Stand Up, Make Change 2019

https://paytonminzenmayer.com/blog/yrwh5y3cemyff8b8hk9rl7wegla4ez

     What is your passion? Find a cause below and use the link to stand up for what you believe in, change will only happen if we push it. 

Plastic Straws: 

• Urge McDonalds to replace plastic straws -- https://www.change.org/p/mcdonald-s-replace-plastic-straws?source_location=topic_page
• Urge Dunkin Donuts to adopt a straw upon request policy -- https://www.change.org/p/dunkin-donuts-adopt-a-plastic-straw-upon-request-policy?source_location=topic_page
• Urge Starbucks to commit to phase out all plastic packaging--- https://www.change.org/p/starbucks-commit-to-phase-out-all-plastic-packaging?source_location=topic_page

Environment:

• Say NO to expansion of off shore drilling -- https://www.change.org/p/ryan-zinke-say-no-to-largest-expansion-of-off-shore-drilling-ever?source_location=topic_page
• Protect polar bears from oil drilling in the Artic Wildlife Refuge -- https://www.change.org/p/arctic-slope-regional-corporation-protect-polar-bears-no-oil-drilling-in-the-arctic-wildlife-refuge?source_location=topic_page
• Approve sale of only reef safe sunscreen in the Florida Keys -- https://www.change.org/p/florida-state-senate-approve-the-sale-of-only-reef-safe-sunscreens-in-the-florida-keys?pt=AVBldGl0aW9uABOz1QAAAAAAXC7DOs39COwzMWM2NTE1Yw%3D%3D&source_location=topic_page

Conservation:

• Stop trophy shark fishing in Florida -- https://www.change.org/p/fwc-crack-down-on-land-based-shark-fishing?source_location=topic_page
• Urge Coca-Cola to stop using plastic 6-pack rings -- https://www.change.org/p/coca-cola-stop-using-plastic-rings-to-package-soda-cans?source_location=topic_page
• Equal Laws to protect west coast endangered Orcas -- https://www.change.org/p/equal-laws-to-protect-west-coast-endangered-orcas

Pollution: 

• Urge Blue Apron to use a "return and reuse" ice pack program -- https://www.change.org/p/blue-apron-s-ice-packs-go-to-landfills-tell-them-to-make-an-ice-pack-recycling-program?source_location=topic_page
• Urge tobacco companies to take responsibility for butt  pollution -- https://www.change.org/p/sea-hugger-make-big-tobacco-responsible-for-their-cigarette-butt-pollution?source_location=topic_page
• Ban plastic bags in Florida -- https://www.change.org/p/ban-plastic-bags-in-florida?source_location=topic_page

Climate Change:

• Improve climate change efforts -- https://www.change.org/p/department-of-energy-improve-climate-change-efforts?source_location=topic_page

Oceans:

• Stop killing sharks for trinkets -- https://www.change.org/p/miami-surf-style-stop-killing-sharks-for-trinkets?source_location=topic_page
• Save North Atlantic Right Whales from Airgun blasting -- https://www.change.org/p/save-north-atlantic-right-whales-from-seismic-airgun-blasting?source_location=topic_page
• Stop Shark finning trade in Florida -- https://www.change.org/p/florida-state-house-stop-shark-finning-in-florida?pt=AVBldGl0aW9uACTuyAAAAAAAXC7H0DJSW6BkMjQ0NmYyNg%3D%3D&source_location=topic_page
• Urge Governor Rick Scott to join 22 other states to create an action plan for harmful algae bloom -- https://www.change.org/p/rick-scott-florida-s-gulf-coast-is-dying-millions-of-dead-fish-sea-turtles-manatees-and-dolphins-toxictide?source_location=topic_page

Captivity:

• Shut down SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium -- https://www.change.org/p/southwest-plaza-mall-close-seaquest-interactive-aquarium?source_location=topic_page
• End Dolphin captivity in Hawaii -- https://www.change.org/p/david-ige-end-dolphin-captivity-in-hawaii

Plastic Free 2018!

     Everyone makes resolutions around the new year, if your resolution was to go plastic-free you have come to the right place! I've done a similar post to this before but I found some awesome new shops that sell plastic-free solutions to everyday needs, I'm super excited to share these new essentials with you!

     I have found The Zero Waste Collective on Instagram and they have done all of the work for me but I just had to shout out their Instagram page because they are awesome! Here are some of the products I have found with their help. 

