Jessica Martinez

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

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

I will spend at least 60 minutes finding out if my city, region, state, or country offers incentives for retrofitting existing buildings.

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 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.

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning how to properly dispose of my refrigerator, freezer, and other refrigerants at the end of their useful lives.

I will spend at least 60 minutes researching the impact of my diet to see how it contributes to deforestation.

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

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 research and support local farmers who have made the decision to not use synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.

I will spend at least 60 minutes finding out if anyone is working on perennial biomass projects in my region and how I can get involved.

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.

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

I will plant 1 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.

I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy.

I will spend 60 minutes researching businesses owned by women, immigrants, and Black, Indigenous, and people of color that I can support when shopping.