Viridescence - be green!

Picture Credit: N.O.A.A. Marine reserves are a crucial component in protecting global fisheries and ensuring a healthy ecosystem. Productivity and species diversity are often used to measure the health of an ecosystem and it is exactly these components that are declining in many coastal habitats. [1] A marine reserve is an area of ocean that is completely protected from any and all extraction activities (i.e. fishing, netting). This protection from extraction activities makes marine reserves a useful tool for ecosystem-based management because habitat alternation ends allowing for the recovery of several species populations at the same time. [2] Community outreach is an excellent way for resource managers to hear and consider the concerns of the local citizens affected by marine reserves as well as for citizens to learn about the benefits and importance of marine reserves. Marine reserves are a useful tool to learn more about ocean resources and protect them for future

We (humans and wildlife) all live on the same planet and share natural resources. We all breathe the same air, drink the same water, and eat food grown in shared soils. Essentially, we are all connected to each other and dependent on the same resources. Therefore, we should all consider the Earth and its environment our home. We should feel connected to the resources we use and depend on instead of disconnected like the majority of us feel. If we begin to view the environment as our home, we may be more incline to keep it clean and thriving. Often we feel disconnected from the environment around us. We buy food from the store instead of working the land ourselves. We turn on the tap for clean water taking for granted that 783 million people worldwide do not have access to clean and safe water (Water Project, 2016). A more sobering fact is that in 2014 1.6 million Americans reported not having access to running water, a toilet or a tub/shower (Riggs, 2018). Let us not take for gran

According to the EPA 1 , in 2015, the United States generated 34.5 million tons of plastic waste. Unfortunately, Americans did not recycle most of this plastic waste. Only 9.1% of plastic was recycled in 2015 with 26 million tons entering the landfill. 2 Let us take control of our plastic waste by using durable, reusable, eco-friendly products. GLASS STRAW Replace disposable plastic straws with reusable glass straws. Look for one that is durable, reusable, and eco-friendly. Select a glass straw that is BPA Free, Non-Porous and Hypo-Allergenic. Also, make sure that it is approved for both hot and cold beverages. An example is the straight classic glass straw by  Simply Straws . STAINLESS STEEL STRAW If you are concerned about breaking a glass straw then the stainless steel straw is a good alternative to the disposable plastic straws. Look for one that is food grade and constructed with 18/8 stainless steel. An example is the 5-piece stainless steel straw set by K