SDG 14: Sustainable oceans

My pledge is to stop drinking bottled water and advertise the availability and affordability of free water to students around campus. 31 billion bottles find their way into landfill and our oceans each year, and we choose to pay for that to happen.

This month I am going to eat totally plant based and avoid all animal products. Taking this step to lessen my personal impact on the environment!

The world produces more than 300 million tons of plastic each year. 50% of this plastic is only used once! Plastic waste is affecting our lands, waterways, oceans and especially marine animals. I am taking ONE STEP to help make change and raise awareness about easy solutions to reduce plastic footprints. I will do this by not using any type of one-use plastic items such as shopping bags, water bottles, and containers.

1. Continue to inspire others to live a more environmentally conscious and sustainable lifestyle, and ultimately support leaders at the political level who invest in a sustainable future. I will do this through my start-up @mothernaturesmilk (Instagram) and website www.mothernaturesmilk.com I am attempting to make sustainability and conservation cool, by living a fun, outdoor orientated lifestyle filled with adventure whilst minimising my footprint and maximising sustainability practises. 2. Make a conscious effort to reduce energy consumption on a daily basis, and switch to an energy provider who is highly supportive of renewable, clean energy. 3. Buy only sustainable and ethical products e.g. support companies who are by-catch friendly, apply sustainable farming practises and those who are against wide scale logging.

I purchase sustainable and ethically sourced products wherever I can! This product is my favourite! I also minimise my use of plastic bags and ensure my products don't contain any microplastics that can be consumed by marine life! My one step would be to reduce all use of plastic bags and other plastics!

I pledge to only purchase second hand clothing and footwear for the next 6 months, as well as to increase the frequency with which I borrow/rent items as opposed to buying them.

I pledge to use only ethical (particularly palm oil free), environmentally friendly and vegan makeup and skincare products.

I believe at the basis of our world's problems stands the consumeristic nature of the current society. I am going to commit to become an active informer of this problem and a promoter of sustainable practices in Melbourne, with the intention of educating people about sustainability alternatives to every day actions. The goal is to post tips on the already launched Instagram page ActivelyZero.

The detrimental impacts plastic bags have on our environment is being seen globally, in our oceans and compiles in our land fill. My first step is to eradicate plastic bags from my daily life and only use reusable green bags when shopping whilst encouraging friends and family to do the same.

Use reusable water bottles, keep cups and tote bags. Plastic will take thousands of years to degreade which will harm marine and aquatic life.