Zuleyka Ortiz

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

I will avoid buying toxic plastics - including polycarbonate, polystyrene and polyvinyl - and instead replace them with durable non-plastic options.

I will carry all of my unrecyclable, non-compostable trash with me to raise my awareness of how much I send to the landfill.

I will create or support a sharing economy with family, friends, and neighbors.

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

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 sign up for a local CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture).

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 collect all of my unrecyclable, non-compostable trash to raise my awareness of how much I send to the landfill.

I will sign up for a car-sharing service, or organize car sharing with my neighbors, to cut down on the number of vehicles on the road.

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

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 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 install a greywater catchment system in my home.

I will join my neighborhood association or another local group of decision makers.

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

I will replace manual thermostats with programmable ones.

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

I will replace inefficient heating and cooling units with energy saving units.

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

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

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