Lauren Simitz

I will organize Ecochallenge.org's discussion course 'A Different Way: Living Simply in a Complex World' with my family, friends, co-workers, or classmates.

I will take a 15-minute walk outside each day.

Racial inequity is both a sustainability and justice problem. I will support businesses owned by people of color in my community whenever I shop.

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

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.

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 15 minutes researching which materials are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community and recycle only those items.

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

I will create a rain garden or bioswale or use rain barrels to collect water for outdoor watering needs.

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 offer to help 1 person(s) who are in need each day.

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 spend at least 30 minutes learning about water and air quality issues in my area, how they are impacting human and environmental health, and how I can help.

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 enjoy 1 meatless meal(s) and/or 0 vegan meal(s) each day this week.

I will spend 30 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 collect all of my unrecyclable, non-compostable trash to raise my awareness of how much I send to the landfill.