Arielle Kinch

Have you recently taken steps in embracing an eco-friendlier lifestyle outside the office? If yes, share your “greenecdote” with us. Email [email protected] and your story may be featured on Access for Earth Month.

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

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

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.

I will use the communication methods I read about to practice effective, compassionate, and nonviolent communication with someone I interact with regularly (i.e., my roommate, parents, co-worker, partner, classmates, or children).

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

I will save up to 6 gallons (23 L) of water each day by taking 5-minute showers. Tip: Use a timer to practice or count to 60 a few times.

I will mend clothing for myself, family or friends.

I spend 20 minutes analyzing my recent utility bills, which might include electricity, gas, or water to see what my current usage is and determine if I can reduce my energy and water use.

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

I will replace 5 incandescent light bulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

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

Each day, I will spend time developing a readiness plan for my household in the event of an emergency.

I will make a few homemade cleaning products.

For an upcoming vacation, I will spend 60 minutes planning out a staycation in my region. For reference, one several hour flight releases the equivalent of nearly 14% of the annual emissions from a car.

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 watch 2 documentaries about education or work.

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 1 trees in my community, public parks, or backyard.

I will volunteer 2 hours in my community.

I will watch 2 documentaries about food, water, or basic needs.

I will calculate the carbon emissions associated with my household and consider how lifestyle changes could reduce the carbon footprint and impacts on the environment.

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.

I will watch 2 documentaries about economy, energy, or industry.

I will watch 2 documentaries about climate change.

I will watch 2 documentaries about equity, gender, health, or peace.