Elizabeth Ensslin

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

Both systemic and personal sustainability are important! I will develop a plan with my medical professionals to achieve my best health and live my life to the fullest.

If buying a plane ticket, I will also buy a carbon offset.

I will get my Core Four Biometrics tests (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and BMI).

I will explore at least one new hiking trail or nature walk in my area.

I will reduce the amount of paper mail that I receive by 0.11lbs (0.05kg) a day or 3.3lbs (1.6kg) a month by opting into paperless billing, ending unwanted subscriptions and opting out of junk mail.

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

I will improve a bus stop in my neighborhood by posting the stop schedule, adding seating or shelter, adding art or flowers, picking up litter, or some other small improvement.

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

I will join my neighborhood association, student government, or another local group of decision makers.

I will advocate for alternatives to single-use packaging at local grocery stores, markets, at work, or on campus to reduce pollution in the environment and in local communities.

I will switch to washing my clothes in cold water, saving up to 133 lbs of CO2 a month and 1,600 lbs of CO2 over the course of the next year.

I will avoid buying toxic plastics - including polycarbonate, polystyrene and polyvinyl - and instead replace them with durable non-plastic options.

I will make an appointment for my annual physical.

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

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

Effectively working for sustainability requires self care! I will commit to getting 60 more minute(s) of sleep each night to achieve at least 7 hours per night.

I will eat all of my meals without distractions, e.g., phone, computer, TV, or newspaper.

I will limit my social media use to once each day reducing my daily use by 30 minute(s)

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 adopt a "Needs Vs. Wants" approach and only buy things I need.

I will take a walk outside for 15 minutes each day.

Exercise is a great stress blaster! I will exercise for 30 minute(s) each day.

I will write down three things every day that I am grateful for, or send one email every day thanking or praising someone.