Monica McAllister

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 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 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.

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

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

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

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

I will spend at least 5 minutes assessing the vehicles used by my company or college and advocate for a purchasing policy focused on fuel-efficient vehicles.

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

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

I will commute by bike 2 mile(s) each day and avoid sending up to 1.07 lbs of CO2 into Earth's atmosphere.

I will walk 1 mile(s) each day instead of driving and avoid sending up to 0.6 lbs of CO2 into Earth's atmosphere.

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 5 minutes researching and recycling all materials that are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community.

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

I will spend at least 5 minutes finding out where to recycle the recyclable items that I can't put in my curbside bin.

I will replace inefficient heating and cooling units.

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

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

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 spend at least 5 minutes using the resources provided to learn about water justice and find out how I can get involved in local initiatives.

I will avoid sending up to .69 lbs (.31 kg) of food waste to the landfill each day by composting my food or learning how to.

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

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

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