Buy this 5 pack of reusable produce bags for $32.83 on amazon

A SILICONE reusable sandwich bag for $11.99 on amazon

  Reusable coffee cup with a silicone cover for $26.95 on amazon

Set of 6, washable cloth napkins for $15.99 on amazon

Bamboo cutlery set with straw for $12.99 on amazon

     The next shop I also found on Instagram called Package Free Shop their products are amazing and their Instagram is so aesthetically pleasing, I highly recommend following them.  Beeswax food wraps, variety or whatever size you need. 

Canning jar drinking lid 

A stainless steel ice pack

    

Fresh start for 2018!

     Hello everyone, it has been a long 6 months away from the keyboard. A lot has happened within that time, I am heading for Florida in May to permanently live there. I got a new job (well old, new job) and will have more time to focus on myself and this blog now that I'm out of the old job. I'm super excited for what this year is going to bring!
   
     What you can expect from this blog within the next year...

• Beach cleanup updates 
• Green living DIY 
• Their Story; will continue 
• Marine life facts
• SeaWorld updates

     I will also continue with recommendations on places to shop and people or businesses to support. I will be adding a segment monthly on the deaths of captive Orcas. This will be called "Lost Freedom" and I will be documenting whale deaths to show an impact on whales and their lives.  

     I am super excited to begin blogging again and seeing where my passion for the earth takes me and this blog next. Happy New Year everyone, here's to a GREEN new year!!   

Hiatus...

     Hello everyone, to those who have been following my blog for the past year, I have had so much fun researching and writing about the things I'm passionate about. Right now I am focusing on my career and need the time to myself when I get it (which isn't often.) May-December is the busiest time for shoppers so I am going to be taking a hiatus until January 2018. I can't wait to be back with new and fresh ideas and continuing with my passion, but until then, farewell. 

Seaworld could have the potential to be something.

     What if...Seaworld was a place you could go to be educated on the rehabilitation of sea animals? A center that shows the process of rehabbing animals back to health. Exhibits showing rescue missions. Live on-screen releases back to the ocean. 

     

     What if...Seaworld was a place you could go to be educated on plastic reduction and ways to prevent plastic pollution in our oceans? Interactive games showing what should be recycled and where. A water ride through a polluted ocean and the effects it has on sea animals.  

    

     What if...Seaworld was filled with interactive rides that stimulate the brain and teach about how marine animals live. "Orca Encounters" but instead of Orcas performing tricks for entertainment, it's a 4D simulator ride that takes you on the journey of a pod, how they hunt and live day to day. 

     

     What if...Seaworld released their Orcas to a sanctuary and let visitors watch them from afar while they live in their ocean homes. Or had a whale tracker that tracked their whales and pods and you could follow them in real-time, on their time.  

     These are just a few things Seaworld could do that would make them money, get their clientele back, and make it as educational as possible. Empty the tanks and make a profit off educational experiences instead of the abuse techniques they use to teach their animals tricks. 

     #EMPTYTHETANKS

People's climate march!

     On April 29, 2017, thousands of people rallied on the streets of Washington DC and all-around cities in America as the Trump administration takes over the US. Marchers poured in to sound off on the major threats of Earth's climate change. 

"Resistance is here to stay, welcome to your 100th day."

     This outcry comes out of fear for our environment, just 100 days into presidency, Trump has already signed executive orders aimed to roll back the Clean Power Plan. Not long after this, he began initiating reviews aimed at opening up protected lands and water to drilling, mining, and logging.


Source:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/29/us/politics/peoples-climate-march-trump.html   

DIY mason jar upcyle!

     This week I've compiled 3 DIY mason jar ideas to upcycle your mason jars and reduce your plastic waste! 

Salt and pepper shakers! These simple cute shakers will be a staple in your house AND it's super quick and easy! Find out how to make them here

Toothbrush holder! This DIY only needs 2 items, a mason jar, and chicken wire! Find out how to make this DIY here

Soap dispenser! If you use liquid soap in place of bar soap this is a simple way to spice up your bathroom counter and its plastic-free. Find out how to make this DIY here

How To: Recycle

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     Why recycle?

     Prevention is better than trying to fix something when it's too late. By recycling, you are helping the environment out tremendously, because not only are the effects of pollution and greenhouse gasses killing animals, they are slowly killing you too. 

1. Dumping our trash into landfills is not sustainable. Our landfills can leak and contaminate soil and groundwater. 
2. Recycling white paper creates 74% less air pollution and 35% less water pollution.
3. Recycling creates jobs, the recycling industry employs more than the auto industry. 
4. Recycling saves money, and not only that but some places even pay you to recycle. 

