Hundreds Gather At TPA For Earth Day Event Highlighting Sustainability

TAMPA, FL — From big companies like Coca-Cola and Publix, to local non-profits and universities, hundreds gathered at Tampa International Airport last week for a showcase of sustainability efforts in celebration of Earth Day.

Southwest Airlines showed off designer products including handbags, clothing and notebooks made from leather upcycled from aircraft passenger seats. Coca-Cola presented a display showing what happens to plastic and aluminum drink bottles when they’re turned in for recycling. Publix was on hand to promote the recycling of plastic bags, egg cartons and other items accepted at their store locations.

The event was organized by TPA’s Sustainability and Resilience Program Director Eric Caplan who was on hand to discuss the Airport’s environmental initiatives including the Airport’s focus on sustainable development projects, energy and water reduction efforts, a solar array on the roof of the Economy Parking Garage, and EV charging stations installed in various locations across TPA.

Seventeen-year-old ocean conservationist Ryan Moralevitz presented some of his latest work featuring beach-found trash turned into amazing works of art. Several of his pieces remained on display last week in the Airport’s Main Terminal.

“I could not have been happier with the participation and engagement this year,” said Caplan. “This event was created not only to showcase our sustainability efforts at TPA, but to highlight all the great initiatives happening throughout Tampa Bay.”