James Stevenson

I will practice actively listening to a friend, family member, co-worker, acquaintance, or someone who I may disagree with in at least 3 conversations.

I will spend 30 minute(s) learning about constructive communication.

I will make sure I’m registered to vote. While I’m at it, I’ll sign up to help others register too!

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 watch 2 documentary(ies) about systemic racism.

I have set up an Environmental Fund with an initial pledge of $100,000 to fund environmental upgrades to a new Fellowship Hall and the existing mansion above base expenditures, e.g. required by building codes. This funding would include solar electricity for all buildings, geo-thermal heating if cost effective, improved insultation (both thermal and acoustical), etc. The goal is carbon neutral buildings.

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

I will replace 20 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

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.

I will cook 1 meal(s) with zero-waste each day.

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.

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 1 container(s) out of the landfill each day.

I will spend 180 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 avoid sending 1 disposable cup(s) to the landfill each day by using a reusable mug.

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