An interview with the Rakshys Family, friends of What You Can Do Part 2

Below is Part 2 of our interview with Jessica and Christian regarding their experiences raising their son with special needs, Jonathan.

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1. What, if any, advice would you offer to other parents out there who have a child with special needs?

J/C: Call your pediatrician and/or your county and find out about the early intervention program right away. I had no idea that this whole program existed and now I don't know what we would have done without them. They have become part of our family.

Also, search online for parent support groups. My husband and I belong to several. Being able to talk with other parents that are going through similar things is so helpful. Sharing ideas, experiences and equipment has helped us so much.

2. In areas that offer fewer low-cost or free programs for special needs children, what, as parents, do you think you can advise other parents to do?

J/C: There are a lot of books in the library that you can take out and read about raising a child with special needs. Depending on where you live, sometimes your local library will also have programs set up for children with special needs.

Play music to your child - expose them to different types like classical, jazz, rock. It's a workout for the brain just listening!

3. How have the programs and therapies Jonathan has received helped him?

J/C: I'm happy to say that Jonathan is walking and picking up objects with his hands! He is starting to make choices and is starting to develop communication when he wants/needs something. We still have a long way to go, but I know Jonathan would be a different child without the help of these programs.

4. What can someone out there who wants to support programs/therapies that kids like Jonathan receive, do? Any suggestions?

J/C: I would contact your local county for advise on how to help. There are also lots of schools for children with special needs that may have volunteer programs set up. Therapy centers and facilities also accept monetary donations like Pal-o-mine Equestrian where Jonathan gets hippo therapy.

Help Victims of Land Mines

Think there's nothing you can do to help victims of Land Mines in 1 Minute?

Starring - Abby Lynn Mulay
Written by -  Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical Information Provided by: Mercy Corps, www.mercycorps.org

Special Thanks: Sylvia Ross and everyone at Mercy Corps, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

At Risk Youth

Think there's nothing you can do to help at risk youth in 1 Minute?

Starring - Damion Fitz
Written by -  Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical Information Provided by: The Home for Little Wanderers, www.thehome.org

Special Thanks: Caroline Thompson, Lisa Gatti and everyone at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Therapeutic Riding for Kids

Think there's nothing you can do to help a child with special needs in 1 Minute?

Starring - Alicia Arinella
Written by -  Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Statistical Information Provided by: Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, www.pal-o-mine.org

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Special Thanks: Caroline Thompson, Lisa Gatti and everyone at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Ten Thousand Dreams

Think there's nothing you can do to help someone suffering from a life threatening illness in 1 Minute?

Starring - Julie Tortorici
Written by -  Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Statistical Information Provided by: Dream Foundation, www.dreamfoundation.org

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Special Thanks: Erinn Lynch and everyone at Dream Foundation, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Children with Special Needs

Think there's nothing you can do to help a child with Special Needs in 1 Minute?

Starring - Jessica Rakshys, Christian Rakshys, Jonathan Rakshys, and Buddy Rakshys
Written by -  Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Consulting Producer: Mary Micari
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Special Thanks: Diane Singer, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

An interview with the Rakshys family, friends of What You Can Do Part 1

Throughout the course of “What You Can Do” we have called upon many friends and family for their professional or personal involvement. One friend, actually one whole family, who we’ve asked to participate a number of times are Jessica, Christian and their son, Jonathan. They have hosted our video on how to help children with special needs and they also provided us access to Jonathan’s hippo therapy session (therapy with the aid of equine movement). Since they’ve been so open and willing to provide us access to their life bringing up a child with special needs, we thought it would be great to get more information from them about their experience and what other families in their situation can do.

Below is Part 1 of our interview.

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1. Your son, Jonathan has Mowat Wilson Syndrome, and as a result, has received some early intervention therapies. What are some of the therapies that he is currently receiving?

Jessica/Christian: Jonathan started receiving physical therapy and occupational therapy when he was 3 months old and several others followed quickly after. Now along with PT and OT, Jonathan receives Speech/Feeding therapy, Vision therapy, Hippo therapy (horseback riding), attends a Sensory Gym, and has a Special Education teacher and a Nutritionist.

