Nathan Zabel

At least 30% of crops and 90% of flowering plants rely on pollinators to produce fruit. I will spend 10 minutes researching which plants support local native pollinators and plant some in my yard to improve our regional ecosystem.

Plastic bags and small plastic pieces like straws are most likely to get swept into our Puget Sound and/or Pacific Ocean waterways. I will keep 1 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill per day by refusing straws or using my own glass/metal straw.

I will cut my car trip mileage by only taking necessary trips thus avoid sending exhaust particles and tire pollution into stormwater that impacts Orca and salmon health.

I will find out how I can limit single-use items and do my best to limit the waste I generate, so long term, it stays out of the Puget Sound and/or the Pacific Ocean.

I will save up to 20 gallons (75 L) of water each day by taking 5-minute showers to minimize my water footprint, as in many watersheds, a drop for me is one less for salmon, which then warms streams or impairs salmon streamflows.

Learn how and take steps to certify my yard or common outdoor area as a backyard wildlife habitat to improve our Puget Sound or other regional ecosystem.

I will engage in nature-based activities alone, or with my friends or family, for 60 minute(s) each day to connect with the shared ecosystem in which I live and rely on. (This can be anything from going on a walk or hike, to noticing the leaves changing color, to reading a book with nature themes.)

I will practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace when doing nature activities alone or with family and friends to minimize my downstream impact in my watershed.

Start to replace some impermeable surface in your yard, courtyard, or common space with native plants, to reduce stormwater impacts to the watershed and salmon and orca habitat downstream.

Recruit 2+ friends/family/neighbors and together remove invasive vegetation from our home/apartment building/neighborhood that is in a watershed upstream of downstream salmon and orcas.

I will replace my lawn with a drought-tolerant landscape and save the water, money, and time I used to spend cutting the grass.

Identify, lead and host simple environmental education activities, that help the Puget Sound and/or Pacific Ocean, for 16 young people I know.

I will visit seafoodwatch.org or download the app and commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean since the Puget Sound is connected to all!

I will spend 10 minutesIdentifying what sub-basin I live in and learning about my watershed's water quality, fish habitat problems, and options for volunteering.

Spend 30 minutes educating my family/friends about Southern Resident Orca Whales and their endangered food supply.