Wilfredo Vega

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

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 spend 3 minutes nurturing my Self-Compassion.

I will keep 3 disposable plastic bottle(s) from entering the waste stream by using a reusable water bottle.

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

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

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

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

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 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 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.

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

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 spend at least 1 minutes assessing the vehicles used by my company or college and advocate for a purchasing policy focused on fuel-efficient vehicles.

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 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 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 install a greywater catchment system in my home.

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

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).