2. Why are programs - such as an early intervention program - so important for both children and parents?

J/C: Early intervention is so important for children that are at risk for developmental/physical delays. When Jonathan was born we did not have a specific diagnosis and didn't know what we should have been looking for. We had him evaluated and he started receiving services right away. The therapists not only worked with Jonathan but with my husband and I as well. We learned how to do different exercises with him, how to feed him and monitor what he was eating, and even how to set up our house so that it would benefit Jonathan.

3. What, if anything, do you think is the biggest misconception that people have about raising a child with special needs?

J/C: I think the biggest thing for me was that Jonathan was a child first, and a child with special needs second. I got so caught up when he was born to make sure we were doing our "homework" with him as directed by the therapists and doctors that we forgot to play with him, snuggle him, tickle him and basically just enjoy him. It's a hard thing to balance but you need to have some sense of normalcy in your life and treat your child like a regular kid and yourself as a regular parent even though you may not feel like one 99% of the time.

An Interview with Abby Ray, Communications Associate at The Rainforest Alliance

Here is Part 2 of our interview with Abby Ray, our contact at the Rainforest Alliance.

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What would happen if all of our rainforests disappeared?
With the release of all of that CO2 into the atmosphere from cutting all of those trees, we’d see a big impact on climate change. There would be major soil erosion, waterway contamination, increased instances of malaria and increased illness. We’d lose species that currently we don’t even know exist, and we’d lose all of those precious and unique creatures that only reside in rainforests.

What is the connection between conserving the rainforest and social and economic factors?
We see sustainability as having three equally important pillars: environmental, social and economic. For many poor communities living in areas of high biodiversity, the forest is worth more cut down than it is standing. They can sell the timber and grow agricultural products, or graze cattle. If forests are to have a higher value intact, they need to provide local communities with a sustainable livelihood, and that’s where the social and economic factors come into play. Without those components, we’ll continue to see rainforest destruction and illegal logging in “preserved areas,” despite our best intentions. If communities can receive Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)/Rainforest Alliance certification for their forests, they often have better market access and can learn to responsibly manage their land so that it retains wildlife and its precious ecosystems. We have also developed a climate initiative to work on helping communities receive payment for ecosystem services – or compensating landowners for the carbon that their forests store.

What can the average person do to help conserve the rainforest?
It is up to all of us to act responsibly. You can help protect ecosystems and the people and wildlife that depend on them by holding an Adopt-A-Rainforest fundraiser, becoming a member of the Rainforest Alliance and buying responsibly produced foods, wood and paper products. You can look for the Rainforest Alliance Certified green frog seal in your local grocery stores. Take responsible vacations, and ask questions about the hotel’s social and environmental policies. We have all of these tips and more on our Green Living Tips page: http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/support.cfm?id=tips.

Is there anything that you would like add?
You can watch great videos on our website for an easier way to understand what we do:The Rainforest Alliance. Also, follow us on
Twitter and Facebook .

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To find out more about the Rainforest or about the Rainforest Alliance, please visit - The Rainforest Alliance.

Certified Wood

Think there's nothing you can do to help Protect our Rainforests in 1 Minute?

Starring - Damion Fitz
Written by -  Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Statistical Information Provided by: The Rainforest Alliance, www.rainforest-alliance.org,

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Special Thanks: Abby Ray and everyone at The Rainforest Alliance, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

10 Things to Help the Rainforest

Think there's nothing you can do to help Protect our Rainforests in 1 Minute?

Starring - Maria Christina Perry
Written by -  Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Statistical Information Provided by: The Rainforest Alliance, www.rainforest-alliance.org,

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Special Thanks: Abby Ray and everyone at The Rainforest Alliance, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Adopt an Acre of Rainforest

Think there's nothing you can do to help Protect our Rainforests in 1 Minute?

Starring - Abby Lynn Mulay
Written by - Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Statistical Information Provided by: The Rainforest Alliance, www.rainforest-alliance.org,

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Special Thanks: Abby Ray and everyone at The Rainforest Alliance, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Click for the Rainforest

Think there's nothing you can do to help Protect our Rainforests in 1 Minute?

