Megan Troutt

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 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 enjoy 3 meatless or vegan meal(s) each day of the challenge.

I will set up a visit or a virtual tour of a green roof in my city, and ask about the codes and process for installing a green roof.

I will find out how to make my home more energy efficient through better insulation and weatherization.

Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 120 minutes in exploring and appreciating a natural area in my region, whether a forest, wetland, coastal area, or somewhere else.

After researching the incentives at the federal, state, utility, and local levels, I will contact a local installer/distributor for a solar panel installation consultation on my house.

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning about the need for more regenerative agriculture.

I will cook 3 meal(s) with zero-waste each day

I will spend at least 20 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

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

I will keep a daily log of food I throw away during Earth Month Ecochallenge, either because it went bad before I ate it, I put too much on my plate, or it was scraps from food preparation.

I will source 25 percent of my food from local producers each day. This could include signing up for a local CSA, buying from a farmer's market, visiting a food co-op, foraging with a local group, or growing my own ingredients.