Barbara Bell

I will calculate the carbon emissions associated with my household and consider how different lifestyle choices could reduce our carbon footprint and our impact on the environment.

I will explore the interactive map in the links below to find a supermarket that does not use HFC refrigerants near my home.

I will use smaller plates and/or serve smaller portions when dishing out food.

I will spend at least 15 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

After researching the incentives at the federal, state, utility, and local levels, I will contact a local installer/distributor for a solar panel installation consultation on my house.

When they are available, I will purchase products made from bamboo instead of wood, plastic, or metal.

I will learn about sustainable fashion and begin practicing it in my own life.

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will research and recycle all materials that are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community, including electronics and metals.

I will spend 15 minutes learning about carbon offsets, and why they are a necessary solution in combating a climate crisis.

I will spend 15 minutes learning about the climate impact of refrigerants and what climate-friendly refrigerants are by using the links below.

I will spend at least 15 minutes researching cement alternatives that reduce the carbon footprint of concrete.

I will replace 18 incandescent lightbulbs with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

I will keep a daily log of food I throw away during Drawdown Ecochallenge, either because it went bad before I ate it, I put too much on my plate, or it was scraps from food preparation, and commit to reducing my food waste throughout the challenge.

I will plan ahead to use paper products only made from post-consumer recycled paper for my home or office.

I will spend at least 15 minutes learning how to properly dispose of my refrigerator, freezer, and other refrigerants at the end of their useful lives.

I will watch Drawdown’s Climate Solutions 101 and share what I learned with others.

I will spend at least 15 minutes researching and weighing my options to see if a hybrid or electric vehicle makes sense for my lifestyle.

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

I will plant 2 trees in my community, public parks, or backyard.

I will spend at least 15 minutes researching heat pumps to see if installing one makes sense for my home/building.

I will reduce the amount of paper mail that I receive by 0.11lbs (0.05kg) a day or 3.3lbs (1.6kg) a month by opting into paperless billing, ending unwanted subscriptions, and opting out of junk mail.