Joyce Hughes

I will replace manual thermostats with programmable ones.

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 keep 1 disposable plastic bottle(s) from entering the waste stream by using a reusable water bottle.

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 11 minutes researching and recycling all materials that are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community.

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

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 source 1 meal(s) each day from local producers.

I will enjoy 1 meal(s) cooked with organic ingredients each day.

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 save up to 15 gallons (56 L) of water a day by installing a low-flow showerhead.

I will visit my nearest farm to find out who produces my food, and will learn about the quality of life of those who produce my food in other regions of the world to make better choices when I shop.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 avoid sending 1 disposable cup(s) to the landfill each day by using a reusable mug.

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

I will enjoy 0 meatless meal(s) and/or 3 vegan meal(s) each day this week.

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 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 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 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 use public transit 13 mile(s) each day and avoid sending up to 0.0 lbs of CO2 into Earth's atmosphere.

I will sign up for a car-sharing service, or organize car sharing with my neighbors, to cut down on the number of vehicles on the road.