Debbie Kinsella

I will get my Core Four Biometrics tests (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and BMI).

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

Pick up trash in your neighborhood or a local park.

Orangutans and many other animals are in danger due to unsustainable palm oil plantations, which destroy their forest homes. Palm oil can be found in many products—even candy! We are dedicated to caring for animals, so we encourage you to consider purchasing candy that contains sustainable palm oil. For a list of suggestions, please visit: https://www.stlzoo.org/files/9815/6985/6138/STLZoo_Candy_Guide_for_Holloween.pdf

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

I will spend quality time with family and friends by playing low-tech game(s) and/or through the spirit of imagination.

I will take a 45-minute walk outside each day.

The Aquarium of the Pacific has bundled a number of their past lectures on various aspects of climate change. You can pick and choose, but they have arranged them in a sequence that they believe presents a coherent picture of climate change and its impacts. Each of these lectures was presented by a leader in his/her field. See link below.

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

I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy.

If at all possible, I will not accept any disposable bags when making purchases.

Plastic bags and small plastic pieces like straws are most likely to get swept into our waterways. I will keep 1 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill and ocean each day by refusing straws or using my own glass/metal straw.

Read a (new to you) book about sustainable living. Check the links for some suggested titles or ask a friend or fellow volunteer for a recommendation.

Complete the 3-minute consumption calculator to find ways to balance your plastic footprint.

Download the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's sustainable palm oil shopping app.

Support companies that have joined the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). Write to your favorite companies and restaurants. Ask them to use sustainable palm oil in their products and to join the RSPO if they haven't done so already.