pamela ferdinand

I will donate to supply a community with reproductive health supplies.

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 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.

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 take a walk for 60 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.

I will cut my car trip mileage by only taking necessary trips, and I will only use muscle-powered transportation for all other trips.

Instead of traveling by plane, I will find an alternative way to accomplish the goals of an upcoming trip (i.e. telepresence, vacation locally).

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

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

I will source 40 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 2 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 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.

Take a walk for 20 minutes. Relax, take note of the beautiful plants and flowers that are emerging. Let it inspire you ...