Green Guide

Here at Green Ellsworth, we envision an equitable community guided by sustainable, environmentally informed approaches to growth and everyday living. We want to ensure that future generations will have the same— or improved access to our land, water, and other resources. Such a future requires both individual and collective action right now, and this is a guide for people who want to take action and explore where the pathway to sustainable living might take them.

This guide consists of modules that focus on aspects of our daily lives and opportunities for more informed, conscious decision-making. These suggestions are intended to inspire and empower people to live more sustainably and contribute collectively to a more sustainable community.

We hope that by using this Green Guide and implementing some of its suggestions in your everyday lifestyle, you will make a commitment to yourself and the future of your community and the environment that we and all living things depend on. Every individual has the power to make a difference!

Green Ellsworth is a citizens initiative involving individual volunteers, businesses, and organizations working together with City officials to make Ellsworth a model green community. Since 2017, Green Ellsworth has proactively been developing and executing a plan ( The Ellsworth Green Plan ) to make Ellsworth a more sustainable, green community.

Green Ellsworth's contributing partner organizations have included The Ellsworth Garden Club, Frenchman Bay Conservancy, Downeast Salmon Federation, Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District, Healthy Acadia, Heart of Ellsworth, the Historic Preservation Commission, Branch Lake Association, Inc, and the City of Ellsworth. Individual volunteers like you have been and remain equally important to Green Ellsworth's planning and the work of its action teams.

•  Water:   clean drinking water; improved water quality, fish passage, & marine habitats; improved recreational access to the Union River watershed; improved stormwater infrastructure and management; adaptation to seal level rise.
• I mproved Land Management:   increased land conservation to preserve wildlife habitat; increased public access to green spaces and environmental education; preservation of historic neighborhoods; reduction of urban sprawl; affordable housing; sustainable land use regulations; well-cared-for parks, green spaces & trails; re-treeing & improved urban forestry management.
•  Food and Farming:   conservation of farmland; more economically viable local food production; a Downeast Food Hub with support for local farmers as well as food & beverage businesses; support for farmers markets including year-round facilities; equitable access to healthy local food including community & school gardens; improved support and management of outdoor classrooms; strengthened school curriculum on nutrition, agriculture, & the environment.
•  Transportation:   reduced traffic congestion; improved pedestrian and bike facilities; promotion of healthier walking options, carpooling, & public transportation
•  Energy:   action to reduce climate change; increased energy efficiency & weatherization; more access to & use of affordable, alternative energy sources including community solar projects; increased use of and facilities for electric vehicles; encouragement of local green businesses.
•  Solid Waste Management:   reduced packaging & use of plastics; more responsible consumption; increased reuse & recycling; composting at home & commercially; support for related local businesses.

Overall the Ellsworth Green Plan addresses 15 out of the 17 areas of focus identified in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. To learn more about each of these goals individually, visit the   SDG website here. 

The goal of this Green Guide is to provide both general and detailed information on how YOU can help advance global and Green Ellsworth goals. Whether you have been a long-time environmental advocate or are new to sustainability issues, this guide is intended to provide useful suggestions and references to help you take the next steps towards more sustainable living and contributing to a happier and healthier community and planet.

Revitalizing a healthy ecosystem and environment takes the efforts of a community of individuals. The resilience of communities like Ellsworth depends on the health of both our natural ecosystems and our human systems, and you are much more important in contributing to the health of these systems than you may think. The way in which we view and understand the world in relation to us will change the way we decide to behave. We need to adapt to the interconnected dynamics of our natural ecosystem rather than arbitrarily alter the balance of its dynamics to serve our human needs and ambitions.

A glass of water serves to remind us of the essential services we depend on the environment to provide. But we are changing the environment in ways that jeopardize its capacity to provide those services in the future.

Some of these changes are due to deliberate collective decisions and higher-level actions, but many of these changes also derive from unconscious decisions and unquestioning habitual behavior by individuals. What you do today will have an impact on our environment for decades to come. Every species is vulnerable, including humans, so we need to embrace informed and creative ways to balance our needs and wants with what the only planet we have can sustain. The way we behave as stewards of the environment will determine the environmental services that future generations will be able to enjoy.

There are countless behaviors we can all change in our everyday lives to promote sustainability and several different levels at which we can effect change through our actions. Probably no one can implement all of these suggestions, but browse some of the following links that are most relevant to your lifestyle, and try tackling a few of the suggested actions at a time to see how much of a difference you can make.

 On the Water  //  With the Landscape  //  Under an Improved Urban Canopy  //  In the Kitchen  //  At Home  //  At School  //  At Work  //  On the Go  //  Out Shopping  //  Collective Community & Neighborhood Action  //  Take it to the Next Level— Multiply Your Impact 

 _{{ To return to this list, click 'What Can You Do?' in the heading above }}  

The content of this Guide is intended to be fluid and easily updated. We welcome your input regarding updates, corrections, broken links, or additions. Contact Mary Blackstone at blackstm@uregina.ca.

On the Water

• The Union River Watershed — A Precious Resource
  •  ^{The headwaters of this river offer some of the most pristine habitats in Maine and support a diversity of native species. In Ellsworth, the watershed includes Branch Lake, the source of our public water supply, and several other lakes, ponds, and shorefront properties that account for more than a third of our tax base. Beyond Ellsworth, the watershed extends to cover most of Hancock County and beyond into comparatively close proximity with other water bodies where invasive aquatic species have been found.}  

•  ^{The lower reaches of the river exhibit excessive turbidity and impaired water quality which have compromised the capacity of native species to live and pass through these waters. Unsustainable management of Ellsworth's two dams has contributed to these problems, but other types of pollution have also contributed to problems in the watershed-- and these are problems that can be addressed by shorefront property owners and individuals using the watershed recreationally or commercially.} 
• Protect water quality
  •  ^{To protect the quality of water, it is important that every boat owner uses best practices for handling fuel to make sure it does not contaminate the water.}  
  •  ^{Fuel your boat on dry land away from the water and do not hose off any spilled fuel into the water. Use a rag to clean up excess fill. If there is a fuel spill, notify the  Maine Department of Environmental Protection  immediately.}   
  •  ^{Do not discharge bilge water into a water body.  See here  to learn how to properly dispose of your bilge water.}  

