Carmen Santiago

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

Plastic bags and small plastic pieces like straws are most likely to get swept into our waterways. I will keep 2 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill and ocean each day by refusing straws or using my own glass/metal straw.

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

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 visit seafoodwatch.org or download the app and commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean.

I will naturally heat and cool my house, office, or dorm room by opening or closing my windows, curtains, and blinds, and by using fans.

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

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

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

I will replace manual thermostats with programmable ones.

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

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

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

I will organize one of Ecochallenge.org's discussion courses on food sustainability, Menu for the Future or Hungry for Change, with my family, friends, coworkers, or classmates.

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 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 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 watch 4 documentary(ies) about food sovereignty: the right of local peoples to control their own food systems including markets, ecological resources, food cultures and production methods.

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

I will spend at least 2 minutes assessing the vehicles used by my company or college and advocate for a purchasing policy focused on fuel-efficient vehicles.

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

I will spend at least 2 minutes researching and weighing my options to see if a hybrid or electric vehicle makes sense for my lifestyle.

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