Natural Resource Conservation: Where does your water come from? Where does it go? The water we see now is the same water that was here millions of years ago, but how does it get into our faucets? Is its source infinite or finite? Where does your electricity come from?
Oceans, Watershed, Marine Debris: Waterways and oceans are the arteries and blood of the Earth. All waterways ultimately lead to bays and oceans. The Galveston Bay watershed extends north of Dallas and is impacted by ten million people. Each year 6.4 million tons of debris enter the marine environment worldwide, mostly land-based, and cause over 4,000 marine deaths.
You Are What You Eat: Nutrition is our body’s fuel - it gives us energy. Athletes need good food to perform. Just like if you put bad gas in your gas tank – it won’t go fast. If you eat lots of junk food – then you feel like junk and you will get tired. Eating Healthy gives you more energy. Fruits & Veggies are where we get most of our vitamins & minerals!
Wildlife and Biodiversity: Observing the magic of wildlife, from bees to bottlenose dolphins, is a privilege. All species on the planet have an important role in their ecosystem, and biodiversity boosts productivity. Habitat loss is the biggest threat to wildlife. When species are introduced into a new environment they have no natural predators and are called invasive species.
Biomimicry: What Would Nature Do? Nature has 3.5 billion years of wisdom of design and efficiency. It shows us the value and strategy of diversity, resilience and adaptability. Bullet trains, windmill blades and Velcro were all invented using nature as a model, called biomimicry.
Recycle, Reduce, Reuse, Refuse, Rot: Make a difference to Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico! Learn how you can make an impact to improve our environment. Practices include recycling, ideas for reducing waste and pollution, conserving water and other natural resources, and becoming active in your community -- all of which will help to protect and preserve our coastal and marine resources.
Teens as Leaders: There are 1.1 billion teenagers on the planet. They possess a recipe for change. The creative adult is the child who has survived. Treat a 13 year old with respect and trust and they will behave like an adult. Each of us already has everything we need to be a leader.
You as a Part of Nature: Kids spend 98% of their time indoors. This decreases their spatial, mechanical and concrete problem solving skills. The real world is the optimal learning environment. Kids become smarter when they exercise their play brain by playing outside for one hour every day and knowing every park, stream, river and bayou within a ten mile radius of their home. Go camping. Take a hike!
Wetlands and Restoration: Wetlands serve many important functions: provide habitat for numerous commercial species such as shrimp, crabs and fish during their juvenile phase; act as filters, naturally rid the water of contaminants; help prevent shoreline erosion; and absorb water during a flash flood or storm surge to help lessen inland flooding.
Implementing a Zero Waste and Recycling Program in Cambodia: Follow me through my 2014 and 2015 experience of a lifetime with a travel grant to Cambodia. With the help of a local and Wildlife Alliance, a successful zero waste program was facilitated to the citizens of the Chi Phat commune in order to save wildlife, natural resources, and increase eco-tourism.
Volunteering with Elephants in South Africa: A volunteer job like no other, learn how I was privileged to get to know a herd of elephants and record their behaviors. Of course, cleaning up after them is part of the deal, but well worth it.
Where Does Your Food Come From? : Ten billion animals are grown for food every year, some in cages where they cannot move or ever see outside. Consider meatless Monday. 86% of the fish served in restaurants is imported. Supermarket produce can come from hundreds or thousands of miles away. Processed food digests differently than non. Learn how to know your food and eat healthy sustainably.
Don’t Mess With Texas: This successful campaign, launched in 1986, has increased awareness of litter and has changed attitudes and behavior. But 45% of Texans still believe that small pieces are a minor problem. Since 1986, visual trash studies show that big trash is down by 39%, but cigarette butts are up 33%.
Don’t see your topic? Just ask!
