Sharon Macken

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).

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 make 10 phone calls and/or send 2 emails to public officials to advocate for water habitat protection and clean up in my region.

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 calculate my water footprint and look for a few ways I can reduce consumption or waste.

I spend 60 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.

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.

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.

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

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 watch 1 documentaries about economy, energy, or industry.

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

I will volunteer 2 hours in my community.

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

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

I will watch 1 documentaries about food, water, or basic needs.

I will spend 30 minutes learning about water justice in my region.

I will watch 1 documentaries about climate change.

I will watch 1 documentaries about education or work.

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

Each day, I will go on a plog or plalk for 20 minutes and collect 5 items of litter.

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

I will spend 20 minutes each day practicing mindfulness.