Jose Raul Santiago

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

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

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

I will find out what stocks and bonds are in my investment account portfolio to determine if they align with my values (e.g. environmental, social responsibility, community).

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 watch 2 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 spend 2 minutes researching environmental justice and environmental racism concerns in my region, who is affected by them, and local initiatives to address these concerns.

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 install a greywater catchment system in my home.

I will save up to 15 gallons (56 L) of water a day by installing a low-flow showerhead.

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 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).

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

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 source 2 meal(s) each day from local producers.

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

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

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

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 cook 1 meal(s) with zero-waste each day.

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