John Gerwin

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

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of biomass.

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

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

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

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

I will start a compost bin where I live.

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.

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:

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

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

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

Cheap, single-use items and disposable packaging end up blowing around as litter more often in poor and BIPOC-majority neighborhoods. I will avoid buying and using 2 single-use plastics and instead replace them with durable options.

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 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.

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.

The US Postal Service is requesting 10's of 1000's of new vehicles to replace the fleet. There is a petition requesting that they focus on electric or hybrid vehicles. I have written a letter in support of the petition to "go electric".

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

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