As Florida enters the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, residents are urged to prepare early and wisely. But beyond the usual checklists and storm shutters, there’s a growing movement toward sustainable hurricane preparedness—a way to stay safe while minimizing environmental impact.
🌀 Why Sustainability Matters During Storm Season
Traditional hurricane prep often involves single-use plastics, disposable batteries, and last-minute overconsumption. These habits can lead to excess waste and strain local ecosystems already vulnerable to storm damage. A sustainable approach helps reduce your carbon footprint while still keeping your family safe.
✅ Sustainable Hurricane Prep Checklist
1. Build a Greener Emergency Kit
Use rechargeable batteries and solar-powered chargers for flashlights and radios. Including energy-efficient LED flashlights and lanterns will increase battery life and reduce the need for replacing batteries and excessive charging.
Choose reusable water containers and filter systems instead of buying cases of bottled water. Pitchers, thermoses, cooking pots, even a clean five gallon bucket can be an excellent receptacle for potable water.
Stock up on non-perishable foods with minimal packaging or in recyclable containers, or learn how to preserve foods using jars and canning methods for a fun and sustainable way to create food stores with lasting shelf lives and minimal impact on our landfills.
Use camping stoves that utilize propane instead of charcoal as a way to mitigate air pollution. Always be sure to use cooking tools in a safe, open-air environment to prevent injuries or damage from fire and smoke.
When stocking up on personal hygiene products, use eco-friendly soaps and shampoos to avoid contaminating watersheds, especially following significant rain events that may result in localized flooding.
2. Prepare Your Home Responsibly
Install storm shutters made from recycled or sustainable materials. Instead of using new wooden boards every year, investing in impact-resistant laminated glass or recycled metal window covers will keep you safe and cut down on deforestation.
Use native landscaping to reduce debris and improve drainage. Proper landscape planning can cut down on wind impact, provide shade to efficiently cool your home, and may also provide shelter during storms for local wildlife.
Collect rainwater in barrels (if safe and legal in your area) for non-potable uses. In areas where water use may be impacted during and after a storm, having an accessible surplus is always a good idea.
If you need to cover furniture and appliances due to damage resulting in exposure, use items already in your home such as shower curtains and plastic-lined tablecloths. You may find it easier to purchase and store waterproof tarps that can also be reused season after season.
3. Reduce Energy Use Before and After Storms
Unplug electronics to prevent power surges and reduce phantom energy use.
Invest in energy-efficient backup power like solar generators or battery banks.
4. Plan for Waste Management
Avoid overbuying perishables that may spoil during outages.
When buying nonperishables, be sure they are something you will consume even after the storm season has passed.
Compost food scraps if possible and separate recyclables from storm debris.
If unable to wash dishes during or after a storm, use disposable but compostable dishware.
📍 Local Resources and Support
The Florida Division of Emergency Management encourages early action and offers detailed guides on building kits and understanding your home’s risk [1]. The Florida Department of Health also provides health-focused storm readiness tips [2].
🌱 Resilience Is Green
Sustainable hurricane preparedness isn’t just about being eco-friendly—it’s about building resilient communities. By reducing waste, conserving resources, and planning ahead, Floridians can weather the storm while protecting the environment we all depend on.
References
[1] Florida Division of Emergency Management Urges Early Action During 2025 ...
[2] Florida Hurricane Preparedness - Florida Department of Health