Starring - Alicia Arinella & Dennis Arinella
Written by -  Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Statistical Information Provided by: The GreaterGood Network, and Dennis Arinella

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Special Thanks: Rosemary Jones and everyone at the GreaterGood Network, www.therainforestsite.com

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Buy Rainforest Alliance Certified

Think there's nothing you can do to help Protect our Rainforests in 1 Minute?

Starring - Julie Tortorici
Written by -  Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Statistical Information Provided by: The Rainforest Alliance - www.rainforest-alliance.org

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Special Thanks: Abby Ray and everyone at the Rainforest Alliance, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

An Interview with Abby Ray, Communications Associate at the Rainforest Alliance, part 1

When we asked our “What You Can Do “ fans which topics were of most concern to them, an overwhelming majority said protecting our rainforests. Thus we set off to complete a week of one minute ideas dedicated to halting the destruction of this precious resource. In the course of our research we were lucky enough to find The Rainforest Alliance whose help and expertise proved invaluable in our assembly of this week.

Here Abby Ray, our contact at The Rainforest Alliance, took the time to answer some questions for us . Please read on for Part 1 of our interview.

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Please tell us why rainforest conservation is important?
It’s important to conserve rainforests, in part, because they are often considered “the lungs of the planet,” absorbing much of the carbon dioxide that can contribute to climate change. Also, the rainforest is home to rich biodiversity, and some plants and animals only exist in the rainforest. There’s a reason why rainforests are called the “world’s largest pharmacies;” we have already developed medicines to fight cancer, diabetes and heart diseases from rainforest plants, and more cures could be found there. One-quarter of the Western medicines that we use today are derived from plants, yet less than one percent of these tropical trees and plants have been screened by scientists for pharmaceutical properties. Deforestation causes destruction of wildlife habitat and therefore loss of wildlife, the release of carbon dioxide which contributes to climate change, soil erosion, contaminated waterways and often poor health conditions for local communities.

Please tell us a little bit about the Rainforest Alliance.
The Rainforest Alliance, an international nonprofit organization, works with people whose livelihoods depend on the land, helping them transform the way they grow food, harvest wood and host travelers. From large multinational corporations to small, community-based cooperatives, businesses and consumers worldwide are involved in the Rainforest Alliance’s efforts to bring responsibly produced goods and services to a global marketplace where the demand for sustainability is growing steadily. We work in sustainable agriculture, forestry, tourism and climate.

How much of the rainforest is lost ever year?
Nearly half of the Earth's original forest cover has already been lost, and each year an additional 32 million acres (13 million hectares) are destroyed (a land area the size of Nicaragua or the State of Louisiana).

Why is the rainforest being destroyed?
Around the world, people are clearing land to grow crops. While people need to grow food, in many countries, there are no laws to prevent people from entering a forest, cutting it down, burning the dry vegetation, and planting seeds. Because most of a rainforest's nutrients are found in its diverse flora, the soils that support so much biodiversity are actually quite thin and poor. The farmers can grow crops in the ashes of burned forests for a few years, but eventually, the nutrient-poor soils give out, and the colonists must move farther into the forest and start over. The abandoned lands are often used by ranchers to graze livestock. On average, six acres of pastureland in the tropics are needed to feed just one cow. People who need wood for fuel also cause deforestation. When timber companies cut down valuable hardwoods in a forest in an irresponsible way, the process usually destroys all surrounding vegetation and jeopardizes the wildlife that depended on that lost vegetation. Illegal logging is also a problem. Development projects like dams, new settlements, highways and large-scale mining and petroleum projects are also leading causes of deforestation. In the Amazon, in particular, forests are being cut down to grow soy beans and acai, graze cattle and build developments. Other tropical areas face similar threats but from different crops like palm oil, sugar cane or sun-grown coffee.

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To find out more about the Rainforest or about the Rainforest Alliance, please visit - The Rainforest Alliance.

