Prem Mani

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

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

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 naturally heat and cool my house, office, or dorm room by opening or closing my windows, curtains, and blinds, and by using fans.

I will calculate my Water Footprint to learn about my tap water use and "virtual water" use.

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.

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

I will join an outdoor restoration project in my community.

I will practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace when doing nature activities alone or with family and friends.

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 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 replace 10 incandescent lightbulbs with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

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

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

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

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

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

I will connect with a local nonprofit, environmental or otherwise, and find out how I can get involved or become a member.

I will volunteer 48 hours in my community during the challenge.

I will research the social or environmental issues in my community that matter to me and tell 20 friends and/or colleagues each day about what I learn. I will also share what I learn on the Ecochallenge feed.

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

I will join my neighborhood association or another local group of decision makers.

I will spend at least 60 minutes finding out what local laws, policies, and practices keep people from voting in my community.