Some green-living tips from Daily Planet's Ziya Tong

Where did you grow up and how did it impact your outlook on nature and conservation?
I was born in England, grew up in Hong Kong and moved to Vancouver when I was 11 years old. I have lived in quite a few international cities: New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong. The difference between Hong Kong and Vancouver is so stark. Growing up, my friends’ idea of camping in Hong Kong was pitching a tent off the side of a road, but in Vancouver you have the great wilderness and misty mountains at your doorstep.
When I was 21 I saw an IMAX movie on the Serengeti and I instantly became obsessed with Africa. Literally, two weeks later I went to Africa with a few friends and it blew my mind. It was my first time seeing wild animals in their own environment, not in a concrete jungle where animals have to adapt to people and our cities. It really shifted my perspective on nature.

What conservation issues are you most passionate about?
If I had to choose just one area it would be oceans. I’m a diver and I have been lucky enough to dive in many places around the world and I truly love the ocean—it’s a complete wonderland. But every time I get back to the ocean I see changes, and that’s why I feels its so important to protect the dwindling marine life, the beautiful corals that are bleaching out, raise awareness about ocean acidity and work to ban shark finning.
How are you mindful of the environment in your everyday living?
I try to choose what I buy wisely and think about owning things long term. I like to think of it as buying “future antiques.”
For example, I bought an old wood table off Craig’s List, and had a local artist named Jon Todd punk it up – it’s a true art piece now and I’d love to see it in  my grandchild’s kitchen one day. When it comes to mobile phones for the longest time mine was old and huge; and my friends would laugh at it because it looked liked a TV remote control, but it dialed, so I kept it until it stopped working completely. Now, I have one made of biodegradable materials. I also would like to see us return to the age of fixing things. For example, I love my boots and have had them resoled three times. I think learning to love, own and cherish what we buy is a good way to go for our planet, so we don’t constantly throw things out!
What do you like the most about your work at Daily Planet?
Everything! It’s my passion and something that I’ve always wanted to do. I get to share stories about wacky environmental innovations and talk to leading thinkers about important issues—it’s always inspiring and a lot of fun.

What’s the most challenging aspect of your work?
The show is a daily and there’s a tremendous amount of information to keep up with, but it’s a challenge that I look forward to each day. You never know what’s going to be happening on the planet when you wake up each morning.
What do you want to achieve in your work with WWF?
I joined the WWF-Canada board of directors in November 2011 and right now I am learning as much as I can. WWF is a real repository of wonderful information for people and the work that’s being done is awe-inspiring. I want to get Canadians excited and involved with what the organization’s doing.  It’s a place where things get done, so it’s very positive place to be.
What’s your favourite animal?
Oooh, that’s so hard! I love so many but I would say that I have a penchant for full-on ugly animals. I love the Aye-Aye in Madagascar and the rather strange looking Okapi in the Congo. Okapi have butts like Zebras and are relatives of the giraffe.
What’s your favourite place in Canada?
My mom’s living room in Vancouver, but if I picked a place outdoors it would be a cliff that’s right by the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver. I don’t think it’s possible to get there any more. It’s cordoned off, but I used to crawl out onto bluffs and watch the sunset. It’s my secret spot.
What are some of your favourite films on conservation and the environment?

End of the Line
https://endoftheline.com/
Sharkwater
https://www.sharkwater.com/
The Whale
https://www.thewhalemovie.com/
H2Oil
https://h2oildoc.com/home/
Pancevo – The Dead City
https://www.cultureunplugged.com/documentary/watch-online/festival/play/6122/Pancevo-Mrtav-Grad (this one hits home as I’m half Yugoslavian)
Marina of the Zabbaleen
https://www.marinathemovie.com/
Vice Guide to Toxic Places
https://www.vice.com/toxic/toxic-west-virginia