Cynthia Page

Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 15 minutes in exploring and appreciating a natural area in my region, whether a forest, wetland, coastal area, or somewhere else.

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

I will contact 1 elected officials to voice my opinion on the importance of restoring farmland in my region, including both public and private land.

I will spend at least 10 minutes learning more about the environmental services provided by and the environmental issues affecting temperate forests.

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

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

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 spend at least 10 minutes researching the impact of my diet to see how it contributes to deforestation.

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

I will make a donation to a nonprofit that installs microgeneration in low income countries.

I will spend at least 20 minutes researching and advocating for a comprehensive high speed rail network in my country/region.

I will create a plan to and advocate for solar installation at my business, apartment building, or campus.

I will research and tell 1 people each day about the benefits of alternative energy sources like wind turbines, solar energy, geothermal energy, and methane digesters.

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 sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option. If my utility does not offer one, I will purchase Renewable Energy Credits to match my usage.

I will spend at least 5 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 spend 5 minute(s) learning about biochar and how it can help sequester carbon.

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

I will write 1 letter(s) or email(s) per day to a public official or representative to advocate for policies that protect wetlands.

I will volunteer 8 hours with a wetland restoration project in my region.

I will spend at least 15 minutes learning about the need for more regenerative agriculture.

I will donate to Native American Rights Fund, which protects tribal natural resources and environmental rights and promotes Native American Human Rights.

I will give 2 microloan(s) to women who need help starting a business.

I will enjoy 2 meatless or vegan meal(s) each day of the challenge.

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

I will spend at least 15 minutes researching other Drawdown Food, Agriculture, and Land Use Solutions.

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

I will start a compost bin where I live.

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

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

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

I will spend at least 15 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

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

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 source 5 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.