Kimberly Velasquez

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 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 10 minutes learning more about the barriers to women's equal participation and representation around the world.

I will spend at least 10 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 10 minutes researching the environmental benefits of peatlands and what is being done around the world to conserve and restore them.

I will spend 10 minute(s) learning about biochar and how it can help sequester carbon.

Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 10 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 tend to a garden, or prepare for one, each day using sustainable gardening practices.

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

I will start a compost bin where I live.

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 find out how to make my home more energy efficient through better insulation and weatherization.

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

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

I will spend at least 15 minutes learning about green gentrification and how it relates to city planning for climate action.

I will spend at least 10 minutes learning about the legacy of redlining and how city planning and environmental justice issues are interconnected.

I will fix faucets or report leaky faucets to facilities. Fixing leaky faucets can save up to 9 gallons (34 L) of water a day or 270 (1,020 L) gallons of water a month per faucet.

I will save up to 15 gallons (56 L) of water a day or 450 gallons (1,680 L) a month by installing a low-flow showerhead.

I will reduce the amount of water flushed and save up to 11 gallons (41 L) of water a day or 330 gallons (1,230 L) a month by installing a toilet tank bank.

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 learn about sustainable fashion and begin trying to practice it in my own life.

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 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 at least 10 minutes researching cement alternatives that reduce the carbon footprint of concrete.

I will spend 10 minute(s) learning about the climate impact of refrigerants and what climate-friendly refrigerants are by using the links below.

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

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

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

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 10 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 10 minutes researching and advocating for a comprehensive high speed rail network in my country/region.

I will spend at least 5 minutes researching and weighing my options to see if a hybrid or electric vehicle makes sense for my lifestyle.

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

I will take a walk for 10 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.

I will spend at least 10 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.