Jessi Vanderveen

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

I will make a few homemade cleaning products.

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

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.

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 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 time developing a readiness plan for my household in the event of an emergency.

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

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

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

Each day, I will spend 60 minutes exploring a new area around my neighborhood (e.g., park, water body, nearby trail, community garden, green space, etc.).

I will organize a book club to read about climate change and sustainability.

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

I will replace 10 incandescent light bulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

I spend 25 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.

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

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

For an upcoming vacation, I will spend 45 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.

Access to affordable, nutritious food is a food justice issue. I will advocate for equitable food options at work, campus, or in the spaces I frequent by contacting community leaders and/or doing other advocacy actions.

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

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