Marilyn Diaz

I will install alternative energy systems, e.g., solar electric systems or solar water heaters.

I will organize NWEI's discussion course 'Voluntary Simplicity' with my family, friends, coworkers, or classmates.

I will sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option.

I will power down my computer and monitor when not using it for more than 2 hours, saving up to (1.1) lbs of CO2 per day that I do this.

I will have a group garage sale with friends, family, and/or neighbors.

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

I will keep lights, electronics, and appliances turned off when not using them.

I will create or support a sharing economy with family, friends, and neighbors.

I will replace inefficient heating and cooling units.

I will eat all of my meals without distractions, e.g., phone, computer, TV, or newspaper.

Research or test drive an electric car or bike.

I will disable screen savers and will put the computer to sleep instead, saving up to 28% % more energy.

I will de-clutter, clean, and donate or recycle unneeded items in my home.

I will organize one of NWEI's discussion courses, such as 'Powering a Bright Future', with family, friends, coworkers, or classmates.

I will use an energy meter to monitor my energy use and identify opportunities to save power.

I will switch to washing my clothes in cold water, saving up to 1,600 lbs of C02 over the course of the next year.

I will take a walk each day.

I will disconnect from my email when not at work.

I will naturally heat and cool my house, office, or dorm room by opening or closing my windows, curtains, and blinds, and by using fans.

I will adjust my thermostat down 2 degrees from usual when I use the heat, and up 2 degrees when I use air conditioning.

I will limit my social media use to once per day.

I will not buy anything except items required for health and safety.

I will upgrade the windows or weatherstripping in my home or office to reduce air leaks and save on energy costs.

I will replace manual thermostats with programmable ones.

I will not work more than 8 hour days each day.

I will maintain a record of all my purchases.