Michelle Ildefonso-Ruelas

I will use the resource links provided below and spend 30 minutes learning about the native populations that lived in my area prior to colonization, and what I can do to support those that still exist.

I will volunteer 2 hour(s) in my community during the challenge.

We may find more meaning and joy in life when our actions are aligned with our personal values. I will determine what my top 3-5 core values are so that I can better align my actions with them.

I will spend 30 minutes learning about restorative justice and conflict resolution opportunities in my own community or state.

I will find out who in my state makes decisions that impact the environment and express my support for more environmental actions.

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

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 toxic chemicals found in cleaning supplies and personal care products and remove them from my home or dorm room.

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 spend at least 30 minutes assessing the vehicles used by my company or college and advocate for a purchasing policy focused on fuel-efficient vehicles.

I will work from home 3 day(s) to avoid my commute's carbon output.

At least 30% of crops and 90% of flowering plants rely on pollinators to produce fruit. I will spend 60 minutes researching which plants support local native pollinators and plant some in my yard or local community garden.

I will join an outdoor restoration project in my community while observing best practices in my region for not spreading COVID-19.

I will spend 60 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 make an appointment for my annual physical.

I will avoid sending 2 disposable cup(s) to the landfill each day by using a reusable mug.

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 enjoy 2 meal(s) cooked with organic ingredients each day.

I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 5 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

I will save up to 12 gallons (45 L) of water a day by flushing only when necessary.

I will save up to 20 gallons (75 L) of water each day by taking 5-minute showers.

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 3 plastic straw(s) of out of the ocean each day.

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

Plastic bags and small plastic pieces like straws are most likely to get swept into our waterways. I will keep 2 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill and ocean each day by refusing straws or using my own glass/metal straw.

I will keep 4 disposable plastic bottle(s) from entering the waste stream by using a reusable water bottle.