Vandelyn Brown (Salem)

I will practice actively listening to a friend, family member, co-worker, acquaintance, or someone who I may disagree with in at least 5 conversations.

I will decide which social or environmental issue in my community is most important to me and tell 4 friends and/or classmates each day about the issue.

I will connect with a local nonprofit, environmental or otherwise, and find out how I can get involved or become a member.

Effectively working for sustainability requires self care! I will commit to getting 240 more minute(s) of sleep each night to achieve at least 7 hours per night.

Exercise is a great stress blaster! I will exercise for 120 minute(s) each day.

I will spend 30 minutes finding out where landfills and/or toxic waste sites are situated in my region and which communities are most impacted by these sites.

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 find out where to recycle the recyclable items that I can't put in recycling dumpsters or my curbside bin.

I will spend 30 minutes practicing Loving-Kindness Meditation to nurture love and compassion for myself and others.

I will eat a heart healthy diet by adding 2 cup(s) of fruits and vegetables each day to achieve at least 4 cups per day.

I will spend 30 minutes doing an activity where I'm both moving my body and enjoying myself.

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

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

I will volunteer 8 hour(s) in my community during the challenge.

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

I will create or support a sharing economy with family, friends, neighbors, or classmates.

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

I will avoid wasting water while waiting for the shower or sink to heat up.

I will fix faucets or report leaky faucets to facilities that have been wasting up to 9 gallons (34 L) of water a day or 270 (1,020 L) gallons of water a month per faucet.

I will prevent water runoff and increase absorbency by mulching the base of plants and trees at my home or work.

I will spend 30 minutes researching toxic chemicals found in cleaning supplies and personal care products and remove them from my home or dorm room.

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.

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