Q&A with Kristina Moreta | Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful is an organization focused on inspiring individuals to take daily action to improve and beautify their community environment. As part of the national Keep America Beautiful network, it is fueled by over 600 community-based affiliates and millions of volunteers working toward a cleaner, greener future. We had the chance to catch up with Kristina Moreta, Development Director, in a thoughtful interview that highlighted her commitment to sustainability and the positive impact she is making in her community.
Can you tell us about your role at Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful?
As the Development Director at Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, my primary responsibility is to secure resources and build partnerships to support our environmental programs and initiatives. I focus on fundraising, grant writing, and fostering relationships with sponsors and donors. Additionally, I work to promote community engagement by connecting individuals and organizations with opportunities to contribute to our mission, whether through financial support or volunteer involvement. My role also involves strategic planning to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of our programs, helping to maintain a cleaner Tampa Bay for everyone.
What programs or initiatives does Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful offer to encourage local businesses and residents to adopt more sustainable practices?
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful offers a wide range of programs to inspire sustainability among businesses and residents. These include community cleanups of parks, beaches, shorelines, and roads, as well as the Adopt-A-Road program, which encourages long-term commitment to maintaining cleaner public spaces. We also host outreach tables, deliver environmental presentations, and organize tree plantings and giveaways to promote urban greening.
Invasive plant removal is another key initiative, helping to restore native habitats and improve biodiversity in our local ecosystems. Additionally, we provide scholarships to students who volunteer with us and demonstrate a passion for environmental stewardship. We also offer opportunities for hands-on involvement through our Trash Free Waters program, which includes cleanups by boat or kayak. These programs make it easy for the community to take meaningful steps toward a greener future.
How do you personally encourage your friends and family to adopt eco-friendly habits and go green?
I believe that simple changes make a big difference, and I always share that philosophy with my kids, friends, and family. I encourage them to start with small, manageable changes—like reducing single-use plastics, recycling properly (check the city or county’s webpages for information), or conserving water—because those are habits, they can maintain over time. By leading by example and showing how easy it is to integrate green habits into everyday life, I hope to inspire them to take steps toward sustainability.
Is there a particular environmental documentary or book that has deeply inspired you? What key takeaway did you gain from it?
One documentary that deeply inspired me is A Plastic Ocean. It highlights the profound impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems. The key takeaway for me was the urgent need for collective action—not only through cleanups but also by reducing our reliance on single-use plastics and advocating for systemic change.
What would you consider one of the most successful projects or achievements by Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful?
One of our most successful initiatives has been the Trash Free Waters Program. This project not only reduces litter in our waterways but also engages the community in tangible environmental stewardship. Seeing volunteers, especially youth, actively participating and realizing their power to make a difference has been incredibly rewarding.
What motivated you to join Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, and why do you believe it’s important to practice sustainability on a personal level?
I’ve been connected to Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful since I was 16 years old, starting as a volunteer 21 years ago. My background as a teacher deepened my desire to inspire and educate others. Three years ago, I joined the team officially, driven by my passion for connecting people to their environment and empowering them to take ownership of their communities. Sustainability on a personal level is crucial because our everyday choices ripple outward, impacting the world around us. Simple actions like composting, conserving water, or reducing waste can collectively lead to significant change.
What is one green change you’d love to see in your community in the near future?
I’d love to see an increase in the number of local businesses using eco-friendly options. Whether it’s switching to compostable straws, cups, or utensils, reducing plastic usage would make a significant impact. Seeing less plastic in the Hillsborough River and Tampa Bay would be a huge step forward for our community and environment.
If you had to pick an animal as the mascot for KTBB sustainability efforts, which animal would you choose and why?
We already have the perfect mascot: Pelican Pete! Pelicans are iconic to our coastal ecosystem and a reminder of how important it is to protect our waterways and natural habitats. Pelican Pete embodies our commitment to sustainability and inspires the community to join us to Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful.
In one word, how would you describe your vision for a greener, more sustainable world?
Resilient.
Do you have any final thoughts or insights about your work with Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful that you’d like to share?
My work with Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful has reinforced the power of community for me. When people come together for a common cause, they create lasting impacts—not only on the environment but on each other. Every cleanup, educational event, and partnership builds a stronger foundation for a cleaner, greener future. It’s a privilege to be part of that journey.
To learn more about Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, visit their website at keeptampabaybeautiful.org, or connect with them on Facebook (facebook.com/KeepTampaBayBeautiful) and Instagram (@keeptbb).
If you’d like to be featured in our Sustainability in Action interview series and newsletter, please feel free to reach out to kcarrillo@wedu.org. We’d love to hear from you!