Michelle Drake

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

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

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

I will Practice the "5 Rs" — refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle — to reduce my waste more than I can with just recycling alone.