Diary of an American Shopper Day 259

Diary of an American Shopper Day 259

So where did I leave off? Oh right - talking about my love of the open road. I guess the big question is how has my driving been impacted by my knowledge of climate change and global warming? To tell you the truth, it's changed pretty drastically. One of my favorite actives is joy riding. Driving just to feel the breeze through my opened window. Driving just to see if it's raining on the other end of town. Driving to watch the sunset over the ocean. Basically - driving just to kill time.

Don't get mad - I don't do that anymore. And that's a bummer. Not only is it fun to drive, fun to watch the scenery and fun to listen to the radio in the car, but I do my best thinking on the open road. Some people do it in the shower, some people do it at the gym. I do it behind the wheel. It's true; you can ask Jess or Julie. So that's been a change. I have to think constructively on my couch. And yet, when I do get to drive - thoughts explode into my brain. I feel like Da Vinci and I wonder why I don't drive more often - and then I think of global warming and I remember.

But I wonder - could my car's impact or rather lack of impact really make a difference? And the answer is probably not. It's true - I'm making a sacrifice to save a small amount of emissions. So why? Why not indulge myself if I enjoy it so much, if I become more productive because of it? Who cares? What's stopping me? Well, guilt.

I am committed to this movement because I know that if a whole lot of us opt for public transportation, or stop joy riding as a way to pass time, our collective lack of emissions can make a difference. But we have to do it together- not alone. I guess that what it comes down to - we're all connected and my choices affect your choices, or rather your children's choices. If I could help to make a difference about these major issues in life - global warming being one - would I do it? And yes I would. I will give up one of my favorite things to help.

I mark day 259 a sobering admission of acceptance.

Drive Well

Think there's nothing you can do to Go Green on the Road in 1 Minute?

Starring - Rosie Moss
Written by -  Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Statistical Information Provided by: The EPA, www.epa.gov

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Special Thanks: Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Road Trip

Think there's nothing you can do to Go Green on the Road in 1 Minute?

Starring - Melissa Jernigan & Greg Gallagher
Written by -  Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Statistical Information Provided by: The EPA, www.epa.gov

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Special Thanks: Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Fill Up Your Car

Think there's nothing you can do to Go Green on the Road in 1 Minute?

Starring - Alicia Arinella & Jim Paugh
Written by -  Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Statistical Information Provided by: The EPA, www.epa.gov

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Special Thanks: Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

A WYCD Shout-Out from Traveling Greener

Just wanted to say thanks to http://www.travelinggreener.com/ for reposting our video about going on a fair trade focused vacation! We'd like to thank them for spreading the word about our videos and the WYCD one-minute mission!

Care for Your Car

Think there's nothing you can do to Go Green on the Road in 1 Minute?

Starring - Julie Tortorici
Written by -  Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Statistical Information Provided by: The EPA, www.epa.gov

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Special Thanks: Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Climate Change on the Road

Think there's nothing you can do to Go Green on the Road in 1 Minute?

Starring - Eric Walton
Written by -  Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Consulting Producer: Mary Micari
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Statistical Information Provided by: The EPA, www.epa.gov and The Carbon Fund, www.carbonfund.org

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Special Thanks: Ivan Chan and everyone at the Carbon Fund, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Diary of an American Shopper day 253 or an introduction to Go Green on the Road

Diary of an American Shopper - Day 253

Okay, major confession time - I love my car. I love being behind the wheel and looking at the open road. There's nothing more iconic and American than our relationship to our car. It's James Dean, it's Steve McQueen it's NASCAR. Getting your license at 16 means being granted your freedom. Getting your first set of keys means getting your independence. Choosing your first car means expressing yourself. We're all intimately tied to our cars.

My family grew up going to Cape Cod and Lake Winnipesaukee for our family vacations. We stayed at Jonathan's Landing on the lake, and one of the coolest features they had was that everyone drove golf carts around the property rather than driving cars. Well, my dad - being the coolest dad ever - let me drive this golf cart when I was a wee youngin'. I had to be supervised, so it meant me dragging my dad out constantly when he'd rather read, exercise or do a puzzle, BUT he obliged and I got to drive. I remember we had to charge the cart every few days by plugging it into the outlet in the garage - if only filling my car up now was so easy.

