Go with the Flow: Save Water and Ditch Plastic

As summer takes hold in North Carolina, we're reminded of the soothing allure of our oceans, waterfalls, rivers, and lakes. These natural escapes from urban life offer more than just luxury; they are essential for our well-being. Water is at the heart of these escapes—an indispensable resource for survival and a calming presence that nurtures and heals.

As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, we turn our thoughts to our customers in Monterrey, Mexico, who often face critical water shortages . Their daily mindfulness of water use has inspired us to look closer at our habits. This journey led us to Lorena Bello Gómez , a Design Critic in Landscape Architecture at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. Lorena and her students are developing strategies to enhance water security and mitigate flooding risks along the Santa Catarina watershed.?

Lorena highlights the power of collaboration in tackling this challenge: "We recognize the potential to restore this river as an ecological corridor and climate resilience infrastructure for the city. However, we must also acknowledge the local academics, organizations, and citizens who can leverage our work to drive political will."?

This newsletter is your reminder that even small changes in our daily routines can make a big difference.

In this (easy breezy) issue:

• The Sustainability Alliance Empowers Pollinator Protectors
• 7 Actions to Promote Biodiversity
• Plastic Free July

5 Lessons from The Sustainability Alliance on Empowering Pollinator Protectors

From our partnership with The Sustainability Alliance on how collective action can make an impact:?

1. Get Familiar with Local Wildlife: In Oklahoma, the migration path of endangered Monarch butterflies is directly affected by habitat loss, pesticide misuse, and climate change. Awareness is the first step towards change.
2. Collaborate with Local Organizations: By partnering with the Monarch Initiative of Tulsa , The Sustainability Alliance has mobilized educational efforts to empower Oklahomans to become protectors of these crucial pollinators.
3. Use Technology to Expand Reach: The TerraScore app , powered by JouleBug, facilitates the planting of pollinator gardens by providing easy-to-follow guidelines and tracking progress, turning local commitments into widespread conservation actions.
4. Incentivize Actions with Competition and Prizes: The custom Pollinator Preservation Celebration challenge not only educates but also excites participants by offering rewards like native plants and gardening supplies from local businesses.
5. Activate the Business Community: The Sustainability Alliance extends its impact by equipping businesses with the tools and knowledge needed for effective sustainability practices, enhancing both environmental and community well-being.

Every action counts, from planting a single flower to transforming business practices.

7 Actions to Promote Biodiversity

Plants are the unsung heroes of our planet that all life depends upon. Plants provide 80% of the food we eat and produce 98% of the oxygen we breathe . However, invasive pest species constantly threaten their health. These threats pose severe risks to biodiversity, ecosystem stability, food security, and sustainable economies and livelihoods.?

While the challenge is global, individual actions can make a tangible difference. By understanding the connections between plant health and our daily lives, we can make informed decisions that promote environmental stewardship. Read our blog post to learn seven actions individuals can take to help protect plant health.?

Plastic Free July: Choose to Refuse

Plastic Free July ? is a global movement that empowers millions of people to take a stand against plastic pollution, contributing to cleaner and healthier oceans, ecosystems, and communities. This July, we encourage you to take the lead in inspiring your community to refuse single-use plastic. Whether it's through a Beat Plastic Pollution challenge, the Pesky Plastic quiz , or a commitment to eliminate single-use plastics from your office for the month (or longer), your actions can make a significant difference.

If you can't run a challenge but want to promote plastic-free living, update the Theme under the Action tab in the Admin Dashboard. Then, include messaging in your internal comms and schedule a few Notifications to send throughout the month to encourage people to take action. You're welcome to copy & paste these notifications:

• July 1: ?? Big news! Plastic Free July is here! ?? Prepare to go plastic-free and lead the way in sustainability.
• July 10: ?? Don't miss out! Take action for Plastic Free July ?? Be part of the solution and go plastic-free!
• July 18: ?? Ready for change? Conduct a personal plastic audit to understand your impact and make conscious choices. ??
• July 23: ?? We're in the home stretch! It's the final week of Plastic Free July. Finish strong to maximize your impact! ??
• July 31: ?? Round of applause! Plastic Free July has ended. Big thank you to all participants for your outstanding efforts and commitment. ??

Check out the Plastic Free Foundation for more resources and ideas on reducing plastic waste at home, work, school, or your local café.