Riya Milan

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 sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option.

I will spend 60 minutes learning more about renewable energy alternatives (i.e. solar, wind, biomass) in my region.

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 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 keep lights, electronics, and appliances turned off when not using them.

What can lack of access to nutritious food affect a community? How can having access to nutritious food help a community become more resilient?

I will learn about sustainable fashion and begin trying to practice it in my own life.

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.

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 avoid sending 1 disposable cup(s) to the landfill each day by using a reusable mug.

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