Mackenly Rourk

I will research and tell 10 people each day about the benefits of alternative energy sources like wind turbines, solar energy, geothermal energy, and methane digesters.

I will spend at least 100 minutes researching the impact of my diet to see how it contributes to deforestation.

I will start a compost bin where I live.

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

I will write or call 5 elected official(s) telling them not to support fossil fuel subsidies and instead support wind energy generation.

I will spend at least 60 minutes researching and advocating for a comprehensive high speed rail network in my country/region.

I will write 6 letter(s) or email(s) per day to a public official or representative to advocate for policies that protect wetlands.

I will find out who in my city makes decisions that impact bike routes and express my support for better biking infrastructure.

I will encourage my office to hold meetings virtually whenever possible instead of requiring travel.

I will find out who in my city makes decisions that impact neighborhood walkability and express my support for better walking infrastructure.

I will spend 80 minutes researching businesses owned by women, immigrants, and Black, Indigenous, and people of color that I can support when shopping.

I will donate to nonprofits that install clean cookstoves in low-income countries.

I will use my spending power to reward companies leading in creating or purchasing green energy and incentivize others to invest more in green energy.

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

I will make a donation to a nonprofit that installs microgeneration in low income countries.

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

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.

Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 62 minutes in exploring and appreciating a natural area in my region, whether a forest, wetland, coastal area, or somewhere else.

I will spend 120 minutes researching the environmental benefits of peatlands and what is being done around the world to conserve and restore them.

I will plant 12 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.

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

I will spend at least 200 minutes watching videos and/or reading about the environmental benefits of silvopasture.

I will spend at least 60 minutes finding out if anyone is working on perennial biomass projects in my region and how I can get involved.

I will contact 2 elected officials to voice my opinion on the importance of restoring farmland in my region, including both public and private land.

I will spend at least 60 minutes learning more about the environmental services provided by and the environmental issues affecting temperate forests.

I will contact 14 congress people or representatives to advocate for public policy that protects forests and the enforcement of existing anti-logging laws, as well as the rights of local people to protect and restore the land in their communities.

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 60 minutes researching other Drawdown Food, Agriculture, and Land Use Solutions.

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

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

I will spend at least 100 minutes learning about the need for more regenerative agriculture.

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

I will give 50 microloan(s) to women who need help starting a business.

I will donate to Native American Rights Fund, which protects tribal natural resources and environmental rights and promotes Native American Human Rights.

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

I will spend at least 80 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 6 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 6 meatless or vegan meal(s) each day of the challenge.