• Use eco-friendly and nontoxic cleaning supplies for your boat
  •   ^{Cleaning products for boats often contain chemicals and toxins that are unhealthy to not just the environment, but also the fish and wildlife in the water. Rinsing your boat with fresh water after each use will lower the number of times you need to deep clean. Here you can find some  eco-friendly and nontoxic boat cleaning supplies.}    
• Leave no trace on the water
  •   ^{Take any waste with you. Do not let anything fly away and do not intentionally throw anything overboard. If fishing, do not release fish bait or fish waste into the water. Try to freeze and reuse fish waste as bait for the next trip.} 

• Guard against invasive aquatic plants
  •   ^{Although there are currently no known infestations of invasive aquatic plants in the Union River Watershed, there are infestations all around us. Once an invasive starts growing, it can take over an entire water body quickly. We want to detect these species early on so that we can catch and control them before it is too late. Get familiar with Maine’s invasive aquatic plants by looking at  this graphic . Report potential invasives to the  Maine Department of Environmental Protection  and the   Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District.}  
• Become an Invasive Plant Patrol Ranger (IPPER)
  •  ^{Help keep our watershed healthy by volunteering to patrol the water for invasive plants. You can become  certified  for invasive aquatic species identification. You do not need to be certified to do Invasive Plant Patrol work, but it certainly helps in knowing what to look for and potentially helping others know what to look for!} 

• When boating, be sure to clean, drain, and dry after each trip
  •   ^{Invasive species are spread by attaching to a boat that travels to a different body of water. Make sure you clean, drain, and dry your boat to prevent these invasive species from spreading. It generally takes 72 hours for an aquatic plant to die without water.}  
• If you live on the water
  •   ^{If you are a lake property owner, join your local lake and road associations. If none exist, start one up. Help to organize Invasive Plant Patrols, and get involved in road maintenance to make sure that best practices are being used to avoid polluting the water.   See Maine Audubon's Stream Smart program.}   

For more information on collective actions through which you can contribute to conserving the Union River Watershed, visit the  water chapter  of the Green Plan and the  Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District.  You can also get involved in Green Ellsworth's Union River Action Team at (207) 667-8878.

With the Landscape

• Landscape your property with native and pollinator plants
  •   ^{Landscaping this way will support natural biodiversity by reintroducing lost habitats and wildlife. This will also reduce the need for care and watering your property as native plants are better able to survive and thrive in our Maine climate.} 
  •  ^{Landscape to attract birds, bats, bees, other pollinators, and wildlife. Develop a tolerance for the damage they may cause to plants (the caterpillar dining on a leaf today will become a butterfly tomorrow!)  Click here  to learn about native plants you can use for a Maine landscape and  here  to learn the steps to maintaining your native landscape. A more general guide to native plants according to specific zones in the United States is provided by the Department of Environmental Protection  here.}    
  •   ^{If you have shore frontage, plant species that help with erosion control such as trout lily, sweet fern, blue flag, obedient plant, etc. To learn more about shoreline landscaping  click here.}     
• Layers to the landscape
  •   ^{Native plants grow in layers (the ground layer, the shrub layer, the sub-canopy layer, and the canopy layer). When 'rewilding' your property with native plants, consider how you can recreate the habitats provided by this natural structuring of plants. If possible, also provide water (even a bird bath) which will further support the diversity of insects, birds, and wildlife you want to attract. You can learn more about the four layers and what plants grow in each one  here .}  
• Conserve water
  •   ^{Use  rain barrels  to collect runoff from gutters and/or develop a rain garden using plants that enjoy lots of water periodically. The EPA guide to rain gardens can be  found here .}   
  •   ^{Unless you are landscaping a very wet area, focus on using trees, shrubs, and other plants that thrive with minimal water. Although irrigation is a solution for plants that require a lot of water, it is a more sustainable and less expensive practice to adapt to local conditions and the realities of our changing climate. Learn more about xeriscaping (landscaping for dry conditions)  here.}    

• Reduce Conventional Lawns
  •   ^{Conventional laws require large amounts of water and are often maintained with harmful pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Lawns also require consistent maintenance and mowing which uses fossil fuels.}   
  •   ^{Replace at least part of your lawn area with native ground covers that require less maintenance and will grow better than grass. Examples of these are creeping juniper, hay-scented fern, checkerberry, bunchberry, etc. Learn about groundcovers  here.}    
  •   ^{Consider adding clover to your lawn to attract pollinators and fertilize the grass. Visit  this website  to learn more about maintaining an eco-friendly lawn.}  
  •   ^{When mowing, leave the lawn clippings and allow them to naturally fertilize your lawn. Also be mindful that you do not cut the grass too short— cutting it too short weakens its capacity for photosynthesis and can make the grass die, especially in hot, dry weather. Allowing a few more inches of grass to grow leaves more room for insect life and leads to less overall maintenance.}   
• Use porous material for your driveway
  •   ^{This will prevent toxic and wasteful runoff. It can also be a cheaper alternative to paving with asphalt.}  

• Grow your own fruits and veggies
  •   ^{Contribute to strengthening your local food system by growing your own produce at home. This can act as a supplemental food source and you can share with neighbors and friends or donate to local food pantries.}   
  •   ^{Check out  this link  to learn how to start your own vegetable garden and  this link  to learn how to maintain it. If you have any questions about your garden, reach out to the  University of Maine Cooperative Extension  to get in touch with an expert.}   
  •   ^{Let your kids help with the garden so that they understand how food is produced and that it can be done locally. Provide a good example of how you can produce healthy food and support the biodiversity of insects, birds, and wildlife in the garden by using alternatives to harmful chemicals (eg. row covers, fencing, and the release of beneficial insects). Such approaches to vegetable gardening can teach kids about respecting the diverse and interconnected nature of ecosystems.}   
• Compost
  •  ^{You can compost food scraps, leaves, and lawn trimmings instead of throwing them out or burning them. The compost they create can enhance your soil through the addition of organic matter— and you can always share compost with your neighbors and friends! Composting should not be dirty and smelly if properly handled. To learn how to properly set up and maintain your own compost system,  click here!}    
  •   ^{If you do not have room to compost or do not want to manage it on your own, start a neighborhood composting facility! To learn more about starting a community compost program,  click here .} 

• Invasive Species
  •  ^{Invasive species outcompete and displace the native species that our native pollinators, birds, and wildlife depend on. Maine has identified invasive plants that pose serious threats to native habitats. They are illegal to propagate or sell. Learn more about these plants  here.  Do not buy or plant them and remove them if they are already on your property.} 
  •   ^{Click here  to find a list of invasive species in Maine. If you see one of these and are unsure how to get rid of it, report it on  iMapInvasives,  and contact the Ellsworth Garden Club (ellsworthgardenclub@gmail.com), the Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District (hcswcdinfo@hancockcountyswcd.org) or the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (Maine Natural Areas Program) at dacf@maine.gov.} 

