Jennifer Day

Knowing our carbon footprint is the first step to reducing it. I will calculate my carbon impact and identify lifestyle changes that could reduce the carbon footprint and impacts on the environment. I will share my commitments to lowering my impact on the feed.

I will replace 20 incandescent lightbulbs with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

I’ll take a short pre-survey to share what motivated me to join — and earn 15 points! (If I already took the survey by email, I’ll just mark this action complete to get my points.)

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 explore at least one new hiking trail or nature walk in my area.

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.

Adding fruits and vegetables to our meals nourishes our body and the planet. I will prepare and enjoy 5 servings of a variety of colorful fruits and veggies.

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

Daily movement supports our physical and mental health. I will spend 21 minutes each day exercising in a way that feels good to me, such as walking, running, stretching, or dancing.

Cutting back on refined sugar can improve energy, mood, and overall health. I will limit my intake of sugary snacks and drinks by reducing refined sugar in meals or snacks each day.

Many common products contain harmful chemicals. I will spend 60 minutes researching chemicals found in products I use, and I will make a list of products I'd like to replace with safer options.

I will spend 5 minutes researching the impact of old harmful refrigerants on our environment.

I will spend 60 minutes finding out where landfills and/or toxic waste sites are situated in my region and which communities are most impacted by these sites.

Seeing where waste goes can change how we think about what we throw away. I will visit a local facility to learn more about the waste stream in my community and share what I learn with others and in the feed.

I will repair at least one item that is broken, but is repairable. This might be items like garden tools, sewing machine, small appliances, electronics, clothing, and more.

I will find out where to recycle the recyclable items that I can't put in recycling dumpsters or my curbside bin.

I will fix faucets or report leaky faucets to facilities that have been wasting up to 3 gallons (11 L) of water per faucet every day.

I will watch 2 documentaries about food sovereignty: the right of local peoples to control their own food systems including markets, ecological resources, food cultures and production methods.

Wars and conflicts have devastating consequences—not only for people and communities, but also for ecosystems, biodiversity, and the climate. I will spend 60 minutes learning about how war and conflict impact human rights, displacement, and environmental degradation. I’ll explore how peace, justice, and strong institutions are linked to sustainability and resilience.

I will shop at a farmers market or food co-op to support local farmers and businesses. By doing so, I may be able to learn more about who produces the food I eat and goods I buy.

I will join an outdoor restoration project in my community.

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

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