Michelle Connors

Plastic bags and small plastic pieces like straws are most likely to get swept into our waterways. I will keep 1 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill and ocean each day by refusing straws or using my own glass/metal straw.

I will keep 2 disposable plastic bottle(s) from entering the waste stream by using a reusable water bottle.

I will create a rain garden or bioswale, or use rain barrels to collect water for outdoor watering needs.

I will save up to 20 gallons (75 L) of water each day by taking 5-minute showers.

I will prevent water runoff and increase absorbency by mulching the base of plants and trees at my home or work.

I will save up to 8 gallons (30 L) of water each day by turning it off while brushing my teeth.

I will power down my computer and monitor when not using it for more than 2 hours, saving up to (1.1) lbs of CO2 each day that I do this.

I will save up to .21 lbs (.09 kg) of paper each day by switching from one-sided printing to two-sided.

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 10 minutes researching and recycling all materials that are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community.

I will replace 10 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

I will adjust my thermostat down 2 degrees from usual when I use the heat, and up 2 degrees when I use air conditioning.

I will reduce the amount of paper mail that I receive by opting into paperless billing and ending unwanted subscriptions.

I will not accept any disposable bags when making purchases.

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

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.