Naples family starts swimwear line to ‘Save Our Shells’

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A potential beneficiary from the profits of the Naples-based Lazy Turtle swimwear brand. (Credit: WINK News)
A potential beneficiary from the profits of the Naples-based Lazy Turtle swimwear brand. (Credit: WINK News)

A Naples family is inspiring people to help save sea turtles by hitting the beach.

Megan Elwell’s family gets so much pleasure going to the beach that they wanted to do something for the beach. It worries them about the impact humans have on our environment. Their focus was on Southwest Florida’s sea life.

“I like turtles,” AJ Elwell said. “Every time you see them, they’re just floating on the water.”

“They’re lazy and cool,” Lizzie Elwell said.

“They’re just floating around,” JuJu Elwell said, “eating stuff and having a fun time.”

So together, the Elwell clan designed and launched their brand of swimwear, named “Lazy Turtle.” The family partnered with the Sea Turtle Conservancy in Florida. Lazy Turtle allocates around 10 percent of its profits to the non-profit.

The family hopes their beachwear brand, which can be found at the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and a few Naples stores, also changes how people treat turtle habitats. They want to inspire people to help “Save our Shells.”

“I hope it results in humans will care more about them,” AJ said. “And not throw trash in the ocean or do stuff that is harming turtles right now.”

“And hopefully see [an] improved situation for sea turtles and hope that we play a small part in that,” Megan said. “It’s never too early to start making a difference.”

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