Emma Wegener

Small acts of kindness and gratitude can brighten someone's day and create a positive ripple effect. I will express gratitude to 5 people or perform 5 random acts of kindness to spread joy and connection.

I will replace 30 minutes each day typically spent inside (computer time, watching television, etc.) with quality time outside.

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

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

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

I will spend 30 minutes finding out where landfills and/or toxic waste sites are situated in my region and which communities are most impacted by these sites.

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

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 find out what stocks and bonds are in my investment account portfolio to determine if they align with my values (e.g. environmental, social responsibility, community).

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 advocate for alternatives to single-use packaging at local grocery stores, markets, at work, or on campus to reduce pollution in the environment and in local communities.

I will reduce the amount of paper mail that I receive by 3.4lbs (1.5kg) a month or 41lbs (18.6kg) a year by opting into paperless billing, ending unwanted subscriptions and opting out of junk mail.

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.

If my community does not have a tool library or other sharing economy options, I will create or support a sharing economy with family, friends, and neighbors.

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

I will plant 1 trees in my community, public parks, or backyard.

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.

In support of Race To Zero, the City plans to offer a 0% interest loan to residential property owners in Guelph to help cover the costs of residential energy efficiency upgrades to be paid back over 10 years. Find out if you are eligible for the low-income grant program for installing heat-pumps

I will collect all of my unrecyclable, non-compostable trash to raise my awareness of how much I send to the landfill. I will share a photo and reflection of this action on the feed.

I will practice actively listening to a friend, family member, co-worker, acquaintance, or someone who I may disagree with in at least 5 conversations.

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