We received over 200 entries for the Duckey Eco-Essay Contest and are excited to announce the winner. Congratulations to Phillip Pinarksi, a sixth grader at St. Ann School in Bartlett, Tennessee. His character, a blind catfish named Calvin, will be featured as one of the new Ocean Protectors in the next book. The judges were blown away by Phillip’s creativity and sensitivity of the character he created. Calvin’s willpower and strength despite his disability fits right in with the team’s motto: Believe it. Achieve it!

Share

Our kids and our environment are paying a heavy price because of our arrogance. When do we step back and realize that thinking only about the present is not in our best interest? I was told a long time ago: A decision made in haste – you will have to look back on. But a decision made with thought is a decision that stands the test of time. Take a look around and it’s easy to see that we have been so busy trying to maintain the here-and-now that we have forgotten to look ahead. Only recently has everyone jumped on the “green” bandwagon.

Share

As if we don’t have enough motivation to conserve and protect our seas, here is yet another reason. Scientists say that tourism and the construction of numerous chemical plants have caused a water shortage in the Dead Sea. It has shrunk a third of its size in just a half a century and it is estimated that the body of water will lose another third by the year 2100. This massive water shortage is creating dangerous sinkholes along the coastline where the water used to sit.

Share

My grandmother used to tell me that the best thing that you can do when you are faced with a problem is to just sit down, grab yourself a Coke, and do some thinking. Action is always better than reaction. Too many of the world’s problems are caused by rushing into something before we give ourselves time to think. The things we do today will affect our future – but most importantly the future of our children. If we taught our children at an early age to think things through before reacting, maybe we would not be facing some of the problems we are faced with today.

Share

Despite the warning label on batteries, household cleaners, and other various items, many people still throw things out that they aren’t supposed to. These items then end up in the landfills, their toxins seeping into our drinking water and evaporating into the air. Not good! So instead of throwing out these things, why not find a recycling center near you? Earth911.com is a great resource for finding places to dispose of these items. It allows you to type in what you would like to recycle and finds the nearest recycling center for that specific item.

Share

It’s that time of year again. School’s out and already the kids are complaining that they are bored. Instead of parking them in front of their TV or video games, how about planning environmental activities that are so fun that they won’t even realize they’re educational. Here are a few ideas that will get you and the kids out of the house and active in the environment:

Share

It’s safe to say that times are tough. The stock market keeps falling. Houses now sit on the market for months. And families are finding it increasingly difficult to make their money stretch. While it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle of these dismal times, we shouldn’t lose track of the one thing that means the most. It’s not our cars, houses or our money. It’s family. I know it may not seem like it now, but this recession is a valuable learning experience, one that will better our families and make them stronger.

Share

Calling all Junior Ocean Protectors! We’re still waiting for your entry for the Duckey Eco-Essay Contest! Send us in your essay and you could have a character named after you in Duckey’s next adventure AND have your name featured as a contributing writer. How cool! It’s really simple to participate so what are you waiting for? In 250 words or less, tell us:

Share

With all of the disheartening talk about climate change and its negative impact on our seas, it’s reassuring to hear about one creature’s amazing ability to withstand the sea’s fluctuating temperatures. Scientists have found what they call “super reefs” off the coast of East Africa. What makes these reefs so “super”? Studies have found that this area near Tanzania experiences a higher fluctuation in currents and water temperatures than in other places.

Share

It’s no coincidence that every character in “Duckey and the Ocean Protectors” has their own very special talent. Polly Puffer Fish has the ability to produce strong bubbles that keep human litter at bay. Nicky Nautilus has a roomy and speedy shell that can carry her friends to their destination quickly and safely. And Denise Dolphin can create whirlpools that bind enemies together.

Share