• Avoid using herbicides, pesticides, and nonorganic fertilizers
  •   ^{Many of these substances can be very harmful to the environment and your own health. Insects in your garden are part of the natural environment we want to cultivate. Watching them can be a rewarding feature of gardening. Learn about Integrated Pest Management and if it becomes necessary to address pests, use organic methods. Try to control weeds manually and manage your soil with minimal disturbance to the soil structure. Feed your soil with organic compost. The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOGFA) has many resources for how to take care of a garden. To learn how to maintain good soil quality,  click here . To learn how to take care of weeds in your garden,   click here . To learn how to properly handle insects and pests,  click here .} 
• Minimize your use of plastic
  •   ^{The landscaping industry is awash in plastics.  Whenever possible minimize your consumption of plastics by buying bare-rooted or burlap-wrapped plants and locally sourced plants that are field grown and sold directly from the ground (look for private and organizational plant sales like the annual Ellsworth Garden Pink Tulip Festival and Plant Sale and the biennial Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale). Reuse and/or recycle plastic pots and other materials.}  
• Get connected
  •  ^{To learn more about landscaping and gardening sustainably in the Hancock County region, look for garden club programming open to the public and get involved in public landscaping projects like those of the  Ellsworth Garden Club.  You can also take courses and undertake projects through the University of Maine Cooperative Extension's  Master Gardener Volunteer Program.}  

Under an Improved Canopy

• Plant and preserve trees
  •  ^{Choose native species when planting new trees. Native trees are well adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, requiring less maintenance and water. When planting, consider the overall height and width of the fully grown tree and avoid complications arising from planting under power lines or too close to buildings. Consider as well the potential root growth of the mature tree, and make sure it has room to grow. Learn more on  how to plant and maintain your trees here.}    
  •  ^{Besides planting, you should take care of the trees that already exist on your property. Preserve mature and healthy trees– mature trees provide environmental benefits like carbon sequestration, shade, and air purification.}  
  •  ^{Try not to remove trees unless you have to. Even dead trees are a host to many different forms of life. In general, trees should only be removed if they pose a risk of spreading disease or present a serious hazard for property damage. Consult with an arborist to assess the health of trees before making decisions.} 

• Mulch trees properly
  •  ^{Apply organic mulch around the base of trees to retain moisture, suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and improve health.}   
  •  ^{Be careful not to over-mulch, as this can cause the tree to suffocate. Don’t leave a big pile of mulch at the base of the tree, spread it out evenly without it coming into contact with the trunk. The trunk needs to breathe. Avoid mulch volcanos— a thick layer of mulch laid on the base of a tree and covering the bark and root flare. A mulch volcano can lead to cankers, splitting, disease, decay, root rot, insect infestation, etc. See here for  proper mulching techniques.}  

• Practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
  •   ^{Adopt IPM techniques to manage pests and diseases on trees. IPM focuses on preventing pest problems through cultural practices and using minimal pesticides only when necessary. This limits dangerous runoff that can contaminate food and water. Click  here  to learn more about IPM.}   
• Prune responsibly
  •   ^{Help make your trees and shrubs thrive by pruning responsibly. Prune trees regularly to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Proper pruning enhances a tree's growth, overall health, and structure, and it reduces the risk of falling branches during a storm. If you spot a disease, fungus, or other types of decay, you can prune to stop the spread to healthy branches.}   
  •   ^{If you have a fruit tree, pruning will promote the growth of your fruit. Removing rotting limbs encourages the fruit to grow more plentifully as it protects those limbs from rotting.  Click here  and  here  to learn the best pruning practices.}   
  •   ^{Poorly maintained trees can pose a threat to the rest of your ecosystem. Dead, diseased, or weak branches can fall without warning and cause damage to your property and home. Be especially mindful of trees near power lines, phone lines, etc. Utility companies can be called upon to remove branches that pose threats to their service.} 

• Educate and advocate: get involved
  •  ^{Educate your neighbors, friends, and family about the importance of healthy trees in Ellsworth and beyond. Connect them with information about the best sustainable tree care practices and advocate for tree protection and sustainable landscaping policies.}   
  •  ^{Get involved in community-led local tree planting initiatives or events organized through  Green Ellsworth's Re-treeing Program , including regular care and planting at its Community Tree Nursey and its planting programs along city streets and public green spaces.}   
  •  ^{Volunteer to help maintain Ellsworth's City Forest, Birdsacre, or the many forested properties conserved by  Frenchman Bay Conservancy  or the   Blue Hill Heritage Trust.   Volunteer for   Ellsworth's Arbor Commission  which oversees the planning, planting, and maintenance of Ellsworth's urban canopy.}   
  •  ^{Consider supporting and donating to organizations like Birdsacre, Frenchman Bay Conservancy, and Blue Hill Heritage Trust. They are focused on conserving large tracts of forested habitat for wildlife, watershed protection, and recreation. If you have forested property, consider working with these or other organizations to conserve the land for the future.}   
  •  ^{Take your re-treeing efforts to another level by supporting tree planting/ education programs such as  Maine TREE ,   One Tree Planted,   and   The Nature Conservancy.}  

In the Kitchen

• Buy locally grown, organic foods at farm stands and farmers markets 
  •   ^{This helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the importation and transportation of food across the world. But buying local not only reduces your carbon footprint. It also supports local businesses, farmers, and other producers which in turn makes our local economy more sustainable!}  
  •   ^{Although scientists are still debating the relative carbon footprint of organic vs conventionally grown food, organic foods grown on Maine's intensively managed and relatively small farms remain the best choice for consumers concerned with the sustainability of our environment. Organic approaches eliminate the high carbon footprint involved in the production of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and they reduce soil and water pollution as well.}   
•   ^{Local farmer's markets:}   
  •     ^{Bar Harbor : Sundays, May 14 - Oct. 29  9am-12pm}   
  •     ^{Bluehill:   Saturdays, May 27 - Oct. 28, 9am-11:30 am}  
  •     ^{Brooksville:   Tuesdays, early June - Mid Sept., 9:30am-12pm}  
  •     ^{Bucksport:   Thursdays Mid May - Mid Oct., 12pm-3pm}  
  •     ^{Castine:   Thursdays, late June - Aug, 11:30am}  
  •     ^{Deer Isle:   Wednesdays 9:30am-11:30am}  
  •     ^{Ellsworth:   Saturdays, April 29 - Nov. 1, 9:30am-12:30pm}  
  •     ^{Northeast Harbor:   Thursdays, June 22 - August 31 9am-12pm}   
  •     ^{Southwest Harbor:   Fridays, June 16 - Mid Oct., 10am-12pm}  
  •     ^{Stonington:   Fridays May 27th- Sept, 10am-12pm}  
• Make use of your scraps
  •   ^{Food waste constitutes nearly a quarter of the waste sent to US landfills each year. You can put that food waste to better use by making broths or stews from food scraps or creating compost to feed your own or a neighbor's soil.} 

