DAY 9
GET SERIOUS ABOUT INVASIVE SPECIES!
Eighty-percent of the biomass (life) in the Mississippi River is from invasive species, particularly Asian Carp.
An invasive species is a plant or animal non-native to the area that takes over. Invasive species, both plants & animals, can ruin biodiversity and disrupt the natural balance.
Challenge:
Be The Solution and learn the difference between natives, non-natives, and invasives. Most outdoor stores, parks, forest preserves, and state parks can lead you to correct information.
What are common ways invasives species are introduced in your area? What can you do to minimize further damage from invasives?
For More Information:
The National Number to report invasive species: (877) 786-7267
http://www.sheddaquarium.org/greatlakes/invasivespecies.html
http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
The 90-Day Plan: DAY 8
DAY 8
As you get to know the world around you,
LEAVE NOTHING but FOOTPRINTS and TAKE NOTHING but PICTURES.
Always Be Aware » Try to leave an area the same or better than how you found it.
You’ve made it this far, take it one step further aim to produce ZERO WASTE.
→ http://www.zerowaste.org/
Challenge: Create a 100% recyclable, and compostable grocery list
For More Information:
http://www.lnt.org/programs/index.php
http://www.illinoisbiz.biz/dceo/Bureaus/Energy_Recycling/Education/ISTEP_Zero_Waste_Schools.htm
As you get to know the world around you,
LEAVE NOTHING but FOOTPRINTS and TAKE NOTHING but PICTURES.
Always Be Aware » Try to leave an area the same or better than how you found it.
You’ve made it this far, take it one step further aim to produce ZERO WASTE.
→ http://www.zerowaste.org/
Challenge: Create a 100% recyclable, and compostable grocery list
For More Information:
http://www.lnt.org/programs/index.php
http://www.illinoisbiz.biz/dceo/Bureaus/Energy_Recycling/Education/ISTEP_Zero_Waste_Schools.htm
Sunday, June 28, 2009
The 90-Day Plan: DAY 7
DAY 7
UNDERSTAND YOUR LOCAL ECOSYSTEM
What are the current issues within the area?
Does it affect you in any significant ways?
Consider, in what way…. you fit in it
EVERY community has a unique ecosystem and it’s own natural areas
Challenge: Rank the ten most endangered species in your area/region .
What is a threat to them? What can be done to increase their odds of survival?
Then…….. Spread the word
WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW CAN HURT YOU!
For More Information:
www.dnr.state.il.us
http://www.epa.gov/kids/index.htm
UNDERSTAND YOUR LOCAL ECOSYSTEM
What are the current issues within the area?
Does it affect you in any significant ways?
Consider, in what way…. you fit in it
EVERY community has a unique ecosystem and it’s own natural areas
Challenge: Rank the ten most endangered species in your area/region .
What is a threat to them? What can be done to increase their odds of survival?
Then…….. Spread the word
WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW CAN HURT YOU!
For More Information:
www.dnr.state.il.us
http://www.epa.gov/kids/index.htm
Saturday, June 27, 2009
The 90-Day Plan: DAY 6
DAY 6
CHANGE YOUR MODE of TRANSPORTATION →→→ to your next destination.
How many places that you frequent can you walk, skate, or bike to instead of driving?
Make this change at least once a week, including going to visit friends.
KEEP in MIND: cutting just one trip per day from your drive lowers emissions, and saves you money on fuel.
BONUS: It also reduces the need for additional off-shore drilling!
Challenge: What is the carbon dioxide Parts Per Million (PPM) threshold for coral reefs?
How many miles is your commute? List 3 ways you can commute without riding alone.
For More Information:
www.muirskate.com
www.surfrider.org
www.oceana.org
CHANGE YOUR MODE of TRANSPORTATION →→→ to your next destination.
How many places that you frequent can you walk, skate, or bike to instead of driving?
Make this change at least once a week, including going to visit friends.
KEEP in MIND: cutting just one trip per day from your drive lowers emissions, and saves you money on fuel.
BONUS: It also reduces the need for additional off-shore drilling!
Challenge: What is the carbon dioxide Parts Per Million (PPM) threshold for coral reefs?
How many miles is your commute? List 3 ways you can commute without riding alone.
For More Information:
www.muirskate.com
www.surfrider.org
www.oceana.org
Friday, June 26, 2009
The 90-Day Plan: DAY 5
DAY 5
UNPLUG… Phantom Loads (anything not in use) can account for 10-20-even 30% of a household’s energy use.
