lauren fordyce

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

I will meet 1 new neighbor(s) each day.

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

I will take a 10-minute walk outside each day.

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.

I will engage in nature-based activities alone, or with my friends or family, for 15 minute(s) each day. (This can be anything from going on a walk or hike, to noticing the leaves changing color, to reading a book with nature themes.)

I will make an appointment for my annual physical.

At least 30% of crops and 90% of flowering plants rely on pollinators to produce fruit. I will spend 10 minutes researching which plants support local native pollinators and plant some in my yard or local community garden.

I will spend 30 minutes researching environmental justice and environmental racism concerns in my region, who is affected by them, and local initiatives to address these concerns.

I will replace 15 minute(s) each day typically spent inside (computer time, watching television, etc.) with quality time outside.

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

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

I will enjoy the sunrise and/or sunset each day.

I will use the resource links provided below and spend 10 minutes learning about the native populations that lived in my area prior to colonization, and what I can do to support those that still exist.

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

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 replace 1 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

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 watch 3 documentary(ies) about food sovereignty: the right of local peoples to control their own food systems including markets, ecological resources, food cultures and production methods.

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.

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

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

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