I learned that okapi calves don't poop for the first month to two months of their lives. This helps protect them from predators until after they've gained strength and some independence. I love okapi because of their unique appearance and because they are elusive. When I first got Zoo Tycoon on PC in like 2001, they were the first animal I created an exhibit for because I had no idea what it was. I hope to visit a zoo with them in the future!

The world doesn't nave an endless supply of water, and there's only so much filtering you can do, so eventually we will run out, so wasting water has a big impact on our supplies. There are several water companies that also steal water from towns across the world, leaving the local people without water, so you have to do your research to make sure you aren't supporting those companies. Also, the chemicals you use in your yard, or to clean something can run off into waterways, harming native species.

I love the outdoors! It's nice to step away from the modern world consumed by technology and the need for attention, and head into the mountains for a hike or to camp, or even just leave the house and go in the backyard to take in some sunlight. If you've seen the movie Wall-E, that's exactly what I picture the earth like in the future - fat people from not exercising, a planet in ruins and a lack of empathy for our world.

They provide our food for us! These essential workers can't protect themselves from human actions such as pesticides and destruction of their nests, so their numbers are dropping drastically.

The more familiar you are with your surrounding area the more likely you are to take care of it and advocate that others do the same. I feel like this is especially important for kids who can grow up with a sense of responsibility instilled in them through learning about the world around me. 

I just moved so I'm spending A LOT of time learning about the 'new' world around me.

My favorite environmentally friendly habits: 
   *Reducing my single use plastic by using plastic wrap and plastic baggie        alternatives like beeswax paper and tupperware. 
   *Buying veggies that aren't wrapped in unnecessary plastic, bonus points if it comes from a farmer's market!
   *Cutting meat out of at least one meal a week. Also a great habit for challenging your cooking and diet habits. 

My favorite environmentally friendly habits I haven't mastered yet:
   *Biking instead of driving my car whenever possible. 
   *Using a reusable mug or bottle at coffee shops, I have about a 40% success rate    with this so far. 
   *Keeping my global carbon footprint in check by not making unnecessary purchases, especially going for the cheapest item which is usually the most poorly made. 

This happens to me in retail stores most often. I associate the grocery store with needing my bags (especially at Aldi...) but it doesn't always occur to me if I'm at Target getting a bathing suit and I usually end up getting a disposable bag :( I keep my bags in my car trunk but maybe I should keep at least one on the front seat so I have to see it every time I'm in the car.