Caroline Cruz

I will volunteer 2 hour(s) in my community during the challenge.

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

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

I will plant an herb garden in my home, workplace, or dorm room.

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

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 spend 30 minutes learning about sustainable fashion and begin trying to practice it in my own life.

I will spend quality time with family and friends by playing low-tech game(s) and/or through the spirit of imagination.

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

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 work from home 20 day(s) to avoid my commute's carbon output.

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

Plastic bags and small plastic pieces like straws are most likely to get swept into our waterways. I will keep 6 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill and ocean each day by refusing straws or using my own glass/metal straw.

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

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

I will replace 12 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 avoid sending 10 disposable cup(s) to the landfill each day by using a reusable mug.

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 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.