Jennifer Martel

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

I will replace manual thermostats with programmable ones.

I will replace 4 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

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

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

I will not work more than 8 hour days each day to practice work-life balance.

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

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

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

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 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 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 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 adjust my thermostat down 2 degrees from usual when I use the heat, and up 2 degrees when I use air conditioning.

I completed the UFV Sustainability Survey to share my opinions and priorities on how UFV can and should move towards a more socially, culturally, economically, and environmentally sustainable institution. My responses will guide the Office of Sustainability in the development of an institution-wide sustainability strategy – to be known as the UFV Sustainability Pathway. (Check your UFV email for the survey link)

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.