Lauren Tierney

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 will call my elected officials to ask about what they are doing regarding water issues in my region.

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

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

I will volunteer 3 hours in my community.

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.

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.

Each day, I will go on a plog or plalk for 30 minutes and collect 5 items of litter.

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.

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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

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 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 a few homemade cleaning products.

I will spend 10 minutes each day practicing mindfulness.

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

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 mend clothing for myself, family or friends.