Bernie’s Escape from Ong Island is an exciting adventure starring Bernie, a beloved puggle (half-pug, half-beagle, 100% awesome) from Austin, Texas. Bernie and his human, Sammy, are taken on a journey to an exotic trash wasteland where their lives are turned upside down. Will Bernie, Sammy, and their new friends find a way home? Will they ever be free of the island and its polluted pitfalls?
Join Bernie and Sammy on this wild ocean adventure as they discover the truth about the dangers of pollution and how it impacts the world’s wildlife. A portion of all profits from Bernie’s Escape from Ong Island will be donated to organizations devoted to the cleanup of the ocean, reusing plastics found in our environment, and promoting a circular economy.
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Jessica Harris (formerly Vogel) has over ten years of experience in energy efficiency with a background in mechanical engineering, project management, construction administration, and extensive experience with utility energy incentive programs. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology and is now the proud owner and President of Harris Energy Solutions, a Women Business Owned Entity headquartered in Austin, Texas.
Jessica is also the proud mother of two children. She relocated to the Austin area with her husband from New Jersey. When she’s not working or writing, Jessica enjoys working out, spending time with her family, and hiking.
Jessica has a passion for protecting the environment and is currently working on a children’s book series to educate and encourage action addressing the dangers of plastics in the ocean, deforestation, and pesticide pollution. Bernie’s Escape from Ong Island is her first children’s book.
Try to purchase goods you really need—everything from clothes to toys.
For example, on average, a piece of clothing will only be worn seven times before it is thrown away. Let’s break the fast fashion cycle by only buying what we need and loving what we have! Bernie treasures his treats, chew toys, and stylish dog shirts even more now.
When something breaks, try to fix it instead of running out for another expensive alternative.
You can also shop secondhand and even sell some of the things you don’t need anymore to others. Bernie gave his extra tennis ball to a neighbor dog in exchange for a bone the dog was tired of playing with.
Spend time researching what your local area offers regarding recycling programs. See how you can help further the cause! If there isn’t a recycling program nearby, start your own! Bernie and Sammy convinced their whole street to start separating recycled products out of their trash after describing their escape from Ong island.
Make lifestyle changes to benefit Bernie’s less-is-more plan! Act by becoming involved in your local government, agencies, and other organizations that stand behind environmentally conscious efforts. Sammy’s mother and father have been telling their work friends to make an impact with their wallets. If everyone stopped buying single use plastics, then large corporations would be forced to make more energy conscious alternatives.
Have you ever thought about volunteering, but you aren’t sure how to get started? A great organization that can use your help is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA is always looking for volunteers, especially at their marine sanctuaries. Located all over the......
I have to share a highlight of my week! I was asked to come read my book in person to a great group of first graders in Lockhart, Texas, and of course, I agreed to share the story of Bernie’s Escape from Ong Island. As......
As Spring is “springing” up across the country, here’s a reminder straight from my book @BerniesEscapefromOngIsland. Think of it as a preview before you run over to my website to purchase it. 🏃📕 Litter is no laughing matter. Check out my previous posts that dig into......
Try Skipping the Straw today! Thanks to a group of teenage activists called the Coral Keepers, we celebrate the effort at least once a year. Though, I know that many people celebrate it every day! Many inventive people have created options for us to consider......
It’s almost time for traditional “Spring Cleaning” but I want to get a head start. So here I am, challenging you to join me as I declutter and donate items during February! I’ve made a list of categories and things to focus on—there is one......
Who has a sweater (or two) that they don’t use anymore, or don’t even fit anymore? Between my husband, children, and myself, I could easily find eight sweaters in our home that are just taking up space in our closets. If any of those sweaters......
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