Michelle Bilodeau-Lanne

Studies show a grass lawn is water intensive and on average it require about 30 percent of a household’s water consumption. I will do one or more of the following actions in my yard or community to conserve water and improve habitat: plant indigenous plants, landscape with water-efficient plants, add mulching, replace a lawn, and/or use eco-friendly fertilizers.

At least 30% of crops and 90% of flowering plants rely on pollinators to produce fruit. I will plant pollinator-friendly plants in my area to support local pollinators.

I will make a few homemade cleaning products.

On average, a tree absorbs 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of carbon dioxide yearly during the first 20 years. To do my part, I will plant 2 trees in my community, public parks, or backyard.

One kilogram of beef and cheese emits 71kg and 24kg of greenhouse gasses, while 1kg of rice, grains, and legumes emits between 2-4kg. Fruits, vegetables, and nuts emit less than 1kg per 1kg. I will reduce my climate impact by enjoying 3 meatless meals and/or 1 vegan meals each day this week.

I will become a savvy produce shopper when buying organic and non-organic items.

Requires watching a webinar on wetlands and wetland plants and animals and then participating in the Earth Day invasive plant clean up at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve.

I will make 1 phone calls and/or send 1 emails to public officials to advocate for water habitat protection and clean up in my region.

Within my community at home or work, I will organize or attend a local cleanup event.

I will try a new vegan or vegetarian recipe and share how it turns out on the Ecochallenge feed, or with family and friends.

I will watch 2 documentaries about climate change.

I will spend 10 minutes each day practicing mindfulness.

I will contact my energy company to find out how to sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option.

Using the links provided below, I will research impact investing or my current investment portfolio to determine if they align with my values.

I will mend clothing for myself, family or friends.

I will replace 30 minute(s) per day typically spent inside (computer time, watching television, etc.) with quality time outside exercising, enjoying the sunrise/sunset, gardening, journaling, or practicing gratitude for nature.

Each day, I will track my purchases to identify my spending habits. This will allow me to see what purchases can be reduced.

Instead of traveling by plane, I will find an alternative way to accomplish the goals of an upcoming trip (i.e. telepresence, vacation locally). As an example, a plane from New York to Los Angeles (~2,450 miles) generates about 65 tons of carbon dioxide.

During the workday, I will schedule time for daily breaks during work days to practice work-life balance.

I will watch 1 documentaries about equity, gender, health, or peace.

I will watch 1 documentaries about economy, energy, or industry.

I will have a conversation with one or more nonprofit organizations I want to be involved with.

Chaperoning students on a nature walk through a local park.