Over 75% of U.S. energy production comes from burning fossil fuels which produce C02 that is naturally absorbed by the ocean..
BUT excessive amounts cause ph levels to drop..leading to the destruction of coral reefs and shellfish
Save energy & amp; money : unplug chargers, appliances, and other electrical devices
- using a power strip is a convenient way to do this-
Also, for good measure, turn off lights when you leave the room.
Challenge:
What is calcium carbonate?
What do coral reefs and shellfish have in common?
For More Information:
http://www.loseyourexcuse.gov/index.html
http://www.smarthomeusa.com/ShopByManufacturer/Bits-Ltd./Item/LCG5/
UNPLUG… Phantom Loads (anything not in use) can account for 10-20-even 30% of a household’s energy use.
Over 75% of U.S. energy production comes from burning fossil fuels which produce C02 that is naturally absorbed by the ocean..
BUT excessive amounts cause ph levels to drop..leading to the destruction of coral reefs and shellfish
Save energy & amp; money : unplug chargers, appliances, and other electrical devices
- using a power strip is a convenient way to do this-
Also, for good measure, turn off lights when you leave the room.
Challenge:
What is calcium carbonate?
What do coral reefs and shellfish have in common?
For More Information:
http://www.loseyourexcuse.gov/index.html
http://www.smarthomeusa.com/ShopByManufacturer/Bits-Ltd./Item/LCG5/
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The 90-Day Plan: DAY 4
DAY 4
Please PASS on PLASTICS (most common form of marine pollution)
the majority of plastic waste comes in the form of disposable plastic bottles and bags
Even if you dispose of a plastic container in the recycle bin, chances are, it will end up in a landfill, or worse…when it comes down to it, LESS THAN 4% OF PLASTICS ARE RECYCLED.
WHY? Lack of DEMAND and generally, it is less expensive to use virgin plastic as opposed to recycled plastic. Generational loss is another factor--that means each time plastic is reprocessed it breaks down whereas glass or metal can be recycled almost indefinitely.
Be the solution to plastic pollution: Stop using disposable PLASTIC BOTTLES ► www.ecousable.com
Challenge: A Plastic Island???
Look up the Central Pacific Gyre. what can you do today to ensure that it does not expand?
Take the Plastics Pledge: http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/rap_pledge
Count how many disposable plastic products you use today! It all adds up.
For More Information:
www.algalita.org
,
Please PASS on PLASTICS (most common form of marine pollution)
the majority of plastic waste comes in the form of disposable plastic bottles and bags
Even if you dispose of a plastic container in the recycle bin, chances are, it will end up in a landfill, or worse…when it comes down to it, LESS THAN 4% OF PLASTICS ARE RECYCLED.
WHY? Lack of DEMAND and generally, it is less expensive to use virgin plastic as opposed to recycled plastic. Generational loss is another factor--that means each time plastic is reprocessed it breaks down whereas glass or metal can be recycled almost indefinitely.
Be the solution to plastic pollution: Stop using disposable PLASTIC BOTTLES ► www.ecousable.com
Challenge: A Plastic Island???
Look up the Central Pacific Gyre. what can you do today to ensure that it does not expand?
Take the Plastics Pledge: http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/rap_pledge
Count how many disposable plastic products you use today! It all adds up.
For More Information:
www.algalita.org
,
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The 90-Day Plan: DAY 3
DAY 3
REDUCE, REUSE, and then RECYCLE.
Order here matters…that is…. for conservation efforts to be most effective
Although recycling is better than throwing something away, the process still requires a great deal of energy to transport and sort materials.
therefore REDUCING is the key principle
First: Reduce the amount of products you use Second: use them again recycle third
It is estimated that landfills in ILLINOIS only have
10 years worth of space left : What’s your state’s number?
Challenge: how far away is your recycling center and landfill? What additional recycling services does your municipality offer?
can you obtain a large container instead of a small bin and make an attempt to recycle more items than you throw away?
For More Information:
http://www.nrdc.org/thisgreenlife/0802.asp
http://www.thinkgreen.com/recycling
REDUCE, REUSE, and then RECYCLE.
Order here matters…that is…. for conservation efforts to be most effective
Although recycling is better than throwing something away, the process still requires a great deal of energy to transport and sort materials.
therefore REDUCING is the key principle
First: Reduce the amount of products you use Second: use them again recycle third
It is estimated that landfills in ILLINOIS only have
10 years worth of space left : What’s your state’s number?