• Buy, store, and cook in quantities that you can eat without spoilage
  •   ^{Plan ahead of time to know what quantities you need for what you intend to buy, and cook the amount of food you know you will eat. It is more economical and energy-efficient to cook for at least a couple of meals at a time, and celebrate the  leftovers  with slightly different uses or additions. If you cannot finish what you cook, freeze it and plan when you will use it in the future for a quick and easy meal.}   
  •   ^{Think ahead for ways to store foods that frequently spoil too quickly. For instance, will you use up that entire loaf of bread before it goes stale? Put at least half of it in the freezer and take it out in pieces as needed. What about that bag of salad greens you have just opened? To extend their shelf-life, remove them from the bag, rinse and dry them, and place them back in the fridge in an airtight container with a damp dish towel or paper towel.}   
  •   ^{Grocery stores tend to place the oldest items they want to move quickest at the front or on the top of their displays. Check the sell-by date to make sure you can use the item before that date.}   

• At the grocery store
  •  ^{The production of plant-based- foods has a much lower carbon footprint than animal-based foods, so try to include more plant-based products in your diet. Maine's traditional Saturday night supper of baked beans and homemade pickles (minus the salt pork) is a good example of a nutritious, tasty, plant-based protein meal. Other plant-based options include chickpeas, lentils, nuts, tofu, or  seitan.}   
  •  ^{When buying animal-based products, keep in mind that chicken, eggs, and dairy products generally have a lower carbon footprint than meats. Pick those that are free-range, pasture-raised, and antibiotic-free.}  
  •  ^{Buy with a realistic plan for cooking as many of your own meals as possible and buy foods that you can prepare quickly at home for  on-the-go eating  at work or at play. Keep in mind that having takeout delivered has a significant impact on your carbon footprint.}   
  •  ^{Palm oil plantations are a leading cause of deforestation in Indonesia and Malaysia, causing wildfires affecting air quality in surrounding countries and displacing many animals for good. Palm oil is an increasingly common additive in a large number of products from crackers to body cream. Read product labels and try to avoid purchasing products made with palm oil or look for products displaying the  RSPO label   (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil).} 

• Practice energy-efficient cooking and use energy-efficient appliances
  •   ^{Boil just the amount of water you need and no more. Keep the lids on pots to reduce cooking time.}  
  •   ^{Use copper bottom pans and prep foods before cooking.}   
  •   ^{Buy energy-efficient appliances. Know the relative efficiency of your appliances for certain types of cooking, and use them accordingly. Microwaves, toaster ovens, and slow cookers may be more efficient for some types of cooking — but not necessarily in all cases, especially depending on gas vs electric stove tops and ovens. Click  here  to learn more about energy-efficient cooking appliances and methods. Check out  this website  to see how you can earn rebates and federal tax credits through the choice of energy-efficient appliances.}  
• Seek alternatives to toxic chemicals and synthetic fibers
  •   ^{Apart from polluting and poisoning our environment, the chemicals in many household products constitute hazards to humans. Products made with synthetic fibers release microplastics which do not decompose in the wastewater. They end up in our oceans where they move into the food chain through consumption by fish and ultimately humans.}   
  •   ^{Use  eco-friendly cleaning supplies  or make your own. Replace synthetic washing-up cloths, scouring pads, and sponges with products made with natural fibers.}   
  •   ^{Many types of non-stick cookware contain PFAS, which is toxic to your own health and the environment. Check  here  for pans that do not contain PFAS.}  

• Minimize packaging and plastics
  •   ^{When you buy in bulk, you are reducing your carbon footprint by reducing the amount of packaging waste such as plastic, jars, cans, etc.}   
  •   ^{Look for minimal packaging alternatives: eg. cereals sold in paper bags, fruit sold by the piece vs plastic bags (bring mesh bags rather than using the rolled plastic bags at grocery stores), and products sold in larger quantities if more cost-effective.}  
  •   ^{Avoid plastic. Always look for goods that use recyclable alternatives. Remember to use biodegradable garbage bags to minimize plastic use.}   
  •   ^{Store your food with reusable packaging (glass jars, tupperware, silicone bags, etc).}  
  •   ^{Stop using plastic wrap and use alternatives like wax wraps, biodegradable sandwich bags,   cotton bowl covers , recycled foil, mason jars, or even just a plate to cover bowls.}  

• Reuse and recycle
  •   ^{It sounds simple, but it can be easily forgotten! Be sure to recycle whatever is recyclable and repurpose what you can.}   
  •  ^{You can compost food scraps, leaves, and lawn trimmings instead of throwing them out or burning them. The compost they create can enhance your soil through the addition of organic matter— and you can always share compost with your neighbors and friends! Composting should not be dirty and smelly if properly handled. To learn how to properly set up and maintain your own compost system,  click here!}    
  •   ^{If you do not have room to compost or do not want to manage it on your own, start a neighborhood composting facility! To learn more about starting a community compost program,  click here .} 
• Invest in a faucet aerator to conserve water
  •   ^{This device controls the stream of water by introducing small (unnoticeable in taste) bubbles to the water that simply reduce the amount of water that comes out of the faucet. This ultimately helps reduce the amount of water you use. If you’re thinking about purchasing a faucet aerator,   here are some models .} 

