Shannon Benedetto

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

I will spend at least 15 minutes learning more about the environmental services provided by and the environmental issues affecting temperate forests.

I will spend at least 30 minutes finding out if my city, region, state, or country offers incentives for retrofitting existing buildings.

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

I will spend at least 30 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 take a walk for 3 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.

I will connect with a local nonprofit working on issues affecting women, girls, and/or trans and nonbinary people in my community, and find out how I can get involved or become a member.

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 research and tell 1 people each day about the benefits of alternative energy sources like wind turbines, solar energy, geothermal energy, and methane digesters.

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

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.

I will contact a local installer/distributor to see if a solar water heater makes sense for my house.

I will commute by bike 5 mile(s) each day and avoid sending up to (___) lbs of CO2 into Earth's atmosphere.

I will write or call 2 elected official(s) telling them not to support fossil fuel subsidies and instead support wind energy generation.

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

I will spend at least 30 minutes researching other Drawdown Electricity Solutions.

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

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

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

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

I will start a compost bin where I live.

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

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 more about the energy generation potential of biomass.

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

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences has prepared an Earth Week event starting from April 20th to April 25th. To celebrate Earth Day, participate in 1 program on April 22nd and write a short reflection in your feed.

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

I will plant 3 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.

Learn about NC's native Diptera that has one of the widest digestive enzyme profiles, allowing for digestion of virtually all human food waste in one to two days: pre-and post-consumer; cooked, raw, or spoiled. Sign up for this workshop and discuss with your team members:

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 spend at least 30 minutes researching and advocating for a comprehensive high speed rail network in my country/region.

I will sign up for a Master Recycler/Composter program in my area.

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

I will use public transit 10 mile(s) per day and avoid sending up to (___) lbs of CO2 into Earth's atmosphere.

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

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

When they are available, I will purchase products made from bamboo instead of wood, plastic, or metal.

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

I will contact 2 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.

I will hand one load of laundry a week outside to dry instead of using the dryer.