Emily VanGorden

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 spend 20 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 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 sign up for a car-sharing service or organize car sharing with my neighbors or classmates to cut down on the number of vehicles on the road.

I will practice actively listening to a friend, family member, co-worker, acquaintance, or someone who I may disagree with in at least 1 conversations.

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

I will keep track and reduce my consumption of refined sugars, including sweetened beverages, candy, and processed foods.

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

An estimated 71% of seabirds and 30% of turtles have been found with plastics in their stomachs. When they ingest plastic, marine life has a 50% mortality rate. By asking for no straw when placing a drink order, I will keep 1 plastic straw(s) of out of the ocean each day.

I will organize one of Ecochallenge.org's discussion courses, such as Reconnecting with Earth, with my family, friends, co-workers, or classmates.

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

I will limit my social media use to once each day reducing my daily use by 60 minute(s)

I will spend 10 minutes learning about the perils of fast fashion and will buy my clothes at second-hand stores when I shop.

I will take a walk outside for 60 minutes each day.

I will spend 5 minutes each day maintaining a record of all my purchases and learning about my spending habits.

I will meditate or create a moment of silence for 3 minute(s) each day to reflect on things important to me.