     What happens to recyclables?

1. Glass bottles become new glass bottles.
2. Steel cans are used for automobile parts and construction material. 
3. Plastic bottles are recycled into carpet, clothing, auto parts, and new bottles.
4. Paper is recycled into new paper. 

     What are the benefits of recycling?

1. Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, which in turn saves landfills from leakages of toxins. 
2. Conserving natural resources.
3. Prevents pollution.
4. Saves energy 
5. Reduces greenhouse gasses, which in turn helps eliminate global climate change. 
6. It helps sustain the environment for years to come. 

     What are the statistics?

1. One ton of recycled newsprint paper saves 601 kilowatts of energy, 71 gallons of oil, 60 pounds of air pollutants, 7.000 gallons of water and 4.6 cubic yards of landfill. 
2. One ton of recycled office paper saves 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, 463 gallons of oil, 3 cubic yards of landfill.
3. One ton of recycled plastic saves 5,774 kilowatts of energy, 16.3 barrels of oil, and 30 cubic yards of landfill.
4. One ton of recycled glass saves 42 kilowatts of energy, 5 gallons of oil, 7.5 pounds of air pollutants, and 2 cubic yards of landfill. 
5. If every American recycled one-tenth of their newspapers it would save 25,000,000 trees a year.
6. Americans use 2,500,000 plastic bottles every hour and more than 75% are thrown away. 
7. 100,000 marine creatures die per year from plastic entanglement or digesting it. 

     What can I recycle?

1. Aluminum cans. 
2. Aluminum foil and bakeware. 
3. Steel and tin cans. 
4. Cardboard.
5. Magazines. 
6. Office paper.
7. Newspaper.
8. Paperboard. 
9. Paper cardboard dairy and juice cartons. 
10. Junk Mail.
11. Phone books. 
12. Clear glass.
13. Brown glass.
14. Green glass.
15. Plastics.
16. Car batteries. 
17. Household batteries. 
18. Rechargeable batteries. 
19. Incandescent and LED lights. 
20. Compact fluorescent bulbs. 

     What can't be recycled?

1. Glass contaminated with dirt, rocks or food. 
2. Ceramics.
3. Heat resistant glass.
4. Mirror or window glass.
5. Metal or plastic caps and lids.
6. Crystal. 

     How can I recycle?

1. Call a recycling pick up service 
2. Use a recycling service like Clynk 
3. Reduce and reuse (Pinterest is a great tool for DIY)
4. Compost
5. Donate or sell used clothes 

     Resources and more about this topic:

- http://www.lessismore.org/materials/28-why-recycle
- https://www.epa.gov/recycle/recycling-basics
- https://www.ecocycle.org/files/pdfs/why_recycle_%20brochure.pdf
- http://www.wm.com/thinkgreen/what-can-i-recycle.jsp

How To: Go Green

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     What is going green?

1. Going green is making conscious decisions to live environmentally friendly. For example: "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle." 
2. Going green means you want to live a sustainable and renewable lifestyle.  
3. A green lifestyle is trying to be as aware of Earth's natural resources as much as possible. 
4. Knowing that you can choose how little or how much you want to engage in the green lifestyle and you don't need to change your whole life at once. That there is a large difference between green living and sustainable living. Green living is a pathway to sustainable living, but to live a sustainable lifestyle you need to be fully committed, and it's totally okay if you don't get to that point. 

     Why should I go green?

1. Going green is a choice you should want to make and not let other opinions shadow you. But there are many reasons why someone would want to transition to green living and I have compiled a list of reasons why someone would convert to a green lifestyle. 

      - The dangers of:

• Nuclear Energy 
• Pesticides
• Herbicides 
• Fertilizers 
• Genetically Engineered Food      
• Climate Change
• Oil
• Environmental Impacts 
• Health and Wellness
• Frugal Living 
• Economy 
• Minimalism 
• Religion and Spiritual Beliefs    

      The list of why someone would go green goes on and on, choose what is best for you and evaluate the reasons you are wanting to become green. Some examples I have listed more in-depth below:

      2. 1.5 acres of rainforest are lost every second to deforestation. With this, there are losses to habitat and biodiversity.

       - Deforestation: the action or process of clearing forests 

       - Biodiversity: the biological diversity in an environment as indicated by numbers of different plant and animal species 

• 137 plant, animal and insect species are lost every day to rainforest deforestation, which means there is roughly a loss of 50,000 species per year.        

