“No one can do everything, but everyone can do something” Think globally, act locally”....there are lots of catchy sayings but if you were looking for some quick, easy ways to make a significant difference without changing your lifestyle or going 'off the grid'...here are some steps to take:
• REUSE means to use the same item more than once. Do it often. With glass, totes
• REDUCE means to live more carefully so you create less waste. Try to purchase things with less packaging, for example. Purchase on line to avoid paper waste. Pay bills on line to reduce mail.
• RECYCLE means to process used materials into new products. Milk cartons can be recycled into benches or carpet for example; cardboard can be used to make paper bags and paperboard; metal cans can be made into new car parts.
Park and Wilderness Visitors
“Take only pictures, leave only footprints”....good advice for outdoor adventures! You impact wild places as they rejuvenate and restore you. Tips for respectful visits:
• Plan ahead and know the rules
• Reduce trash (and lighten your backpack, use of campfire)
• Re-use others' campsites
• Stay on trails (don't trample new growth, new ground)
• Leave everything as you found it
• DO NOT TRANSPORT NON-NATIVE SPECIES (no dirt, plants or firewood. Clean your clothing and gear OF ALL 'hitchhikers' (bugs, etc)
• Minimize campfire impacts with small fires only in established fire rings
• Respect Wildlife by storing food and trash properly
• Respect other visitors by using soft voices, not creating any loud sounds
• Use only REFILLABLE water containers
• Drive a safe vehicle that won't leak or make loud noises
At Home And In Your Yard
• At home you can put on a sweater instead of adjusting the thermostat.
• Get out and WALK...it is healthier for you and the planet!
• Follow the REUSE, RECYCLE, REDUCE model of consumer behavior.
• Discard CAREFULLY! Some things can contaminate soil or water if disposed of improperly.
• Educating yourself about the threats facing wildlife and wildlands is one of the BEST things you can do for the planet
• Find tools and information to make planet healthy choices
• Join a conservation group to learn more and do more
• VOTE for environmentally friendly candidates who will protect the earth
• SUPPORT science based advocacy, research and public education
• INFORM others; share these simple rules
• AVOID plastic and paper products to save marine life
• BYOB bring your own reusable containers
• Flip OFF lights. Use one source of illumination at a time. Save your electric bill and avoid adding more light pollution
• PLANT a tree. It's good for the soil. It's good for the birds. It helps reduce climate change
• GET OFF mailing lists!
• Support charities, causes and candidates that work to protect threatened species, preserve natural habitats, promote clean air/ water/ soil
On The Water
To promote a wild, healthy ocean for the future, you must live an ocean friendly lifestyle if you don't live on the ocean! Little things can benefit the ocean and marine life such as:
• Be mindful of the land sea connection. Everything flows downstream. What we do affects our waterways. Runoff from lawns, farms, streets, parking lots and construction sites is a HUGE source of pollution. Poor habits are creating 'dead zones' where nothing can survive
• Plant a buffer zone of trees to filter runoff and protect habitat if you live on the water
• Use less fertilizer by creating compost for your gardens
• Wash cars on grass not driveways so the grass can act as a filter
• Report construction sites that don't use silt fences or other means of keeping harmful runoff out of storm drains
• PLANT TREES
• Decrease water usage
• Don't use the toilet as a trash can or garbage disposal
• Sweep walks and driveways because hosing them drags chemicals such as oil, antifreeze, etc into storm drains or waterways
• Empty pools or hot tubs onto grass where nature can filter the chemicals naturally
• Don't fill gas tanks; avoid spills
• Retrieve all fishing lines, lures and gear to avoid wildlife entanglements
• Drive boats carefully, slowly so as not to kill marine life (both plants and fish...)
• Rinse boats IMMEDIATELY to avoid spreading invasive species
• Carry Out everything you carried onto the beach to avoid wildlife ingesting or becoming entangled in your trash
• DON'T TOUCH marine organisms when snorkeling and diving
Healthy Living For You And The Planet
By following these simple rules, you can help keep the ocean, the land and all the living things we share HEALTHY. Voting for conservation programs and candidates that support them helps create policy that protects the earth. Sign up for cleanups. Download apps like CleanSwell to track trash. Visit websites like www.worldwildlife.org or www.oceanconservancy.orgto get more tips. Contribute to environmental causes and candidates.