At Home

• Switch to energy-efficient appliances, lights, and heat pumps
  •   ^{Going green at home not only reduces your carbon footprint but also helps you save money by reducing water and power bills significantly. You can look for Energy Star-approved appliances and check out  this website , to learn how to receive rebates and tax credits for less energy use.}  
  •   ^{Your purchases of appliances and digital equipment should reflect your goals for reducing your carbon footprint. For instance, how big a television do you need? The larger the television, the larger its carbon footprint.}  
  •   ^{According to the US Department of Energy, "lighting accounts for around 15-17% of an average home's electricity use, and the average household saves about $225 in energy costs per year by using LED lighting."}   
  •   ^{If your home circumstances make it possible, consider installing a heat pump. Apart from highly efficient heating (down as low as -15F), they also do air conditioning and dehumidification.  Efficiency Maine  offers heat pump rebates for residential, low-income, and commercial customers.}   

• Monitor your energy usage and embrace energy-efficient habits
  •  ^{Consider buying an  energy monitor  and/or an app or security system which can help you keep track of your energy usage and that of specific appliances.}  
  •  ^{Weatherize your home by plugging gaps using insulation, weather stripping, foam, and draft excluders at the base of doors and/or contact the  Window Dressers  to have insets made to insulate your windows.}   
  •  ^{Use insulated curtains to keep the cold out in winter and keep rooms cool in summer.}   
  •  ^{Reduce the temperature on your thermostats by one degree. You will find that it results in noticeable savings and a reduced carbon footprint with a barely noticeable difference in temperature.}  
  •  ^{When you leave a room, turn off the lights and appliances. When you are away from your home for any length of time, unplug appliances and digital equipment, turn off your hot water heater, and lower the thermostat.}   
  •  ^{When doing laundry, wash your clothes in cold water and less often with fuller loads. This also reduces the amount of microplastic fibers that are released into the wastewater to contaminate the environment when they end up in local water bodies. Use a  Cora Ball  or  Guppyfriend  mesh bag to reduce the number of microfibers released into your laundry wastewater. Airdry your clothes on a line inside or outside on a sunny day!}  
  •  ^{To get the most out of the heat from radiators, put radiator foil behind them to keep the heat inside and waste less energy.} 

• Switch to/ incorporate renewable energy sources to power your home
  •  ^{Incorporate renewable energy into your home by installing solar panels on the roof.}  
  •  ^{Join a community solar project and combine forces with your neighbors to save money and do the right thing for the planet. When looking into such projects, be sure that the net gain exceeds the potential harm! Be aware of the location of the project. Will it be placed in an open field or does it involve deforestation? Will it be on prime farmland? How will the investment benefit you and the local community in both the short and long run? Before investing, ask questions, do your research, and make sure you are choosing a community solar project that addresses all of your eco-friendly goals and values!} 

• Reuse and recycle
  •  ^{Mend and repair. If something is broken, do not just automatically throw it away. Cultivate an interest in fixing things — mending clothes, fixing furniture, even electrical or digital equipment — and if that is not your skill set, try to find someone else who does have that ability. If you cannot fix it, perhaps you can develop creative ways of repurposing it.}   
  •  ^{Frequent vintage stores, charity, or thrift shops, flea markets, yard or garage sales, fairs and salvage yards, and cultivate an appreciation for repurposing unique and lightly used items for your household needs such as furniture, textiles, and even artwork.}   
  •  ^{If it is made from plastic, make sure to recycle it. Better yet, avoid and seek alternatives to as many single-use plastics as possible. For instance, make a practice of refusing plastic straws that have been shown to be damaging to fish and wildlife. Invest in a reusable water bottle which will save you money and reduce your plastic consumption. If you acquire water packaged in a plastic bottle, try to at least reuse the bottle. To find the best water bottle for you,  click here !}   
  •  ^{Pre-cycle by thinking about what you give as gifts. Consider giving experiences or services vs. things. Gift cards or certificates may be more welcome than another piece of clothing or a decorative object, but if those things are the desired gift then use recycled wrapping paper, gift bags, and ribbon.}    
  •  ^{Learn about your local recycling rules to ensure that your recycling is really being recycled. Recycling regulations vary across communities, and they can change, so be sure you know your community's current rules. Here are the  Ellsworth recycling guidelines.}     

• Switch to sustainably made and eco-friendly household products — or make your own
  •   ^{Choose textile products such as clothing, cushions, curtains, bed and table linens made with natural rather than manmade fibers. Manmade fibers have a much higher carbon footprint and are generally not biodegradable or compostable. Choose products made with fabrics such as linen, hemp, or organic cotton — and look for those colored with plant-based vs synthetic dyes.}   
  •   ^{There are many sustainable alternatives to common household products such as eco-friendly cleaning wipes, reusable facial wipes, eco-friendly shampoo, and more. To learn more about sustainable household products,  click here !}  
  •   ^{Many commercially made chemical products can contain PFAS. In order to avoid buying them, read the labels before purchasing and learn to recognize the names of  PFAS chemicals.}     
  •   ^{Make your own products when possible. That way, you know exactly what it is you are using. For instance, try making your own detergents, soaps, and cleaning products  Here are some recipes  for do-it-yourself cleaning supplies.}   
  •   ^{Repurpose worn-out clothing made with natural fibers as cleaning rags that can replace sponges and cleaning cloths made of synthetic microfibers that do not decompose and can pollute our water and oceans.}   
• Safely dispose of batteries and other electronics
  •    ^{See here  to learn how to dispose of your batteries, computers and cartridges to minimize environmental pollution.}  

At School

• Use printers and photocopiers sparingly 
  •   ^{Try to share material electronically to reduce paper usage. When circulating information on paper, maximize your use of the space on both sides of each page, especially when printing in bulk.}  
  •   ^{As much as possible, go digital vs on paper for notes, assignments, and other day-to-day school-related activities.}  
• Get involved in a Green Team or club
  •  ^{Join your school's environmental coalition, green team, or garden club. This is a great way to get to know other students interested in sustainability and to facilitate the spread of information about sustainable practices within your school and community. Additionally, having a group of students as well as supportive teachers and parents can amplify the voice for sustainability in your school, make many of the suggestions included here more doable, and generally effect change more effectively than you could do on your own. If there is no such club at your school, start one up.}   

