Viridescence - be green!

The Top Five Ways to Help Our Oceans Ocean pollution harms marine wildlife, threatens food safety, and contributes to climate change. Ocean pollution reduces habitat and species populations. Pollution threatens food safety by contaminating seafood with heavy metals, which are harmful to humans. Ocean pollution contributes to climate change by changing the acidity and the temperature. By following these five steps, you will help reduce ocean pollution and increase ocean health. #1 DO NOT POLLUTE Our oceans are full of billions of pounds of pollution. In fact, billions of pounds of pollution enter the ocean every year. [1] The pollution comes from many sources including street trash, beach litter, and household waste. Other forms of ocean pollution include animal waste, vehicle fluids, and agricultural run-off. Credit: NOAA #2 STOP USING SINGLE-USE PLASTIC Plastics are responsible for 8 million tons [2] of ocean pollution per year. Sadly, wildlife gets tangled or ingests plasti...

Like all other “disposable” items, the single-use face mask ends up as pollution. According to the BBC News, environmental groups are reporting that, single-use masks are being dumped outdoors by the millions [1] . These masks then become a danger to wildlife . Tragically, wildlife gets tangled in the straps of discarded disposable masks or they may swallow the straps. SOLUTION : Use a reusable facemask that you can wash and use repeatedly! And when it is time to toss it out, remember to SNIP THE STRAP ! [1] https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-54057799

(https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/climate-impacts/climate-impacts-water-resources_.html)

“For it is in giving that we receive.” ―St. Francis of Assisi Typically, during the holiday season, we purchase gifts that are not environmentally friendly. Frankly, the holiday season is filled with wasteful traditions. Consumerism is one of the top contributors to waste, environmental degradation, and climate change. One way to reduce environmental degradation and improve your carbon footprint while giving a gift to a loved one is to give a gift that benefits the environment. Before purchasing material goods as a gift, consider supporting the environment by giving one of the following gifts! Living Tributes The U.S. Forest Service and the Arbor Foundation sell living tributes, which are trees planted in the in honor of a named loved one. The honoree receives a customized greeting card in the mail detailing the type and location of the tree. Additionally, the environment will get a boost by increasing the number of trees, which will filter carbon dioxide out of the air. Eco-...

With cold weather on its way, now is the time to weatherize your   home. All types of homes (apartment, duplex, mobile homes, single-family) benefit from weatherization. Making your home resistant to cold weather by adding storm windows, insulation, etc., will not only make those cold winter nights cozy it will also reduce your energy consumption and reduce your energy bill. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates a savings on your energy bill of 5 to 30%. Weatherization – What you do Add insulation to walls and attic – if needed Seal air leaks in attic with expanding foam or caulk (seal around chimneys, wiring, ducts, flues, and vent stacks) Caulk doors and windows Install weather-stripping to windows and doors Install plastic sheeting on inside windows and sliding doors Install door sweep Seal furnace ducts Seal household leaks with spray foam (around door and window frames, chimneys, vents, skylights, etc.) Use heavy curtains or drapes Energy Audit Hire a Certified Energy Audito...

Part of the Eco-Challenge to refuse single-use plastics is to keep your community clean. Take the daily challenge to  pick up 10 piece(s) of litter each day while following the CDC’s current guidelines for prevention of disease transfer. "The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones."  Chinese Proverb