Alease DeShazo

I will spend 15 minutes learning about restorative justice and conflict resolution opportunities in my own community or state.

I will spend 20 minutes listening to a podcast about equity and justice.

My voice matters. I will contact 1 civic leaders or elected officials to express support for a pro-environmental local, regional, or national policy.

I will host a watch party to screen a documentary about an issue that matters to me.

I will contact my local election office to volunteer during the upcoming election.

I will research the social or environmental issues in my community that matter to me and tell 5 friends and/or colleagues each day about what I learn. I will also share what I learn on the Ecochallenge feed.

I will save up to 6 gallons (23 L) of water each day by taking 5-minute showers.

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 save up to 8 gallons (32 L) of water a day by installing a low-flow shower-head.

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

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

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

I will create a rain garden or bioswale or use rain barrels to collect water for outdoor watering needs.

Reduciré la cantidad de agua que se usa en cada descarga y ahorraré hasta 41 litros (11 galones) de agua por día al instalar un depósito ahorrador para el tanque del baño.

Access to clean water is a basic right, yet not everyone has it. I will spend 15 minutes learning about water justice issues and who is affected.

Each of us has a water footprint, directly linked to our daily activities as well as the water required in the production of things we use each day. Understanding our water use is important for a healthy planet. I will calculate my water footprint and look for a few ways I can reduce consumption or waste, then share what I learned on the feed.

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.

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.

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 install a greywater catchment system in my home.

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

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

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 find out what food programs are in my area and donate food and/or other items that they request.