      3. Less than 1% of the world's fresh water is readily available for human use. Pollution and contamination are large contributors as well as 87% of our water resources are used for agriculture and 60% of that water is wasted. By mid-century we will be fighting over water. An average American household will use about 300 gallons of water per day, and citizens of other countries only use about 550 liters per day. 

      4. Everyday America produces enough trash to equal the weight of the Empire State Building.  

• On average we throw away 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour.
• We produce enough styrofoam cups to circle the earth 436 times.
• Throw away enough paper build a 12-foot wall from Los Angeles to New York City. 
• Throw away 570 disposable diapers each second.
• Toss out enough aluminum cans to rebuild commercial air fleet every three months.
• Each year we fill enough garbage trucks to stretch from the earth halfway to the moon.
• The Pacific Ocean is believed to hold almost 100 million tons of garbage.   

      5. Recycling 1 ton of paper saves:

• 17 trees
• 2 barrels of oil
• 4,100 kilowatts of energy
• 3.2 cubic yards of landfill space 
• 60 pounds of air pollution

       6. 1 in 4 mammals is at risk of extinction. Humans are the main cause to blame, as we've destroyed their habitats, polluted the earth and hunted far too many. Across the world, 78 percent of marine mammals are threatened by accidental deaths such as getting caught in fishing nets.

       7. If the entire world lived like the average American we'd need 5 planets to provide enough resources.   

     

       How do I start?

1.  Stop receiving junk mail. When you opt-out of junk mail you save 69 lbs of junk mail sent to your home each year. 
2. Give up bottled water. Nearly 30 billion plastic bottles are sold in the U.S yearly, and less than 20% is being recycled. 
3. Conserve energy. 

• Turn off the lights
• Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs such as LED
• Open your curtains and shades during the day to avoid using light energy. 

      4. Use your refrigerator/freezer sustainably. 

• Close the fridge
• Get a freezer that is on the bottom of the fridge
• Fill all fridge/freezer space
• Do not place hot food in the fridge.

      5. Use your dishwasher sustainably. 

• Pre-rinse dishes in cold water
• Skip the dry cycle
• Only wash full loads
• Consider hand washing

      6. Use your washing machine sustainably. 

• Wash only full loads 
• Wash less often
• Wash in cold water
• Purchase a front load washer

      7. Drying clothes and use your dryer sustainably.

• Line dry whenever possible
• Keep lint filter clean 
• Don't overload dryer
• Don't over dry clothing 
• Dry light weight clothing separately from towels or jeans
• Dry loads back to back
• Stop using dryer sheets

      8. Electronics.

• Use power strips 
• Buy all in one electronics like a tv with built in DVD players 
• Laptops are more efficient than desktops
• Turn off your screen
• Use energy saving settings
• Use sleep mode or shut down
• Unplug chargers when not in use

      9. Use your stove and oven sustainably.

• Avoid pre-heating and stick food in right away to use all the heat
• Consider a slow cooker
• Use oven light instead of opening the door 
• Turn oven off early, the heat that is captured will finish the job
• Warm the kitchen, after cooking in the winter let the heat out into the kitchen 
• Use lids on pots and pans 
• Use the correct size burner 
• Use an electric kettle 
• Invest in a convection or toaster oven

      10. Recycle. 

      11. Take your plastic bags to a recycle station. 

      12. Buy reusable grocery bags.

      13. Take your own mug to a coffee shop or buy their refillable cups.

      14. Get E-Tickets to events like movies and concerts as well as for traveling.

      15. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

      16. Bring your own container to a restaurant for leftovers to avoid plastic or styrofoam. 

      17. Walk or ride your bike to places nearby.

      18. Shop at a local farmers market.

      19. Use cloth instead of paper to clean

      20. Repurpose and upcycle things, Pinterest has great DIY ideas. 

Resources and more about these topics:

- http://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/
- http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/definition-going-green
- http://www.treehugger.com/htgg/how-to-go-green-why-to-go-green.html
- http://webecoist.momtastic.com/2008/11/26/amazing-frightening-green-facts-environmental-statistics/
- http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/807479/52-cheap-ways-to-go-green
- http://theartofsimple.net/tips-to-go-green-at-home/

Heart Broken.

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     It is with a heavy heart I make this blog post today. This morning Seaworld announced Tilikum has passed away at the hands of captivity. My soul aches knowing he never got the freedom he deserved, taken from the ocean at only 2 years old he never saw his pod or the deep blue ever again. Tili was 36 years old, far too young to go, though SeaWorld claims it is "average," (The average life expectancy for a male Bull Orca is 70 years in the wild.) Tilly struggled with a bacterial infection for months on end, SeaWorld says it could happen in the wild or in "zoological settings." 

