Stephen Castillo

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 spend 5 minutes reading the Ecochallenge feed each day and giving high fives or commenting on posts by people who I don't know, but whose content inspires or interests me.

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

I will spend at least 5 minutes finding out what local laws, policies, and practices keep people from voting in my community.

I will meet 1 new neighbors each day.

I will calculate my digital carbon footprint and take steps to reduce my CO2 emissions.

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 adjust my thermostat down 2 degrees from usual when I use the heat, and up 2 degrees when I use air conditioning.

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

A community can be brought to its knees without dependable power, often affecting the most vulnerable. I will write 1 letters or emails per day to a public official or company to advocate for a more resilient power grid (e.g. microgrids, solar+storage).

I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy.

I will use an energy meter to monitor my energy use and identify opportunities to save power.

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

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 keep lights, electronics, and appliances turned off when not using them.

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

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

Whether it's by donating or volunteering, I will research the benefits of low-income solar and find out how I can support low-income solar initiatives in my area.

I will spend 5 minutes learning about local or national energy issues that will be on the voting ballot this fall.