Josie Thornton

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

I will spend 15 minutes each day practicing mindfulness.

I will watch 8 documentaries about climate change.

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

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

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

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

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

I will make a few homemade cleaning products.

I will watch 3 documentaries about economy, energy, or industry.

I will contact my energy company to find out how to sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option.

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 volunteer 8 hours in my community.

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

I will spend 60 learning about the past and present indigenous communities in my regions and what I can do to be supportive.

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

I will watch 3 documentaries about education or work.

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

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 1 vegan meals each day this week.