Kim-Marie Schulze

I spend 15 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 mend clothing for myself, family or friends.

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

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 climate change.

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.

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 3 documentaries about equity, gender, health, or peace.

I will make a few homemade cleaning products.

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

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

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

I will spend 15 minutes each day practicing mindfulness.

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

I will cook 2 meals with zero waste each day.

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

For an upcoming vacation, I will spend 15 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 spend 30 learning about the past and present indigenous communities in my regions and what I can do to be supportive.

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.