Zachary Fern

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

I will avoid wasting water while waiting for the shower or sink to heat up.

I will save up to 15 gal (56 L) of water a day or 450 gal (1,680 L) a month by installing a low-flow showerhead.

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

I will plant native species, landscape with water-efficient plants, and use eco-friendly fertilizers.

I will not travel for meetings and will instead conduct them virtually.

I will cut my car trip mileage by only taking necessary trips.

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

I will organize one of Ecochallenge.org's discussion courses, such as Powering a Bright Future, with classmate, friends, co-workers, or family.

I will visit a nearby farm to pick my own fruits and veggies.

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

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.

I will spend at least 30 minute(s) touring (virtually or in person) a local dump/transfer station, material recovery facility, and/or landfill to learn about our local waste and waste recovery streams.

I will start a recycling program at my workplace, dorm, or elsewhere on campus.

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.

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 5 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

I will save up to .21 lbs (.09 kg) of paper per day by switching from one-sided printing to two-sided when I have to print documents.

If at all possible, I will not accept any disposable bags when making purchases.

Cheap, single-use items and disposable packaging end up blowing around as litter more often in poor and POC-majority neighborhoods. 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.