Yanni Gu

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 keep 5 container(s) out of the landfill each day.

I will keep 1 disposable plastic bottle(s) from entering the waste stream by using a reusable water bottle.

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

I will visit my nearest farm to find out who produces my food, and will learn about the quality of life of those around the world who produce my food in order to make better choices when I shop.

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

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

I will replace manual thermostats with programmable ones.

I will switch to washing my clothes in cold water, saving up to 1,600 lbs of CO2 over the course of the next year.

I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy.

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

Organizations have a responsibility to make sustainable business decisions. To understand how to improve sustainable practices, it’s important to start with understanding the current impact. I will share the Tradewater Business Carbon Calculator with my organization.

I will calculate the carbon emissions associated with my household and consider how different lifestyle choices could reduce our carbon footprint and our impact on the environment.

Individual actions are important, but people and organizations working together can make a real impact. I will share a carbon calculator with a friend and invite them to calculate the carbon footprint of their household.

I will improve a bus stop in my neighborhood by posting the stop schedule, adding seating or shelter, adding art or flowers, picking up litter, or some other small improvement.

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 spend at least 1 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 get my Core Four Biometrics tests (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and BMI).

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

Access to affordable, nutritious food is a food justice issue. I will advocate for local and/or organic food options at work, on campus and/or in the spaces I frequent.

I will enjoy 1 meatless meal(s) and/or 6 vegan meal(s) each day this week.

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

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 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 spend 1 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 call or write 6 public officials per day to advocate for more green spaces around my town, particularly in neighborhoods that currently lack equitable access to green spaces.