Alysha Gonzales

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

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.

An estimated 71% of seabirds and 30% of turtles have been found with plastics in their stomachs. When they ingest plastic, marine life has a 50% mortality rate. By asking for no straw when placing a drink order, I will keep 1 plastic straw(s) of out of the ocean each day.

Historically, marginalized and low-income communities live closer to landfills, contributing to a multitude of health problems. I will find out how I can limit single-use items and do my best to limit the waste I generate.

I will start a recycling program at my workplace or school. If a recycling program exists, I will advocate for ways to improve and expand it.

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

I will spend at least 10 minutes finding out where to recycle the recyclable items that I can't put in my curbside bin.

I will naturally heat and cool my house, office, or dorm room by opening or closing my windows, curtains, and blinds, and by using fans.

I will save up to 12 gallons (45 L) of water a day by flushing only when necessary.

I will install alternative energy systems, such as solar electric systems or solar water heaters.

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 carry all of my unrecyclable, non-compostable trash with me to raise my awareness of how much I send to the landfill.

I will not accept any disposable bags when making purchases.

I will try a new method of food preparation, such as canning, pickling, or baking bread.

I will enjoy 1 meatless meal(s) and/or 1 vegan meal(s) each day this week.

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

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