Sofia McVetty

I will spend at least 20 minutes learning about the need for more regenerative agriculture.

I will research and support local farmers who have made the decision to not use synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.

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

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

I will cut green house gas emissions related to my commute to John Abbott College on Earth day, April 22. I will only use muscle-powered transportation (walk, bike, skateboard) for my commute.

Rigaud Mountain is an expansive natural resource that we rely upon to run many of our Outdoor Education courses, here at JAC. It is under extreme pressure from development and mismanagement, and in desperate need of protection. Facing COVID and the Climate Crisis, the need to protect our few remaining local intact forests, is more stronger than ever. We need them, for our health and wellness, and they are disappearing. If you are able, please support this important cause and take a few moments to forward this letter to others who understand its importance. The petition and funding pages are accessible through the "Learn More" button.

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

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

I will spend 30 minute(s) learning about the climate impact of refrigerants and what climate-friendly refrigerants are by using the links below.

I will cut my car trip mileage by only taking necessary trips, and I will only use muscle-powered transportation for all other trips.

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

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

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.

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 spend at least 30 minutes researching cement alternatives that reduce the carbon footprint of concrete.

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning more about the environmental services provided by and the environmental issues affecting temperate forests.

I will spend at least 30 minutes researching the impact of my diet to see how it contributes to deforestation.

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning about the legacy of redlining and how city planning and environmental justice issues are interconnected.

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 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 take a walk for 20 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.

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

I will source 75 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 cook 2 meal(s) with zero-waste each day

I will host a virtual film screening and discussion about women's and gender equality issues.

I will spend at least 60 minutes watching videos and/or reading about the environmental benefits of silvopasture.

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 start a compost bin where I live.

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