Britta Gonzales

I will find out what local sustainability issues are most urgent in my region, including both social and environmental justice concerns.

I will start a sustainability journal, capturing my thoughts, concerns and learning about sustainability issues.

I will watch or read the news each day this week with a specific focus on sustainability issues and happenings.

I will join my neighborhood association or another local group.

I will sign a petition in support of an environmental or social initiative in my state.

I will pick up litter on my street and ask others to join me in taking care of our neighborhood.

I will recycle all materials that are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community this week.

I will contact local officials and city leaders this week to challenge them to support sustainability policies.

I will enjoy 1 meal(s) cooked with organic ingredients each day this week.

I will enjoy 1 meatless meal(s) and/or 1 vegan meal(s) each day this week.

I will reduce food waste and save money by planning a weekly menu, only buying the ingredients I need.

I will visit a nearby farm to pick my own fruits and veggies.

I will watch The Story of Bottled Water to learn more about bottled water's impacts on the environment.

I will buy from local businesses instead of shopping online.

I will commute by carpool 5 mile(s) each day this week and avoid sending up to 18.46 lbs of CO2 into Earth's atmosphere.

I will watch a documentary film about food with family and friends and talk about what we learned.

I will maintain a record of all my purchases.

I will not buy anything except items required for health and safety.

Plastic bags and small plastic pieces like straws are most likely to get swept into our waterways. This week, I'll say "no" to plastic bags at the store and plastic straws in all of my drinks.

I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 2 disposable plastic bottle(s) each day this week.

I will watch one of the films suggested in the additional resources and discuss it with friends or family.

I will visit a local dump/transfer station, material recovery facility, and/or landfill to learn about the waste stream.

I will sign up for a Master Recycler/Composter program in my area.

I will join an outdoor restoration project in my community.

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.

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

I will assess the vehicles used by my company or college and advocate for a purchasing policy focused on fuel-efficient vehicles.