Oscar Solis

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

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

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.

Each day, I will spend 15 minutes exploring a new area around my neighborhood (e.g., park, water body, nearby trail, community garden, green space, etc.).

I will volunteer 8 hours in my community.

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

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

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 replace 60 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 replace 5 incandescent light bulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

For an upcoming vacation, I will spend 30 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.

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.

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 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.

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