Knowledge is Power

Knowing where your resources come from is an important step in being informed and making informed decisions for conservation.  One of those crucial resources is water.  We challenge you this week to learn more about your family’s water source.  Are you on rural water?  What does that mean?  Does your water come from the City?  What does that mean?  If you live in Manhattan, Kansas, visit the City of Manhattan’s website to learn about your water source.  Share with your social media friends what you learn and use #SunsetZoo5050.

Change a "Throw Away" Habit

Get creative!  Find something you regularly toss in the trash, and turn it into a masterpiece or something you can use again.  Some simple ideas might include turning a cleaned out milk jug into a watering can for your household plants.  You might also cut up all those boxes you’re getting from the mail right now and use them as clipboards, painting easels, or even paint a masterpiece on it.  We want to see you unique ideas and creations so don’t forget to post what you did using #SunsetZoo5050

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Reduce your carbon footprint by making sure you have energy efficient appliances in your home.  Check out the Energy Star website to learn more about your current appliances and future appliance purchases.  For this week’s challenge, share your most energy efficient appliance’s Energy Star rating or replace a less efficient appliance with a more efficient one.  Don’t forget to share your efforts using #SunsetZoo5050.

Support Wildlife

Habitat loss is a major challenge facing wildlife today.  In part, that is due to over consumption by us.  We can take action against this several ways, but one way also makes life easier.  Cut down on the junk mail.  You can do that by visiting the Federal Trade Commission’s website here.  There are easy steps to follow to start the process.  After you complete the steps on their website, share your efforts on social media by taking a photo of you recycling some of the last junk mail you get!  Don’t forget to use #SunsetZoo5050.

Our Purchasing Power

Did you know, the fashion industry accounts for 10% of the world’s carbon emissions?  This is above and beyond the pollution produced by many of the factories that have created some of the most polluted waterways in the world.  With the environmental impact in mind, the fast fashion section of the industry is by far one of the biggest contributors to the environmental issues created by the fashion industry.  As a consumer, we collectively have power to make a difference, and this collective power starts one person at a time.  You can do your part by learning about the fashion industry.  You can also do more to better care for your clothes so they last longer.  When you are done with clothes, make sure to donate them to second hand stores.  You can also shop at second hand stores so you are not creating the demand.  Whatever action you take to slow down your consumption of clothes, share that with your friends.  Use #SunsetZoo5050 when sharing!