venkateshkumar KV

I will respect and protect biotic communities by practicing the seven principles of Leave No Trace when doing nature activities alone or with family and friends.

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

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.

At least 30% of crops and 90% of flowering plants rely on pollinators, including monarch butterflies, to produce fruit. I will spend 5 minutes researching which plants support local native pollinators and plant some in my yard.

I will spend at least 5 minutes researching how biodiversity positively impacts our world and how the loss of biodiversity harms it.

I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 3 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

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

I will save up to 12 gallons (45 L) of water a day by flushing only when necessary.

Avoid beauty products with micro beads or harsh chemicals that will feed into the ground and your water supply.

Plastic packaging can clog our water ways and the stomachs of sea creatures. I will advocate for alternatives to single-use packaging at local grocery stores, markets, at work, or on campus.

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

I will host or participate in a trash pickup at a local river or beach that follows the CDC’s current guidelines for prevention of disease transfer.

I will spend at least 5 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 10 minutes learning about a wild animal I find interesting, including their life cycle, habitat, ecosystem functions, and interactions with humans (if any!).

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.