LEED-certified Silver, using energy-efficient lightbulbs throughout the property that use 75% less energy than standard lighting. They also work with “Clean The World” to recycle discarded soap into new bars and Circuit to ensure guests have an easy, eco-friendly transportation method for the duration of their stay. Similarly, the historic Colony Hotel & Cabana Club uses 100% renewable energy, high-efficiency lighting, recycled lumber for renovations, and donates a U.S. dollar per booking to a local green organization to help play their part in the journey towards a more sustainable future.

PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens blends wildlife experiences with exceptional hospitality. The resort is home to four on-site beehives and over 250,000 honeybees and their queens. For $125 per person, guests six years and older can enjoy a guided tour of the hives, complete with protective beekeeping clothing and a professional beekeeper, where they can learn more about the species’ health and productivity. For those seeking farm-to-table dining experiences this Earth Day, the experience is complemented by a honey and food-tasting session at the property’s on-site restaurant, Honeybelle.

With The Palm Beaches' commitment to sustainability and conservation, visitors can explore and appreciate the destination while keeping in mind their environmental footprint. It is an opportunity to support eco-friendly travel, be mindful of our impact on the planet, and work towards a more sustainable future.