Mad Grandemange

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

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

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

I will spend at least 10 minutes learning about the need for more regenerative agriculture.

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 assess the vehicles used by my company or college and advocate for a purchasing policy focused on electric and fuel-efficient vehicles

I will take a walk for 15 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.

I will spend at least 15 minutes researching other Drawdown Transportation Solutions.

I will learn how to, or use (an old, secondhand, or bamboo) skateboard/longboard instead of a bicycle as they use less c02 to produce.

I will unplug all possible devices after use, and create the habit of not leaving things plugged in when they don't need to be (i.e. charger, microwave, coffee brewer, tv, gaming system, computer...)

I will spend 10 minute(s) learning about the climate impact of refrigerants and what climate-friendly refrigerants are by using the links below.

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

I will learn about sustainable fashion and begin trying to practice it in my own life.

I will spend at least 10 minutes learning about the legacy of redlining and how city planning and environmental justice issues are interconnected.

I will spend at least 10 minutes finding out if anyone is working on perennial biomass projects in my region and how I can get involved.

I will spend 10 minutes researching the environmental benefits of peatlands and what is being done around the world to conserve and restore them.

Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 60 minutes in exploring and appreciating a natural area in my region, whether a forest, wetland, coastal area, or somewhere else.

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 write or call 1 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 find out how to make my home more energy efficient through better insulation and weatherization.

I will fix faucets or report leaky faucets to facilities. Fixing leaky faucets can save up to 9 gallons (34 L) of water a day or 270 (1,020 L) gallons of water a month per faucet.

I will reduce the amount of water flushed and save up to 11 gallons (41 L) of water a day or 330 gallons (1,230 L) a month by installing a toilet tank bank.

I will replace or remove from my current diet the palm oil, coffee, and cocoa products that are known to contribute to deforestation.

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

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

I will plant 5 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.

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

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 upgrade the windows or weatherstripping in my home or office to reduce air leaks and save on energy costs.

I will DIY or purchase the installation of a green wall. if i cannot afford this project, i'll create a DIY fashionable moss picture in a second hand frame to liven up my living space.

I will only purchase wood and paper products from ecologically certified sources like Forest Stewardship Council.

I will not weed my lawn as dandelions are good for pollinators. If i do weed dandelions i will research how to eat them instead of wasting them!

I will volunteer 4 hours with a wetland restoration project in my region.

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

I will spend at least 10 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 clean up a local river, stream or coastline and research how to do this safely.

Rigaud Mountain is an expansive natural resource that we rely upon to run many of our Outdoor Education courses, here at JAC. It is under extreme pressure from development and mismanagement, and in desperate need of protection. Facing COVID and the Climate Crisis, the need to protect our few remaining local intact forests, is more stronger than ever. We need them, for our health and wellness, and they are disappearing. If you are able, please support this important cause and take a few moments to forward this letter to others who understand its importance. The petition and funding pages are accessible through the "Learn More" button.

I will cut green house gas emissions related to my commute to John Abbott College on Earth day, April 22. I will only use muscle-powered transportation (walk, bike, skateboard) for my commute.