Syed Shakir

Individual actions are important, but people and organizations working together can make a real impact. I will share a carbon calculator with a friend and invite them to calculate the carbon footprint of their household.

I will calculate the carbon emissions associated with my household and consider how different lifestyle choices could reduce our carbon footprint and our impact on the environment.

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 replace 1 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

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

I will replace my lawn with a drought-tolerant landscape and save the water, money, and time I used to spend cutting the grass.

Organizations have a responsibility to make sustainable business decisions. To understand how to improve sustainable practices, it’s important to start with understanding the current impact. I will share the Tradewater Business Carbon Calculator with my organization.

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

I will spend at least 20 minutes finding out what local laws, policies, and practices keep people from voting in my community.

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

I will install a greywater catchment system in my home.

I will visit my nearest farm to find out who produces my food, and will learn about the quality of life of those around the world who produce my food in order to make better choices when I shop.

I will eat a heart healthy diet by adding 3 cup(s) of fruits and vegetables each day to achieve at least 4 cups per day.

I will take a 30-minute walk outside each day.

I will plant 5 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.

I will spend 15 minute(s) per day outside, practicing gratitude (prayer, meditation, journaling, etc.) for Earth and my natural surroundings.

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

Plastic bags and small plastic pieces like straws are most likely to get swept into our waterways. I will keep 5 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill and ocean each day by refusing straws or using my own glass/metal straw.

I will spend 20 minutes finding out where landfills and/or toxic waste sites are situated in my region and which communities are most impacted by these sites.

I will work from home 5 day(s) to avoid my commute's carbon output.

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

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 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.