•  ^{Review your school's sustainability policies and procedures. If the school does not have any, put together a student and administrative green team to develop a school green plan.}   
•  ^{Join other students to do useful and substantial sustainability projects. For instance, do a school  waste inventory  or  energy audit.  These exercises give you a baseline from which to make changes and they reveal where the biggest changes can be made in the reduction of waste (especially plastics) and the school's carbon footprint. With guidelines from experts in the field of energy consumption, you may be able to set a goal for carbon neutrality at your school.} 
• Reuse and recycle properly
  •   ^{Look for ways to reduce the school's waste stream — in the kitchen and cafeteria, through improved maintenance practices inside and outside, through various student activities, etc. Does your school compost food and landscaping waste? What about the school garden and/or greenhouse? Can those be activated to supplement purchased food and reduce packaging as well as the carbon footprint of transportation?}  
  •   ^{Invest in a reusable water bottle to take with you to class. It will save on money as well as your use of plastic.}  
  •   ^{One piece of trash can contaminate an entire bin of recycling. Make sure you are recycling properly at school and that bins are conveniently located and signage is clear so that others are also recycling appropriately.}   

• Look for ways to lower the carbon footprint of your schooling
  •   ^{Walk or bike to and from school if possible. Otherwise, take the bus and minimize single-passenger car trips in favor of carpooling. Start up a group that walks or bikes to school together.}   
  •   ^{Has your school introduced electric buses? If not, get a group of students and parents together to lobby your school board to make this a priority. Maine has introduced incentive programs that can make the purchase of electric buses financially desirable as well as eco-friendly. Learn more about   Maine's Clean School Bus Program here .}  
• Utilize your outdoor campus space by planting trees to reduce heating and cooling costs
  •   ^{Planting trees near buildings can help with cooling and heating costs. Evergreens clustered near buildings in winter help serve as insulating windbreaks that reduce heat loss. In summer, trees can help to shade buildings from the sun and keep them cool.  Click here  to learn more about energy-efficient landscaping.} 

• Get involved in your campus or community garden
  •  ^{If your school does not have a campus garden, join with other like-minded students and faculty to start one.} 
  •  ^{Depending on the size of your garden, you may be able to grow food for your class, for the school cafeteria, or for. a local food pantry. Sometimes school gardens can be combined with community gardens, where the whole community can be invited to grow and/or pick their own food, or volunteers can harvest produce for food pantries.}  
  •   ^{If you do not have a greenhouse, consider raising money to build a passive solar greenhouse to further extend the growing season.}  
  •   ^{You do not have to be an expert to grow vegetables, especially if you can call on knowledgeable and supportive volunteer organizations in the community to help. Contact the  Ellsworth Garden Club  and/or  Master Gardener Volunteers  through the University of Maine Cooperative Extension to provide mentors and volunteers.}   

College Students 

• Lower your carbon footprint on & off campus
  •  ^{Walk, bike, or take public transportation to school and your classes when possible.}  
  •  ^{Turn the lights off in your dorm when leaving. Be mindful of sinks and showers; people tend to turn them off without turning them off all the way. Heating hot water that simply drips down the drain is a waste of water and energy.}  
  •  ^{When leaving for any break, make sure to unplug your appliances and turn down your heat and AC.} 

At Work

• Create a 'green team'
  •  ^{Create an office team that is actively working on making the workplace more sustainable. This will encourage others to learn.}   
• Support local businesses
  •  ^{Support other local businesses and use locally sourced materials as much as possible. If you have unsold or unused materials, consider donating them.}  
• Walk to work and lunch
  •   ^{Looking for ways to minimize your carbon footprint can also be good for the body especially if you are sitting all day; walk, bicycle, or carpool to work and walk during your lunch break.}  
• Go green for lunch
  •   ^{Takeout and delivered meals can come with plastic containers and utensils. Patronize eco-friendly food providers — or pack your own lunch in reusable containers with minimal use of things like plastic wrap.}   

• Buy recycled paper
  •   ^{Buying recycled paper reduces the paper industry’s impact on the planet. Print on both sides of the paper to minimize overall paper use, and communicate electronically when possible.}   
• Invest in plants for the workspace
  •  ^{This will not only bring more color to the workspace, but also boost your mood, reduce stress, and eliminate certain air pollutants. Here are some  good workspace plants  that are easy to take care of.}   

As a Workspace Owner/Manager

• Evaluate your current practices
  •   ^{Spend some time thinking about your business or organization's sustainability level now, and what can be done to make it stronger. Think about what you can do to make your workspace and operations greener?}  As appropriate to your type of business or organization, encourage working remotely
  •  ^{Reduce your carbon footprint with digital and video conference communications. It saves the energy used to commute and can be very beneficial for employees with families.}  
• Use sustainable packaging
  •  ^{Encourage sustainability in your business or organization. Be a leader in that role by choosing to package and/or ship your products sustainably. Buy office and business supplies that are also made, packaged, and shipped sustainability.}  

• Landscape your commercial/ organizational property with trees
  •  ^{Planting trees can reduce cooling and heat costs— planting trees on the north side of buildings will help act as a wind break. This is a way of naturally keeping heat in your workplace. It also shades buildings in the summer! Here is some information on  landscaping with energy efficiency  in mind. Also, native and pollinator plantings contribute to biodiversity and minimize the need for care and water.} 
• Be energy and water conscious
  •   ^{Regularly check for leaky pipes and be energy and water efficient if using water-intensive machines. Look  here  for more information on how your business and/or organization can be more sustainable.}  
  •   ^{Encourage water and energy conservation among your staff by having them turn out lights when not in use and turn faucets fully off.} 

On the Go

• Reduce your carbon footprint by walking or cycling
  •   ^{Minimize the use of your car. If you are able to cycle, invest in a good bicycle. It is great exercise, cheaper than a car, a nice way to get outside in nature and friendlier for the environment.}  
  •   ^{Find a walking buddy or start a walking club that encourages others to walk when they can.}  
  •   ^{Consider exploring locally to find recreational destinations within walking distance.} 
  •   ^{Here are some places in Ellsworth with walking trails that may also be within walking distance of your neighborhood:   (H indicates that some or all of the trail(s) are accessible for wheelchairs)} 
  •    ^{Ellsworth Trail (H)}  
  •    ^{Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary (Birdsacre) (H)}  
  •    ^{Jordan Homestead Preserve}    
  •    ^{Indian Point Trail}    
  •    ^{Riverwalk (behind the public library) (H)}  
  •    ^{Whitney Forest and High School Trails}    
  •    ^Woodlawn    
  •    ^{Meadowbrook Lands}    
  •    ^{The City Forest}    
  •  ^{Alter your schedule so that you can walk to and from work and for local shopping or social occasions. Try doing this one day a week to start and then gradually increase frequency.  Get a utility cart so that you can easily transport groceries or other purchases.} 

