January 31, 2017

As our federal government changes, our job remains the same; to hold our civil servants accountable. It is crucial that our new president take the threats our planet faces seriously and takes responsibility for the future of our land, water, wildlife, and clean air. With the claim of climate change being a “hoax” and the executive clearance of two controversial oil pipelines, this does not seem high on the priority list of his fossil fuel-driven cabinet choices.

How can we move against the fossil fuel industry? Bike to work.There are always petitions you can sign to make your voice heard, but I’m here to share with you a few ways you can be sure you aren’t contributing to the problem.

Go green! Make green choices that help deplete the usage of nonrenewable fossil fuels and will sustain current resources for generations to come. Focus on respecting the environment by using only what is needed for survival. If you have access, use green energy such as solar panels and support local businesses that do too. There is even a registry for green businesses, check one out today. Instead of driving your car, use public transportation when possible.

Participate in your local recycling/compost programs! The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 75 percent of American waste can be recycled. You can help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels by recycling your waste instead of sending it to a landfill.

Reduce your plastic consumption! Yes, you’ve heard this over and over but I can’t stress how extremely important this is. Plastic is made from petroleum. Petroleum is a fossil fuel. The more fossil fuels we burn, the more CO2 we release into Earth’s atmosphere, ultimately warming the planet. See how a fossil fuel driven presidential cabinet could prove problematic to this issue?

Water refill.

Stop wasting your money on plastic water bottles and invest in a reusable one that you can refill forever! Here at Ocean First, we’ve counted how many times we and our customers have used our filling station instead of buying a new plastic bottle each day, and we have saved over 9,200 bottles in a little over a year!

Every year Americans alone throw away 100 billion plastic bags and about 1 in 200 are recycled. The remainder will end up in a landfill which feeds CO2 emissions. Scientists have also estimated that for every square mile of ocean there are 46,000 pieces of plastic. Bringing your own reusable bags to the grocery store can help reduce these numbers and keep them from ending up in the ocean and being consumed by marine animals. I have been guilty myself of forgetting my reusable tote bags with me before; in these cases, opt for a paper bag that can be recycled, and if these are not offered, bring the plastic bags back to your local grocery store for recycling.

How can we be sure our congressmen and senators will push back, and be our voice?

Share your worries directly with your senators and congressman! Contact your elected officials here, and make sure they act!

If the Keystone and Dakota Access Pipeline concerns you, sign this petition and join the fossil fuel resistance!

As long as we stand together, keeping up the good fight, and pressing for support of the conservation issues that matter most, we have hope for the future of our planet and wildlife!

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