     

"While today is a difficult day for the SeaWorld family, its important to remember Tilikum lived a long and enriching life while at SeaWorld and inspired millions of people to care about this amazing species." - SeaWorld Cares

     Tilly was taken from his home in Iceland in 1983, he was transferred to Sealand of the Pacific in British Columbia. He took is first victim, a trainer by the name Keltie Byrne, pulling her in and drowning her. Soon after the incident, Sealand closed its doors and Tilly was sold to SeaWorld Orlando. He lived out the rest of his life in a 35-foot pool, he was 22 feet long. He performed for years until he took two more victims, a man who trespassed into the park and then in 2010 he took the life of his trainer Dawn Brancheau. After the death of his trainer, Tilly was sentenced to isolation and eventually in March 2011, returned to performing.

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     On March 19, 2016, Seaworld released their first statement about Tilly's illness, and on June 29, they claimed he was making progress. If they had just let him go to a sanctuary he could have at least been in the ocean one last time, felt the freedom of being home once again. But now it's all over, his passing was unethical, indecent and inhumane, this could have likely been prevented had they shut down the breeding program sooner and got him "world-class" care at a sea sanctuary. 

     

     I am deeply saddened and affected by the passing of this beautiful and sensitive, caring creature. There has to be more we can do, we need to work even harder this year to prevent more casualties, fight harder for what we believe in and start a movement. We've gotten the breeding program shut down and the shows canceled but let's take a step further, let's get these whales to the ocean where they belong, we can't wait any longer. 

RIP TILIKUM. NOVEMBER 1981-JANUARY 6, 2017

NEVER FORGET.

   

Whalesome Goals in 2017!

     Ringing in the New Year with two blog posts, the first was a recap of 2016 and now we're moving on to 2017 personal goals to help protect and conserve our oceans. Before moving on to that, let us talk about the above painting. In July I went to a paint night ready to paint a lighthouse at sunset and came out of it with a breaching Orca and educational experience for everyone at the paint night. As we revealed our paintings at the end of the night everyone (including the instructor) was memorized by my Orca. It sparked conversations about Killer Whales, Free Willy, and Shamu. I used this opportunity to educate about captivity and the impacts it has on these beautiful creatures. I will never know what came out of my lecture but I do know it left a mark since I went back in September and the instructor remembered me as the "Orca girl." This is how I want to inspire and educate all throughout 2017. Now onto the goals!

      1. Clean up at least 10 beaches. 

- There is an app called "Clean Swell" that I use to help keep track of what I'm picking up. The app is free and available on iPhone and Android. This app was created by Ocean Conservancy and you can track what you've picked up, total distance cleaned, a record of your cleanup efforts and you can share your efforts with friends on social media. Find out more here.

      2. Reduce the use of plastic by 30%

- I already have started to avoid plastic water bottles and have started getting my co-workers to at least recycle their plastic and cans. I want to take it a step further and; 

• Begin using reusable cups and bags instead of plastic one-use cups and plastic bags.  
• Stop using plastic straws in restaurants.
• Start using a razor with replaceable blades instead of disposables
• Start bringing a reusable container for leftovers at restaurants
• Avoid frozen convenience food  
• Give up chewing gum 
• Start using bar soap instead of liquid hand soap
• Find a plastic-free hairbrush

      3. Adopt at least 3 marine animals. 

- There are great websites like the WDC and WWF that provide ways to adopt animals. On WWF they donate 85% to conservation programs and the WDC donates proceeds to releasing captive Cetaceans and conserve ocean habitats. 

      4. Promote websites that help make a difference at least once a month. 

- In 2016 I discovered two amazing websites that donate some of their proceeds to different causes. The first one is Devoted To The Ocean, they raise awareness about pollution and the growing effects it has on marine habitats. Devocean donates 20% of its net profits to the FAU Marine Research Lab at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. The second website is Beautiful Baleine, they raise awareness for captivity and commercial whaling. 10% of their net profits are directly donated to whales.org to fund efforts in research. 

      5. Sign and promote at least 6 petitions relating to marine life on Change.org

- Change.org is a platform for change, by taking action and signing petitions on their website you could help in success and victories of things you are passionate about. Last year I signed 4 petitions from pledging to re-use plastic, to Seaworld issues. This year I am aiming for 6 or more signed petitions, as well as promoting each petition on my social media.