Miranda Dowdy

I will spend at least 15 minutes learning about the legacy of redlining and how city planning and environmental justice issues are interconnected.

I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy.

I will spend at least 10 minutes researching heat pumps to see if installing one makes sense for my home/building.

I will spend at least 20 minutes researching cement alternatives that reduce the carbon footprint of concrete.

I will reduce the amount of paper mail that I receive by 0.11lbs (0.05kg) a day or 3.3lbs (1.6kg) a month by opting into paperless billing, ending unwanted subscriptions and opting out of junk mail.

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will research and recycle all materials that are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community, making sure to not contaminate recyclables with non-recyclables.

I will learn about sustainable fashion and begin trying to practice it in my own life.

I will Practice the "5 Rs" — refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle — to reduce my waste more than I can with just recycling alone.

I will hand one load of laundry a week outside to dry instead of using the dryer.

I will enjoy 1 meatless or vegan meal(s) each day of the challenge.

I will start a compost bin where I live.

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences has prepared an Earth Week event starting from April 20th to April 25th. To celebrate Earth Day, participate in 1 program on April 22nd and write a short reflection in your feed.

Learn about NC's native Diptera that has one of the widest digestive enzyme profiles, allowing for digestion of virtually all human food waste in one to two days: pre-and post-consumer; cooked, raw, or spoiled. Sign up for this workshop and discuss with your team members:

I will use smaller plates and/or serve smaller portions when dishing out food.

Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 30 minutes in exploring and appreciating a natural area in my region, whether a forest, wetland, coastal area, or somewhere else.

I will plant 3 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.

I will support a community garden by volunteering, donating, or advocating for a new or existing one.

I will take a walk for 30 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.

I will spend 30 minutes researching businesses owned by women, immigrants, and Black, Indigenous, and people of color that I can support when shopping.

I will watch a video about methane digesters (also commonly known as anaerobic digesters).

I will calculate the greenhouse gas emissions associated with my household and consider how different lifestyle choices could reduce my negative impact on the environment.

I will eat all of my meals without distractions, e.g., phone, computer, TV, or newspaper.

I will tend to a garden, or prepare for one, each day using sustainable gardening practices.

I will prevent water runoff and increase absorbency by mulching the base of trees and plants in my yard.

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of biomass.

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of geothermal energy and consider investing in this technology.