Blanca Gonzalez

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

I will fix faucets or report leaky faucets to facilities that have been wasting up to 9 gallons (34 L) of water per faucet every day.

I will reduce the amount of water flushed and save up to 11 gallons (41 L) of water each day by installing a toilet tank bank.

I will save up to 15 gallons (56 L) of water a day by installing a low-flow showerhead.

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

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

I will plant 4 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.

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

I will get my Core Four Biometrics tests (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and BMI).

I will make an appointment for my annual physical.

Both systemic and personal sustainability are important! I will develop a plan with my medical professionals to achieve my best health and live my life to the fullest.

I will replace inefficient heating and cooling units with energy saving units.

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

I will use an energy meter to monitor my energy use and identify opportunities to save power.

I will install an alternative energy system, such as solar electric systems or solar water heaters.

I will sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option.

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 reduce the amount of paper mail that I receive by 3.4lbs (1.5kg) a month or 41lbs (18.6kg) a year by opting into paperless billing, ending unwanted subscriptions and opting out of junk mail.

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

I will start a recycling program at my workplace or school. If a recycling program exists, I will advocate for ways to improve and expand it.

I will carry all of my unrecyclable, non-compostable trash with me to raise my awareness of how much I send to the landfill.

I will begin, or continue, on the journey of forgiving myself and/or other(s). I may do this through journaling, meditation, prayer, and/or talking with a licensed healthcare professional.

I will avoid buying toxic plastics - including polycarbonate, polystyrene and polyvinyl - and instead replace them with durable non-plastic options.

I will adopt a diet free of refined sugars, which eliminates sweetened beverages, candy, and processed foods.

I will source 1 meal(s) each day from local producers.

I will cook 2 meal(s) with zero-waste each day.