Sandy Houck

I will spend 45 minutes researching businesses owned by women, immigrants, and Black, Indigenous, and people of color that I can support when shopping.

I will spend at least 45 minutes researching how people can build with carbon-storing materials - including agricultural byproducts - and discuss it with my peers in person or by posting to social media.

I will spend 30 minute(s) learning about biochar and how it can help sequester carbon.

I will visit seafoodwatch.org or download the app and commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean.

Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 60 minutes in exploring and appreciating a natural area in my region, whether a forest, wetland, coastal area, or somewhere else.

I will spend at least 45 minutes watching videos and/or reading about the environmental benefits of silvopasture.

When they are available, I will purchase products made from bamboo instead of wood, plastic, or metal.

I will only purchase wood and paper products from ecologically certified sources like Forest Stewardship Council.

I will replace or remove from my current diet the palm oil, coffee, and cocoa products that are known to contribute to deforestation.

I will spend at least 45 minutes researching the impact of my diet to see how it contributes to deforestation.

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 45 minutes learning about the legacy of redlining and how city planning and environmental justice issues are interconnected.

I will spend at least 60 minutes learning about green gentrification and how it relates to city planning for climate action.

I will spend at least 45 minutes researching cement alternatives that reduce the carbon footprint of concrete.

If I buy a plane ticket, I will purchase a carbon offset.

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

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 enjoy 2 meatless or vegan meal(s) each day of the challenge.

I will source 50 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.

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.