maria mondragon-almy

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

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

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

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

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

I will replace 3 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

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

I will replace 15 minute(s) per day typically spent inside (computer time, watching television, etc.) with quality time outside.

I will take a 15-minute walk outside each day.

I will enjoy 1 meal(s) per day free of processed foods.

I will work from home 1 day(s) to avoid my commute's carbon output.

I will enjoy 1 meatless meal(s) per day.

I will save up to 20 gallons (75 L) of water each day.

I will purchase produce and meat from a local farmers market or food co-op.

I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 2 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.

I will source 1 meal(s) per day from local producers.

I will spend 3 minute(s) per day outside, practicing gratitude (prayer, meditation, journaling, etc.) for Earth and the nature surrounding me.

I will replace my lawn with a drought-tolerant landscape and save water, money, and time cutting the grass.

I will save up to 8 gallons (30 L) of water each day by turning it off while brushing my teeth.

I will visit a nearby farm to pick my own fruits and veggies.

I will cook 2 meal(s) with zero waste each day.

I will host a house party to watch a movie or present a guest speaker on an issue that matters to me.

I will assess the vehicles used by my company or college and advocate for a purchasing policy focused on fuel-efficient vehicles.

I will watch a documentary film about food with family and friends and talk about what we learned.