• Use public transit
  •  ^{For shopping trips or even recreational destinations like Acadia National Park take public transit. The frequency of public transit routes in the Hancock County area has been improving. Depending on your work destination you may also be able to use public transit to go to work. See the local public transit schedule  here.}  
• Reduce your contribution to vehicular traffic and emissions
  •  ^{In one year, the average passenger car in the US consumes 550 gallons of gas and emits 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide. Just driving your car 20,800 miles a year emits 23,600 lbs of CO2. Even cutting 25 miles a week from your driving could save 1,500 lbs of CO2.}  
  •  ^{Get organized. Keep a list of errands to minimize single-destination trips by planning single trips to multiple destinations in the same area. This will minimize expense, time spent on the road, and your carbon emissions.} 

•  ^{Each day, the US could save 33 million gallons of gas if the average commuting vehicle carried one additional person. Whether you are going to work, doing your weekly shopping, or going to an event, plan to include at least one other person in the car. If you are traveling any distance to work, organize a carpool. If everyone contributes to the cost of gas that will represent a considerable saving on expenses as well as a reduction in emissions. When doing your shopping or traveling to an event, think ahead as to whether there is someone else who could use a ride. For more information on the benefits of ride-sharing go  here.}  

•  ^{Reduce your carbon footprint by buying a hybrid or electric car. Even taking into account the use of electricity, electric vehicles greatly lower your carbon footprint. The city of Ellsworth and surrounding towns now have  several EV charging stations,  but for most people overnight charging at home will be more than adequate for their daily travel needs. Go  here  for more information on electric vehicles.}  
• Take the train when traveling long distances
  •   ^{Taking the train can be an adventure and a good alternative to plane travel. It is an excellent way to see more countryside while burning less fossil fuels. Trains are the most eco-friendly method of traveling long distances although buses or full passenger vehicles can also minimize a person's carbon footprint in comparison with air travel or cruise ships. Click here to learn more about sustainable traveling.}  

• Recycle old tires properly
  •   ^{You can drop your tires off at a local tire scrap recycling center. Learn more about  disposing of your tires here.}     

• Never throw trash out of the car
  •   ^{Not only is littering bad for the environment, it is also dangerous. Whatever trash you throw out the window can end up on someone's windshield. Littering is also subject to a fine in the State of Maine.}  
• Minimize/ monitor oil and fuel leaks
  •   ^{Be aware of your car maintenance needs. Look after any oil or toxic chemical leaks and dispose of your car batteries properly to avoid polluting groundwater and stormwater runoff.} 

Out Shopping

• Support local businesses
  •   ^{Buy local to support your local economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation of products. Eating locally sourced food in general— both at home and while dining out-- is also important for the same reasons.}   
• Shop at eco-friendly stores
  •   ^{Shop at stores that minimize packaging and the need for recycling. Many stores also sell eco-friendly items (like beeswax wraps and reusable cloth bags) that can replace commonly used plastics.}  
  •   ^{Buy items made from natural plant fibers rather than synthetic fibers. Examples of green alternatives are naturally dyed organic cotton, linen, and hemp.}  

• Instead of throwing away clothes, donate them
  •   ^{Your trash might be someone else's treasure! Give your clothes to friends, family, or a local thrift store. Someone else can surely get use out of it, so do not throw it away. Alternatively, if you are able to sew, you can make a new piece of clothing out of old clothes or create an upcycled accessory.}   
• Shop at second-hand stores
  •   ^{Thrifting can be a fun activity for those who want to go shopping without buying fast fashion and spending a lot of money. At many thrift stores, you can buy books, mugs, kitchen appliances, and more. If not buying second-hand, try shopping for upcycled products that repurpose things like old jeans into sturdy and unique bags,} 
  •   ^{It may not be as easy as clicking buttons online to order clothing delivered to your door, but there is an abundance of lightly used clothing looking for a second home. You can spend an entire day out thrifting with friends and help to lower the piles of clothing that clog our waste stream each year!} 
• Organize and host a recycling and repurposing shopping expedition for others
  •   ^{Yard or garage sales facilitate recycling — sometimes benefitting entire neighborhoods, non-profits, or charitable causes.}  
  •   ^{Organizing clothing swap parties among friends or as a benefit for a favorite charity or non-profit can also be a fun way to foster recycling and repurposing.} 

• Buy timeless pieces of clothing
  •   ^{Buy clothing that you know will stick around in your wardrobe for a long time. Avoid buying clothes just because they are trendy. Also shop for items that you know you can wear often, like basics.}   
• Health and beauty
  •   ^{Read the labels — many types of makeup, shampoo, dental floss, lotions, and other personal care products can contain PFAS and/or microplastics. Be sure to catch these before you buy something.}  
  •   ^{Shop for personal care products from shampoo to toothpaste that use all-natural ingredients, or try making some  homemade recipes  for shampoo, conditioner, damage repair products and more. Your hair will thank you later!}   
  •   ^{Buy makeup that uses natural ingredients, is zero-waste and is cruelty-free. Check  here  for some brand comparisons.}  

• Bring reusable bags
  •   ^{Single-use plastic bags have been banned in Maine (thanks to Green Ellsworth's volunteer leadership), so remember to bring your own reusable bag when shopping. Some stores have paper or reusable bags available for a fee of ¢5 to ¢10, but bring your own and save some money!}  
• Replacing hazardous chemicals
  •   ^{Many of the products we use in our everyday lives contain chemicals that are toxic to ourselves and the environment. Whether they are polluting the air when sprayed or wash off into our water system, these hazardous chemicals pose a threat to the environment. Below are a variety of resources relating to what items are hazardous and what to use as alternatives. Next time you go shopping for one of these, think before you buy! Here are some  household cleaners and chemicals alternatives  and here are some  fertilizer  , pesticide , and  herbicide  alternatives.} 

Collective Community & Neighborhood Action

• Become a volunteer with a Green Ellsworth action team
  •  ^{Contribute to the implementation of the Green Plan through the   Union River Watershed action team  which is focused on improving water quality, fish passage and recreational access to our water resources.}   
  •  ^{The  land use action team  is focused on land conservation, care of public green spaces and cemeteries and re-treeing our urban canopy, including maintaining the community tree nursery.}   
  •  ^{The  food and farming action team  focuses on developing a community garden and a Downeast Food Hub to support farmers and others in the food business as well as improve local food security.}  
  •  ^{The  transportation action team  is concerned with making Ellsworth more walkable and bikeable, promoting public transit and reducing congestion.}  
  •  ^{The  energy and waste management action team  is concerned with promoting weatherization and alternative energy sources as well as roadside cleanup, improved waste management and recycling.}  
  •  ^{Green Ellsworth's Steering Committee is focused on the integration and coordination of all of these activities.}  
  •  ^{Contact Mary Blackstone, Green Ellsworth's Community Liason to join any of these action teams at (207) 667-8878 or blackstm@uregina.ca}  

