Renu Taweekunnatham

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 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.

Plastic bags and small plastic pieces like straws are most likely to get swept into our waterways. I will keep 1 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill and ocean each day by refusing straws or using my own glass/metal straw.

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 save up to 20 gallons (75 L) of water each day by taking 5-minute showers.

An estimated 71% of seabirds and 30% of turtles have been found with plastics in their stomachs. When they ingest plastic, marine life has a 50% mortality rate. By asking for no straw when placing a drink order, I will keep 2 plastic straw(s) of out of the ocean each day.

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