Marisa Atkins

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

Historically, marginalized and low-income communities live closer to landfills, contributing to a multitude of health problems. I will find out how I can limit single-use items and do my best to limit the waste I generate.

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

I will avoid sending up to .69 lbs (.31 kg) of food waste to the landfill each day by composting my food or learning how to.

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will research and recycle all materials that are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community, making sure to not contaminate recyclables with non-recyclables.

I will plant an herb garden in my home, workplace, or dorm room.

I will take a 30-minute walk outside each day.

I will eat a heart healthy diet by adding 1 cup(s) of fruits and vegetables each day to achieve at least 4 cups per day.

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

I will spend 30 minute(s) each day outside, practicing gratitude (prayer, meditation, journaling, etc.) for Earth and the nature surrounding me.

I will adopt a "Needs Vs. Wants" approach and only buy things I need.

I will try a new method of food preparation, such as canning, pickling, or baking bread.

I will upgrade the windows or weatherstripping in my home or office to reduce air leaks and save on energy costs.

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

I will raise money to support Ecochallenge.org or another nonprofit.

I will spend at least 30 minutes finding out where to recycle the recyclable items that I can't put in my curbside bin.

I will spend 60 minutes researching toxic chemicals found in cleaning supplies and personal care products and remove them from my home or dorm room.

I will work from home 30 day(s) to avoid my commute's carbon output.

I will replace 10 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

I will replace manual thermostats with programmable ones.

I will make an appointment for my annual physical.

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

I will use the resource below to find where I can forage for my own food locally.

At least 30% of crops and 90% of flowering plants rely on pollinators to produce fruit. I will spend 120 minutes researching which plants support local native pollinators and plant some in my yard or local community garden.