His Legacy to Protect It Needs Our Ongoing Support

Date: 10/07/2023

Jimmy Buffett has long been known as the king of laidback island tunes and tropical escapism. However, what many might not realize is that behind-the-scenes, Buffett was a tireless advocate for environmental education, conservation, and protection.

With his affable charm and undeniable passion, Buffett merged his music career with his dedication to preserving the beauty of our planet. Buffett's journey as an environmentalist began decades ago. In 1981, he co-founded the organization "Save The Manatee Club" aimed at safeguarding these gentle creatures and their fragile habitats. Visit the organization’s website and support it here: https://www.savethemanatee.org/

Because of his love for Florida's coastal regions, Buffett became deeply involved in raising awareness about the rising threats to the manatee population. Through benefit concerts, public appearances, and influential speeches, he successfully brought the manatee conservation cause into the spotlight.

As Buffett's influence continued to grow, his commitment to the environment diversified. He expanded his efforts to include coastal and marine conservation initiatives at the community level. In 1995, he co-founded the charitable foundation "Singing for Change" that supports organizations dedicated to preserving natural habitats and educating communities on sustainable practices. This foundation has made significant contributions to numerous environmental projects, aiding in the conservation of fragile ecosystems worldwide. Read more about it and support it here: https://www.singingforchange.org/

Moreover, his philanthropic forays extended beyond financial support. Recognizing the power of music in fostering environmental awareness, Buffett cleverly utilized his platform as a singer-songwriter, musician, and performer to deliver a powerful message of conservation. He weaved environmental themes into his songwriting, often incorporating lyrics that celebrated nature, while also highlighting the urgent need for its protection.

Throughout his career, he encouraged fans to take action and make a positive impact on the world around them. Buffett's dedication to environmental causes wasn’t confined to the United States; it had a global reach. Partnering with various organizations, he actively supported projects in the Caribbean, Latin America, and beyond. By vocalizing the importance of environmental education, he empowered local communities to take ownership of their natural resources and work towards sustainability.

To further solidify his environmental credentials, Buffett personally adopted eco-friendly practices in his own life and business practices. He embraced solar power, installed recycling initiatives at his concerts, and set up the Margaritaville Caribbean solar project to provide eco-friendly energy to impoverished communities.

As we take time to celebrate Jimmy Buffett’s life and music, let’s be sure to remember that he influenced countless fans over the decades to become stewards of the planet. And now, it’s up to all us Parrotheads to further his legacy.

As we forever savor the signature tunes of our favorite tropical storyteller, and indulge in his carefree melodies that have entranced us for years, let’s recognize and appreciate Jimmy Buffett's invaluable role in preserving the natural wonders that inspired his music. His unwavering commitment to environmental education and conservation should continue to inspire others and reminds us to be thoughtful custodians of Mother Earth and the music she so beautifully inspires.

He inspired us to create a Changes In Latitude sneaker, beach towel, and pillow in celebration of his music and advocacy, with a portion of the proceeds from each sale to benefit Save the Manatee. Each pair of sneakers will include a CD copy of his new album, “Equal Strain On All Parts” for your inspiration too.