Aaron Shimoda

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

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.

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.

I spend 30 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 mend clothing for myself, family or friends.

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.

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

I will make a few homemade cleaning products.

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

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 engage in a sharing economy among my family, friends, and neighbors. A sharing economy is when goods and services are shared between individuals though peer and community networks.

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 2 meatless meals and/or 0 vegan meals each day this week.

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

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