Did you know Californians, on average, throw away 290 Olympic-sized pools worth of plastic each day? Plastic breaks down and hurts underwater ecosystems and impacts our public health. TIP: Refuse plastic products or things wrapped in plastic and opt for biodegradable options.

The EPA estimates that 30% of methane emissions from landfills come from the breakdown of food waste. Methane is 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere, which contributes to global climate change. TIP: Eat all of your food and leftovers, and compost any food scraps along with yard trimmings to create healthy soils.

The apparel industry is responsible for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which is projected to increase by 50% by 2030, and also consumes 930 trillion liters of water each year! TIP: Only buy new clothing if absolutely necessary, buy secondhand as much as possible, and donate old clothing to a place you can trust will resell your items.

In just the last year, 47 wells have run dry in Fresno County, 59 wells have run dry in Madera County, and 20 more wells have run dry in Tulare County due to dwindling groundwater resources beneath the Valley floor. TIP: Advocate for groundwater sustainability through your local groundwater sustainability agency and reduce groundwater pumping when possible.

You understand sustainability. You embody generosity of spirit and have the power to make waves. Waves that carry belief, hope, and movement. Action is key and together we will build a better tomorrow.