Cut to the summer of my freshman year of college. I remember my dad going into my car to check something and coming into the kitchen where I was sitting and obviously watching the Food Network. He said, "Alicia, where have you been driving?" and I replied, "Why?" He sat down and looked at me, and I knew I was in some kind of trouble. He then proceeded to tell me that I put 11,000 miles on the car that summer. WHAT?! I still don't know how I did that. I drove in and out of Boston a lot. But it was still a shock. Maybe I wound up driving further for that gallon of milk that my mom requested than I actually did - did I go all the way to Pittsfield or Rockport? I do have to say on one jaunt I looked up and read the "Welcome to Vermont" sign, so who knows. The numbers don't lie.

A number of years later I was working on a film in Nebraska and my favorite memory there also involved a car. Not my car, but a car all the same. One of the production assistants on the shoot, was 16 and very new behind the wheel. He was driving to set which happened to be in a corn field and cut the wheel too hard so he disappeared behind the giant stalks of green. Then a few miles down the road, he zoomed out ahead and maintained his path as if nothing happened. He came into the production office complaining that his breaks weren't working and asked me if I could help him track down a mechanic. The problem, corn stalks were wrapped around the wheels. That'll stop you every time.

I have driven many miles just to see the ocean, or to visit a good friend and now later in life to get to a shoot in far away states, and it saddens me to learn how this precious gift of freedom is partially responsible for the destruction of our most precious gift - this earth that we live on. I have tried to do my part. I use public transportation as much as possible, I try to car pool as much as I can, and I bought a more fuel efficient car - I now average 32.5 miles per gallon on the highway. So that's pretty good. But I can't break my connection to this completely revered of objects. After working on this weeks videos, I have learned more tips to implement to help limit my environmental impact.

How about you?

I mark day 253 an honest reflection of concern.

An interview with the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch Program, part 2

Below is Part 2 of our interview with the people from the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program.

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What is fish farming? Is this a good thing for the environment?

Fish farming, also known as aquaculture is the practice of raising fish in farms that vary from traditional earthen ponds to high tech tank systems. Each type of system has its own distinct environmental footprint. Seafood Watch recommendations will help you find which species are farmed in ways that are better for the environment. These are often shellfish and fish that don't need a lot of wild-caught fish to feed them. Some types of fish farming are definitely not environmentally friendly. For example, most farmed salmon are raised in ways that are detrimental to the environment and to wild populations of small fish like sardines and anchovies that are caught to feed them. Turning edible fish into fish pellets takes food from the food chain, as well as from people's plates.



What, if any, misconceptions do you think people have about ocean health and their contribution to it?

Most people probably think that pollution from industry, including oil spills, is probably the biggest threat to the ocean. Many people believe our oceans are healthy. It is often a surprise to hear that 90% of all the big predatory fish are gone, and that over two-thirds of the world's oceans are overfished.

By continuing to increase our consumption each year of seafood, especially items like salmon and shrimp, we are contributing to either overfishing, destructive bycatch practices - where marine wildlife is accidentally caught and discarded - or environmentally damaging farming practices such as salmon farms in our nearshore ocean ecosystems.

By being aware of the issues of overfishing, climate change, pollution and habitat damage, we can adapt our buying habits to tread more carefully on this precious resource. When we make sustainable seafood choices we vote with our dollars, which ultimately result in a more responsible food chain and more environmentally friendly fishing and farming practices. In this way we can secure a future with healthy oceans.

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For more information about the Seafood Watch Program, or to access the Seafood Watch Guide, please visit - SeafoodWatch.com

Ocean Friendly Garden

Think there's nothing you can do to Protect our Oceans in 1 Minute?

Starring - Julie Tortorici
Written by -  Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Statistical Information Provided by: The Surfrider Foundation, www.surfrider.org

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Special Thanks: Alexis Henry and everyone at the Surfrider Foundation, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Ban the Bag

Think there's nothing you can do to Protect our Oceans in 1 Minute?

Starring - Maria Christina Perry
Written by -  Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Statistical Information Provided by: The Surfrider Foundation, www.surfrider.org

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Special Thanks: Alexis Henry and everyone at the Surfrider Foundation, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

What You Can Do Presents - Sustainable Seafood

Think there's nothing you can do to learn about Sustainable Seafood in 1 Minute?

