Joleen O'Brien

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

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

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

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

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I will spend 15 minutes researching businesses owned by women, immigrants, and Black, Indigenous, and people of color that I can support when shopping.

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

I will plant a tree or shrub at home or in my community to combat the heat island effect.

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

I will commit to learn about and take action to make my home/workplace more energy efficient.

I will commit to purchase fewer SUPs and learn and use alternative options.

I will commit to purchase fewer SUPs and disposables and learn and use alternative options.

Reduce Reuse Recycle Refuse Repair Regift Recover Rethink

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

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 speak up and ask if it is possible to implement composting methods at my work or place(s) where I volunteer.

I will start a compost bin where I live.

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

I will cook 1 meal(s) with zero-waste each day

I will source 15 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 enjoy 1 meatless or vegan meal(s) each day of the challenge.

I will take a walk for 15 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.

I will assess the vehicles used by my company or college and advocate for a purchasing policy focused on electric and fuel-efficient vehicles

I will spend at least 20 minutes researching and weighing my options to see if a hybrid or electric vehicle makes sense for my lifestyle.

I will create a plan to and advocate for solar installation at my business, apartment building, or campus.

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 replace 5 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

I will sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option. If my utility does not offer one, I will purchase Renewable Energy Credits to match my usage.