Modal Description
Watch the short video below to learn the basics.
You'll be an EcoChallenge expert in no time!
"“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” ― Mahatma Gandhi "
I will sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option.
I will make an appointment for my annual physical.
I will try a new method of food preparation, such as canning, pickling, or baking bread.
I will purchase produce and meat from a local farmers market or food co-op.
I will not use any disposable plates, cups, or cutlery.
I will avoid sending 10 disposable cup(s) to the landfill per day.
I will not accept any disposable bags when making purchases.
I will visit a local dump/transfer station, material recovery facility, and/or landfill to learn about the waste stream.
I will only use reusable containers for my lunches at work or school.
I will recycle all materials that are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community.
I will adopt a "Needs Vs. Wants" approach and only buy things I need.
I will have a group garage sale with friends, family, and/or neighbors.
I will make my environmental actions visible with a lawn sign or bumper sticker, or by posting to my social media networks.
Explore at least 2-3 things about Veganism. What do vegan eat, how do they get their source of iron and other critical vitamins? What are some of the health benefits associated with being a vegan? What are some of the drawbacks with veganism?
I will plant an herb garden in my home, workplace, or dorm room.
Research or test drive an electric car or bike.
I will save up to 15 gallons (56 L) of water a day.
I will explore at least one new hiking trail or nature walk in my area.
I will disable screen savers and will put the computer to sleep instead, saving up to 28% % more energy.
I will source 1 meal(s) per day from local producers.
I will cook a new recipe every day that features organic and/or local ingredients.
I'm up for a serious challenge! I will only eat food that has been raised and cultivated within a hundred-mile radius of where I live.
I will save up to 12 gallons (45 L) of water a day by flushing only when necessary.
I will reduce food waste and save money by planning a weekly menu, only buying the ingredients I need.
I will advocate for local and/or organic food options at work or on campus.
I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 5 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.
I will replace 2 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.
I will join my neighborhood association or another local group.
I will enjoy 3 meatless meal(s) per day.
I will install alternative energy systems, e.g., solar electric systems or solar water heaters.
I will enjoy 2 meal(s) per day free of processed foods.
I will organize one of NWEI's discussion courses, such as 'Powering a Bright Future', with family, friends, coworkers, or classmates.
I will save up to 8 gallons (30 L) of water each day by turning it off while brushing my teeth.
I will cook 2 meal(s) with zero waste each day.
I will write down three things every day for two weeks that I am grateful for or send one email every day thanking or praising someone.
I will disconnect from my email when not at work.
I will connect with a local nonprofit, environmental or otherwise, and find out how I can get involved or become a member.
I will not work more than 8 hour days each day.
I will not travel for meetings and will instead conduct them virtually.
I will work from home 2 day(s) to avoid my commute's carbon output.
I will not eat seafood.
I will exercise daily for 60 minute(s) per day for two weeks.
I will visit seafoodwatch.org or download the app and commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean.
I will find out where to recycle the recyclable items that I can't put in my curbside bin.
I will practice the seven principles of leave no trace when doing nature activities alone or with family and friends.
I will use public transit 50 mile(s) per day and avoid sending up to 15.23 lbs of CO2 into Earth's atmosphere.
I will cut my car trip mileage by only taking necessary trips.
I will organize one of NWEI's discussion courses, such as 'Reconnecting with Earth', with my family, friends, coworkers, or classmates.
I will commute by carpool 3 mile(s) per day and avoid sending up to 1.69 lbs of CO2 into Earth's atmosphere.
I will enjoy the sunrise and/or sunset each day.
I will take a walk each day.
I will create a rain garden or bioswale, or use rain barrels to collect water for outdoor watering needs.
I will not buy anything except items required for health and safety.
I will de-clutter, clean, and donate or recycle unneeded items in my home.
I will organize one of NWEI's discussion courses on food sustainability, 'Menu for the Future' or 'Hungry for Change', with my family, friends, coworkers, or classmates.
I will fix faucets that have been wasting up to 9 gallons (34 L) of water per faucet per day.
I will volunteer 1 hour(s) in my community.
I will avoid wasting water while waiting for the shower or sink to heat up.
I will eat all of my meals without distractions, e.g., phone, computer, TV, or newspaper.
I will limit my social media use to once per 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 create or support a sharing economy with family, friends, and neighbors.
I will reduce the amount of water flushed and save up to 11 gallons (41 L) of water per day.
I will plant native species, landscape with water-efficient plants, and use eco-friendly fertilizers.
I will sign up for a Master Recycler/Composter program in my area.
I will research toxic chemicals found in cleaning supplies and personal care products and remove them from my home.
I will organize NWEI's discussion course 'Voluntary Simplicity' with my family, friends, coworkers, or classmates.
I will reduce the amount of paper mail that I receive by opting into paperless billing and/or unsubscribing from catalogs.
I will replace 0 minute(s) of screen time per day with other activities.
I will join an outdoor restoration project in my community.
I will visit a nearby farm to pick my own fruits and veggies.
I will start a compost collection at home, work, or school.
I will eat 1 meal(s) outside each day.
I will maintain a record of all my purchases.
Develop a plan with my medical professionals to achieve my best health and live my life to the fullest.
I will sign up for a local CSA (consumer-supported agriculture).
I will avoid buying toxic plastics, including polycarbonate, polystyrene and polyvinyl.
I will commit to getting 60 more minute(s) of sleep each night to achieve at least 7 hours per night.
I will eat a heart healthy diet by adding 3 cups of fruits and vegetables each day to achieve at least 4 cups per day.
I will replace my lawn with a drought-tolerant landscape and save water, money, and time cutting the grass.
I will replace inefficient heating and cooling units.
If buying a plane ticket, I will also buy a carbon offset.
I will use an energy meter to monitor my energy use and identify opportunities to save power.
I will upgrade the windows or weatherstripping in my home or office to reduce air leaks and save on energy costs.
I will learn about water and air quality issues in my area, how they are impacting human and environmental health, and how I can help.
I will prevent water runoff and increase absorbency by mulching the base of plants and trees at my home or work.
I will find out who in my state makes decisions that impact the environment and express my support for more environmental actions.
I will replace 30 minute(s) per day typically spent inside (computer time, watching television, etc.) with quality time outside.
I will assess the vehicles used by my company or college and advocate for a purchasing policy focused on fuel-efficient vehicles.
I will sign up for a car-sharing service, or organize car sharing with my neighbors, to cut down on the number of vehicles on the road.
I will watch a documentary film about food with family and friends and talk about what we learned.
I will get my Core Four Biometrics tests (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and BMI).
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 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 enjoy 2 meal(s) cooked with organic ingredients per day.
I will replace manual thermostats with programmable ones.
I will keep lights, electronics, and appliances turned off when not using them.