Elidia Avelar

I will purchase produce and meat from a local farmers market or food co-op, or join a CSA.

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

I will keep lights, electronics, and appliances turned off when not using them.

I will only purchase bulk food items and avoid all single-package items.

I will plant an herb garden or window pot in my home, workplace, or dorm room.

I will reduce food waste and save money by planning a weekly menu, and only buying the ingredients I need.

I will switch to washing my clothes in cold water, saving up to 1,600 lbs of C02 over the course of the next year.

I will avoid buying toxic plastics, including polycarbonate, polystyrene and polyvinyl.

I will reduce the amount of unwanted mail I receive (catalogs, phone books, etc.).

I will choose organic as often as possible to reduce exposure to pesticides, which are unhealthy for me as well as the planet.

I will watch a documentary about food with family and friends and talk about what we learned.

I will cut out or reduce all artificial sweeteners in my diet, especially acesulfame potassium, aspartame, sucralose and saccharin - all which can decrease human health and pollute our waterways.

I will join a smoking cessation program, and stick with it during the challenge, cutting out harmful air pollutants while improving my own health.

I will not accept any disposable bags when making purchases.

I will enjoy 1 meal(s) per day free of processed foods.

I will replace 30 minute(s) per day typically spent inside (computer time, watching television, etc.) with quality time outside.

I will recycle all materials that are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community.

I will conserve water by only doing full loads of laundry.

I will learn more about my own local watershed and where my water comes from and identify any conservation or water quality issues.

I will fix faucets or report leaky faucets to facilities that have been wasting up to 9 gallons (34 L) of water per faucet every day.

I will watch a documentary about water and the environment.

I will spend time getting acquainted with the nature on or near my campus.

I will not buy anything except items required for health and safety.

I will spend 10 minute(s) per day thinking quietly, practicing meditation, yoga, working out, or doing another mindful activity.

I will join a student group that is committed to environmental justice. If one doesn't exist, I will begin one.

I will work to get my school to host a guest speaker on an issue that matters to me.

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

I will check labels on my shampoo, lotions and/or beauty products. I'll replace products that use known carcinogens such as formaldehyde, cocamide diethanolamine, DMDM hydantoin or benzene.

I will replace my halogen desk lamp with an LED bulb.

I will host a meeting or class outside.

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

I will use a fan instead of a window air conditioner.

I will refrain from going out during the week and instead choose sober and healthy activities like exercising, advocating for change and getting outdoors.

I will learn about water and air quality issues in my area, how they are impacting human and environmental health, and how I can help.

I will replace 2 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

I will take a 60-minute hike in nature.