Ava Castro

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

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

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

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

I will improve a bus stop in my neighborhood by posting the stop schedule, adding seating or shelter, adding art or flowers, picking up litter, or implementing some other small improvement.

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.

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 plan ahead to only use paper products made from post-consumer recycled paper for my home or office.

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.

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

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

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

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

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