Brenda Wise

I will replace manual thermostats with programmable ones.

Research or test drive an electric car or bike.

I will research toxic chemicals found in cleaning supplies and personal care products and remove them from my home.

I will save up to 15 gallons (56 L) of water a day.

I will start a compost collection at home, work, or school.

I will find out where to recycle the recyclable items that I can't put in my curbside bin.

I will plant an herb garden in my home, workplace, or dorm room.

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

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

I will try a new method of food preparation, such as canning, pickling, or baking bread.

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 avoid wasting water while waiting for the shower or sink to heat up.

I will fix faucets that have been wasting up to 9 gallons (34 L) of water per faucet per day.

I will prevent water runoff and increase absorbency by mulching the base of plants and trees at my home or work.

I will plant native species, landscape with water-efficient plants, and use eco-friendly fertilizers.

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

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 create a rain garden or bioswale, or use rain barrels to collect water for outdoor watering needs.