Recently we spoke with Jennifer Moreau - A Program Director for Florida For Good, an organization which encourages businesses to support their communities and the environment.
Florida For Good enables businesses to generate impact assessments, which help to guide them towards becoming "B Corps", or companies which adhere to rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
"I felt like I was in another world. I was super afraid of being out that far in the ocean, but I couldn’t take my eyes off the brilliant colors below the water. It was magical."
What is your earliest memory of the ocean?
I was surrounded by freshwater lakes while growing up in Northern Michigan and loved to go ice fishing with my dad in the winter. My first contact with the Ocean occurred during Spring Break during my senior year in college. On a trip to Jacksonville Beach, I discovered that saltwater stings your skin and eyes – but the huge waves were incredible! I stayed all day at the beach and witnessed low and high tide for the first time.
What is your favorite marine creature?
The manatee is my favorite. I love how gentle they are. I adopted one a long time ago through the Save the Manatee program because I heard Jimmy Buffett advocating for them.
Have you experienced a healthy coral reef ecosystem? If so where, and how did it make you feel?
Yes, I snorkeled in Key West in 1992 and saw the beautiful coral reef. I felt like I was in another world. I was super afraid of being out that far in the ocean, but I couldn’t take my eyes off the brilliant colors below the water. It was magical.
Have you seen a badly degraded reef system? How did that make you feel?
I went back to the same place in Key West to snorkel in 2018 with my two sons and the reef didn’t look as brilliant to me. I’m guessing that it has been degraded from all the tourists since 1992.
What concerns or scares you the most about climate change?
I am greatly concerned about the future of my sons and their families. I want them to live in a better and healthier place than I had. I want to be a part of making it better for them – not worse. I’m already encouraging them to live in a different place when they are ready to start their careers because I don’t think Florida will be a safe place with the sea level rise.
Why do you, personally, care about coral reefs?
I care about coral reefs because they are part of our beautiful and unique underwater ecosystem. I care for the living things above water, why wouldn’t I care for the ones below?
Why is protecting and restoring coral reefs relevant to your brand?
Florida For Good is a huge advocate of social and environmental responsibility. It is our hope that many more businesses will learn about your restoration program and help you with the resources you need to fulfill your mission.
Why should the average person care about coral reefs?
The average person is probably one of the largest factors in why coral reefs are deteriorating. They should be the ones caring the most.
In your opinion, what are some of the most powerful tools at our disposal that we can apply to the mission to save coral reefs?
I believe marketing is the most powerful tool to further your mission. If the average person is made aware of their consequences, then they can help foster accountability within their circles of influence.
What do you think are some of the easiest ways that the average person can join the mission to save coral reefs from extinction?
Hold fundraisers and create awareness about what destroys the reefs on social media.
Do you think there is hope for our coral reefs? Why?
Yes, there is always hope because of organizations like yours and partnerships with organizations like Florida For Good.
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