Noelle Cole

Plastic bags can be mistaken for food by many wild animals. If at all possible, I will not accept any disposable bags when making purchases, including produce bags.

I will scrape, rather than rinse, dishes before loading into the dishwasher and only run the dishwasher when it’s full.

I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 2 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

I will connect with at least 2 person/people a day through phone call or video chat to support mine and other’s mental and emotional health during this challenging time.

An estimated 71% of seabirds and 30% of turtles have been found with plastics in their stomachs. When marine wildlife ingest plastic, they have a 50% mortality rate. By asking for no straw when placing a drink order, I will keep 2 plastic straw(s) of out of the ocean each day.

I will replace 11 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning about a wild animal I find interesting, including their life cycle, habitat, ecosystem functions, and interactions with humans (if any!).

Bringing home unique souvenirs from trips you’ve enjoyed is meaningful, and giving people unique gifts from other places is fun. Seek souvenirs and gifts that support local communities and do not cause harm to the environment or wildlife.

I will visit seafoodwatch.org or download the app and commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean.

I will watch 1 documentary(ies) about food sovereignty: the right of local peoples to control their own food systems including markets, ecological resources, food cultures and production methods.

I will plant native species, landscape with water-efficient plants, and use eco-friendly fertilizers.

I will spend at least 20 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

I will spend at least 20 minutes learning about how our oceans support life on Earth by producing oxygen, regulating climate, and providing habitat, food, and jobs.

I will spend at least 20 minutes researching how biodiversity positively impacts our world and how the loss of biodiversity harms it.

I will replace or remove the palm oil, coffee, and cocoa products in my current diet that are known to contribute to deforestation.