Sylvia Soto

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

I will spend quality time with family and friends by playing low-tech game(s) and/or through the spirit of imagination.

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

I will make sure I’m registered to vote. While I’m at it, I’ll sign up to help others register too!

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

Racial inequity is both a sustainability and justice problem. I will support businesses owned by people of color in my community whenever I shop.

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

I will join an outdoor restoration project in my community while observing best practices in my region for not spreading COVID-19.

I will join my neighborhood association or another local group of decision makers.

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

I will switch to washing my clothes in cold water, saving up to 1,600 lbs of CO2 over the course of the next year.

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.

I will begin, or continue, on the journey of forgiving myself and/or other(s). I may do this through journaling, meditation, prayer, and/or talking with a licensed healthcare professional.

I will get my Core Four Biometrics tests (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and BMI).

I will make an appointment for my annual physical.

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 plant an herb garden in my home, workplace, or dorm room.

I will purchase produce and meat from a local farmers market or food co-op.

I will sign up for a local CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture).

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 collect all of my unrecyclable, non-compostable trash 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.

I will reduce the amount of paper mail that I receive by 3.4lbs (1.5kg) a month or 41lbs (18.6kg) a year by opting into paperless billing, ending unwanted subscriptions and opting out of junk mail.