MARIA ELENA MARTINEZ

I will spend at least 30 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 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 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 plant an herb garden in my home, workplace, or dorm room.

I will not travel for meetings and will instead conduct them virtually.

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

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

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

I will raise money to support Ecochallenge.org or another nonprofit.

I will volunteer 1 hour(s) in my community during the challenge.

I will avoid sending 3 disposable cup(s) to the landfill each day by using a reusable mug.

I will explore at least one new hiking trail or nature walk in my area.

I will replace manual thermostats with programmable ones.

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

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

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

I will take a 30-minute walk outside each day.

I will plant 5 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.

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

I will use an energy meter to monitor my energy use and identify opportunities to save power.