Carmen Santiago

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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 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 replace inefficient heating and cooling units with energy saving units.

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

I will replace manual thermostats with programmable ones.

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

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

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

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