Carmen Ramirez

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

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

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

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.

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

I will organize Ecochallenge.org's discussion course A Different Way: Living Simply in a Complex World with my family, friends, co-workers, or classmates.

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

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

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

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

I will spend at least 60 minutes assessing the vehicles used by my company or college and advocate for a purchasing policy focused on fuel-efficient vehicles.

If buying a plane ticket, I will also buy a carbon offset.

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.

Instead of traveling by plane, I will find an alternative way to accomplish the goals of an upcoming trip (i.e. telepresence, vacation locally).

I will source 1 meal(s) each day from local producers.

I will cook 2 meal(s) with zero-waste each day.

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 start a recycling program at my workplace or school. If a recycling program exists, I will advocate for ways to improve and expand it.