Martin Sokolov

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 at least 50 minute(s) touring (virtually or in person) a local dump/transfer station, material recovery facility, and/or landfill to learn about our local waste and waste recovery streams.

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 spend 5 minutes learning about sustainable fashion and begin trying to practice it in my own life.

I will spend 3 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 install a greywater catchment system in my home.

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

I will replace my lawn with a drought-tolerant landscape and save the water, money, and time I used to spend cutting the grass.

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

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

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

I will watch 2 documentary(ies) about systemic racism.

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 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 work from home 5 day(s) to avoid my commute's carbon output.

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

I will power down my computer and monitor when not using it for more than 2 hours, saving up to (1.1) lbs of CO2 each day that I do this.

I will replace 5 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

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.

If at all possible, I will not accept any disposable bags when making purchases.

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

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