Debra Kralka

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.

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

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

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

I will spend at least 15 minutes finding out if anyone is working on perennial biomass projects in my region and how I can get involved.

I will spend at least 15 minutes researching the impact of my diet to see how it contributes to deforestation.

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 spend at least 60 minutes researching cement alternatives that reduce the carbon footprint of concrete.

I will plan ahead to only use paper products made from post-consumer recycled paper for my home or office.

I will advocate for alternatives to single-use packaging at local grocery stores, markets, at work, or on campus.

I will spend at least 10 minutes learning how to properly dispose of my refrigerator, freezer, and other refrigerants at the end of their useful lives.

I will explore the interactive map in the links below to find a supermarket that does not use HFC refrigerants near my home.

I will spend 15 minute(s) learning about the climate impact of refrigerants and what climate-friendly refrigerants are by using the links below.

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 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 improve a bus stop in my neighborhood by posting the stop schedule, adding seating or shelter, adding art or flowers, picking up litter, or implementing some other small improvement.

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

I will spend at least 30 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 enjoy 2 meatless or vegan meal(s) each day of the challenge.

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.