Challenge: how far away is your recycling center and landfill? What additional recycling services does your municipality offer?
can you obtain a large container instead of a small bin and make an attempt to recycle more items than you throw away?
For More Information:
http://www.nrdc.org/thisgreenlife/0802.asp
http://www.thinkgreen.com/recycling
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The 90-Day Plan: DAY 2
DAY 2
Take a stand. DON’T LITTER.
It’s the most basic act of responsibility.
≈≈
Unfortunately many people, still, improperly dispose of garbage.
Over 80% of trash found in the oceans comes from land.
next time, don’t just walk by litter,
set the example by picking it up and disposing of it properly.
Challenge:
Did you know that on average, Americans throw almost 5 pounds of trash away every day? Weigh the amount of waste you produce today and determine if you trash more than you recycle.
For More Information:
www.istep.org
http://www.pickup3.org/Home.html
Take a stand. DON’T LITTER.
It’s the most basic act of responsibility.
≈≈
Unfortunately many people, still, improperly dispose of garbage.
Over 80% of trash found in the oceans comes from land.
next time, don’t just walk by litter,
set the example by picking it up and disposing of it properly.
Challenge:
Did you know that on average, Americans throw almost 5 pounds of trash away every day? Weigh the amount of waste you produce today and determine if you trash more than you recycle.
For More Information:
www.istep.org
http://www.pickup3.org/Home.html
LAUNCH @ Shedd Aquarium
I can't think of a better day or a better place to kick-off The 90-Day Plan. The weather in Chicago yesterday is about as good as it gets around here. The hospitality and welcome I received from the staff at Shedd Aquarium was a warm as the weather.
I would like to thank Todd Main from Governor Quinn's office for coming in support of The 90-Day Plan and It's Our River Day.
The planned swim/paddle in Lake Michigan had to be canceled because the water was contaminated with fecal coliform, E-coli, and other contaminants from stormwater because of the weekend rains. This must be a reminder of the work we have ahead.
Other than that and a slight interruption by the notorious Lincoln Park Pirates (tow company), the day went very well. It is always great to spend time in Chicago, even if it is extra time tracking down your vehicle.
Monday, June 22, 2009
The 90-Day Plan: DAY 1
DAY 1
DIVE IN!
The best way to become familiar with the water?
Swimming is great exercise, and experiencing the water builds appreciation for it.
1 in 3 Americans don’t know how to swim
already know how to swim ?
.. do you have a friend or family member you can teach?
....or make it a goal to improve on your ability.
Challenge:
are there any water sports you would like to try? make an attempt
to try a new water activity before summer is over.
For More Information:
http://swimfoundation.org
DIVE IN!
The best way to become familiar with the water?
Swimming is great exercise, and experiencing the water builds appreciation for it.
1 in 3 Americans don’t know how to swim
already know how to swim ?
.. do you have a friend or family member you can teach?
....or make it a goal to improve on your ability.
Challenge:
are there any water sports you would like to try? make an attempt
to try a new water activity before summer is over.
For More Information:
http://swimfoundation.org
Thursday, June 11, 2009
The 90 Day Plan
As part of Illinois Governor Pat Quinn's It's Our River Day Celebration , Kristian Gustavson's organization Below the Surface is launching THE 90-DAY PLAN: 90 Ways in 90 Days to Clean and Conserve Water . Upstream actions are leading to serious impacts downstream. The connection is clear: problems on our coasts do not start there; in order to address water quality concerns in our oceans, we must introduce solutions upstream.
Beginning on June 22 nd 2009 and running to It's Our River Day on September 19 th 2009 Below the Surface will also host an interactive version of the program on its website www.belowthesurface.org with one tip to clean and/or conserve water per day for ninety-days.
The Mississippi is the most polluted river in the United States and nonpoint pollution is largely to blame. Collective runoff from non-specific sources, ranging from city streets to farm fields, combines to form nonpoint pollution. Consequently, the Mississippi River delivers more nonpoint pollution into the ocean than any other source in the US.
The 90-Day Plan serves as a solution to non-point pollution in the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico by focusing on the regenerative ability of a river's constant flow. If we can allow the Mississippi and other rivers within its watershed to run their course, while cleaning up our act for three months—we could see conditions improve as the rivers replenish themselves. The Plan is based on the three-month retention time (duration of flow from source-to-sea) of the Mississippi River. By using the Plan as a model, this program can be applied to improving water quality in any river or watershed in the US and beyond. All we need to try are 90 ways for 90 days!
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Kristian Gustavson, Below The Surface and The 90 Day Plan
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