Mary Charneco

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

I will spend 30 minutes learning about the perils of fast fashion and will buy my clothes at second-hand stores when I shop.

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 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 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 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 purchase produce and meat from a local farmers market or food co-op.

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

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

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

I will practice actively listening to a friend, family member, co-worker, acquaintance, or someone who I may disagree with in at least 2 conversations.

I will host a watch party to screen a documentary about an issue that matters to me.

I will practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace when doing nature activities alone or with family and friends.

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

I will plant 1 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.

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

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

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

I will spend 20 minutes each day maintaining a record of all my purchases and learning about my spending habits.

Using the links provided below, I will research impact investing and determine if it is right for me.