Vijayakumar Damodaran

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

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 spend at least 30 minutes finding out what local laws, policies, and practices keep people from voting in my community.

Access to affordable, nutritious food is a food justice issue. I will advocate for local and/or organic food options at work, on campus and/or in the spaces I frequent.

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

I will spend 15 minutes learning about local or national energy issues that will be on the voting ballot this fall.

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

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

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

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

I will spend 60 minutes learning about constructive communication.

I will practice actively listening to a friend, family member, co-worker, acquaintance, or someone who I may disagree with in at least 30 conversations.

I will volunteer 30 hours in my community during the challenge.

I will use the resource links provided and spend 10 minutes learning about the native populations that lived in my area prior to colonization, and what I can do to support those that still exist.

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

I will find out who in my state makes decisions that impact the environment and express my support for more environmental actions.

Racial inequity is both a sustainability and justice problem. I will support businesses owned by people of color in my community whenever I shop.

I will spend 10 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!