• Volunteer for other community-building activities
  •   ^{Volunteer with an organization to help with building trails, planting trees, roadside cleanup, creating community gardens, etc. There are many different ways that you can volunteer; choose one that piques your interest!}   
•   ^{Some activities you can volunteer for}  
  •    ^{Lake Association Invasive Plant Patrols  (if your lake does not have such a group, start one up)}  
  •   ^{City of Ellsworth’s annual  Card Brook Clean Up  or City Forest workdays}  
  •    ^{Ellsworth Elementary Middle School and High School school garden and greenhouse workdays}    
  •     ^{Ellsworth Garden Club's  weekly work sessions in Ellsworth parks and green spaces}  
  •   ^{Frenchman Bay Conservancy's  trail building and maintenance  team}  
  •    ^{Birdsacre's  bird rehabilitation, trail maintenance, guide, and gift shop staffing} 
• Activate your neighbors
  •  ^{Gather your neighbors and create neighborhood projects like tree planting, composting, gardening, etc. Work with your neighbors to adopt and care for a local green space or a stretch of road.}   
  •  ^{If you are on the water, organize a neighborhood lake cleanup to keep your water and neighborhood clean. This is also a good way to build neighborhood connections.} 

• Join with others in your community to develop a community solar project
  •  ^{Creating a solar farm project that is genuinely community-driven requires much expertise and investment but it can be both a short and long-term game changer for members of the community that are involved. To maximize the farm's eco-friendly impact, make sure that the site will not be on forested or prime agricultural land and will involve the development of functional habitats such as pollinator-friendly plantings. For information on a local, model community solar project, contact  A Climate to Thrive.}  

•   ^{Local organizations in support of sustainability goals that you can join or contribute to:}  
  •     ^{A Climate To Thrive}    
  •     ^{Bluehill Heritage Trust}     
  •     ^{Downeast Audubon}    
  •     ^{Downeast Salmon Federation}    
  •     ^{Downeast Trout Unlimited}    
  •     ^{Ellsworth Garden Club}    
  •     ^{Ellsworth Historical Society}    
  •     ^{Frenchman Bay Conservancy}     
  •     ^{Green Ellsworth}    
  •     ^{Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District}    
  •     ^{Healthy Acadia}     
  •     ^{Heart of Ellsworth}    
  •     ^{Master Garden Volunteer}    
  •     ^{Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary (Birdsacre)}    
  •   ^{Your local lake association} 

Take it to the Next Level— Multiply Your Impact

• Vote for candidates at all levels of government who proactively embrace sustainability and climate action
  •  ^{Your vote matters! You may think that you have little influence on the direction of legislation that impacts the environment, but you do! Vote for those who you know will support initiatives to promote the health of the environment and progressive environmental legislation. Communicate your priorities to your state legislators and congressional representatives and encourage them to vote for sustainability. Go  here  to contact state legislators by mail, email, or phone. To contact members of the Ellsworth City Council, go  here .}  
  •  ^{If you want a more direct course of action, you can run for office at the municipal or state level and take leadership in sponsoring ordinances and legislation directly.}  
• Speak up on sustainability issues
  •  ^{Add your voice to the growing movement to hold businesses and corporations accountable for sustainability action.}  
  •  ^{Talk to your friends and neighbors, business owners, and store managers about sustainability issues where they can make a difference. On the subject of plastics, for instance, let businesses know that you want to see fewer plastic products and packaging. Tell grocery store managers that you want access to more locally grown foods}  

•  ^{Write to companies to demand more sustainable methods of production and more sustainable products. With the clothing industry, for instance, ask about the conditions under which their textiles and clothing are produced, the water used and the chemical pollutants released. Demand that companies producing products made of synthetic materials develop mechanisms to eliminate the loss of microfibers that pollute our oceans and food chain. Write to washing machine manufacturers telling them that your future purchases will be determined by both energy efficiency and eco-friendly features such as the capacity to filter out micro-fibers from wastewater.}  
• Join and/or donate to state and national organizations working for sustainability
  •   ^{By joining such organizations and subscribing to their newsletters, you can stay up to date on events and educational programs they may be hosting. Through those activities, you can connect with people beyond your immediate community who have a common interest in environmental sustainability and climate change action.} 

•  ^{State and national organizations that you can join:} 
  •     ^{Atlantic Salmon Federation}    
  •     ^{Bicycle Coalition of Maine}    
  •     ^Greenpeace    
  •     ^{Island Institute}    
  •     ^{Lake Stewards of Maine}    
  •     ^{Maine Audubon}    
  •     ^{Maine Coast Heritage Trust}     
  •     ^{Maine Environmental Education Association}    
  •     ^{Maine Farmland Trust}    
  •     ^{Maine Farm & Sea to School Network}    
  •     ^{Maine Woodland Owners}    
  •     ^{Maine Lakes Association}     
  •     ^{Native Fish Coalition}    
  •     ^{Natural Resource Council of Maine}    
  •     ^{Sierra Club}    
  •     ^{The Wilderness Society}     

• Documentaries to watch:
  •   ^{Angry Inuk}  
  •   ^{Before the flood}  
  •   ^Blackfish  
  •   ^{Chasing Coral}  
  •   ^{My Octopus Teacher}  
  •   ^{Our Planet}  
  •   ^{Racing Extinction}  
  •   ^Seaspiracy  
  •   ^{The Ivory Game}  
  •   ^Virunga  

• Movies for kids:
  •   ^{Arctic Tale}  
  •   ^{Island of Lemurs: Madagascar}  
  •   ^{The Lorax}  
  •   ^Wall-E  

• Podcasts to listen to:
  •   ^{A Sustainable Mind}  
  •   ^{Jane Goodall: The Hopecast}  
  •   ^{Outrage + Optimism}  

• Books to read
  •   ^{Bringing Nature Home:   Douglas Tallamy}  
  •   ^{Sea Sick: The Global Ocean in Crisis:   Alanna Mitchell}  
  •   ^{Silent Spring:   Rachel Carson}  
  •   ^{The End of Nature:   Bill McKibben}