Starring - Alicia Arinella
Written by -  Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Statistical Information provided by - The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch Program, www.SeafoodWatch.org

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission and the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Special Thanks: Alison Barratt, and everyone at the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch Program, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Conserve at Your Hotel

Think there's nothing you can do to Go Green on Your Summer Vacation in 1 Minute?

Starring - Alicia Arinella
Written by -  Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Special Thanks: Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

What You Can Do presents: Protect Our Coral Reefs

Starring: Greg Gallagher
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical Information provided by: www.yoto98.noaa.gov

Special Thanks:
Dennis Arinella

What You Can Do presents: Protect Our Oceans

Starring: Grace Tortorici and Richard Tortorici
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Consulting Producer: Mary Micari
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical Information Provided by: Ocean Conservancy – www.oceanconservancy.org

Special Thanks:
Kelly Ricaurte, Tom McCann and everyone at Ocean Conservancy
Dennis Arinella

An interview with the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch Program, part 1

To kick off our first Oceans Week, we thought we would provide you with an interview from the experts at the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program. Read on!

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Can you tell us a little about the Seafood Watch Program. Why it began?

The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program was an outgrowth of a 1997 special exhibition "Fishing for Solutions." The exhibit examined the practices of fishing and fish farming (aquaculture) and identified that not all practices are created equal. This resulted in a suite of recommendations consolidated onto a handy pocket guide that show consumers which species are "Best Choices", others that are "Good Alternatives" and which products to "Avoid." By shopping from mostly from the Best Choices list and occasionally from the Good Alternative list, consumers are helping to create a market for more sustainable product. Since the pocket guides were first printed in 1999, we have now distributed over 34 million guides. In addition, we have a free iPhone app, and a website www.seafoodwatch.org with detailed information and the scientific reports on which the recommendations for each species are based.


For diners out there that love eating fish, what is the most important thing for them to know before ordering?

Not all fish are created equal. Our recommendations will help you navigate the waters. We think there are three simple questions to ask:

Where is this fish from?

Is this fish wild or farmed?

If it was wild-caught, how was it caught ?

Once you are armed with this type of information, you should be able to identify whether this is a species to avoid, or you can feel good about ordering.

If you're unable to get all the answers you need to make a responsible choice, we might suggest you pick something else. However, be sure to let the wait staff now that you are interested in ocean-friendly seafood and that’s how you make your choices. Ask the wait staff to share your concerns with their chef – satisfying customer needs is important to them and can really make a difference in how they approach their seafood purchases. Something else to feel good about!

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For more information about the Seafood Watch Program, or to access the Seafood Watch Guide, please visit - SeafoodWatch.com

Go Green Vacation

Traditionally, vacation is a time to walk away from your life for a little while – to either experience something new, experience something you love or attempt to experience nothing at all. For me, a few months ago, I went on a vacation to experience something I loved – I visited my sister in California.

While stepping away from my own everyday life, I stepped into an area that seemed hyper-aware of environmentalism. I was staying in the Bay area and it felt like everywhere I went there were recycling bins, I was being asked to bring my own tote bag or there was an ad for locally grown food. Even my sister was hyper-vigilante about how much water she used – all you need to do is check out her blog everylastdrip.blogspot.com to read about her latest water-saving project.

I found the constant eco-reminders to be far from annoying and instead, made not doing them seem ridiculous. I wonder if maybe that’s the answer – inundate communities with easy eco-options and let it all become second nature.

Eco-wise, this particular step away from life felt like a step toward something.

What You Can Do presents: Responsible Camping

Action Link: EPA

Starring: Jack Halaby
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission and Fisher House

Statistical information provided by: EPA

Special Thanks:
Dennis Arinella

What You Can Do presents: Travel Responsibly

Action Link: Ecotourism - Eco-Destinations

Starring: Maria Christina Perry
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical Information provided by: The International Ecotourism Society - http://www.ecotourism.org

Special Thanks:
Ferdinand Weps and everyone at the International Ecotourism Society
Dennis Arinella