Veronica Chainey

I will write or call 2 elected officials telling them not to support fossil fuel subsidies and instead support wind energy generation.

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 contact the fossil fuel companies that supply energy in my community and ask how they manage and reduce methane leakage.

I will replace 020 incandescent lightbulbs with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of geothermal energy and consider investing in this technology.

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of wave and tidal energy.

I will use my spending power to reward companies leading in creating or purchasing green energy and incentivize others to invest more in green energy.

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of biomass.

I will contact a local installer/distributor to see if a solar water heater makes sense for my house.

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of micro wind.

Using the Seafood Watch guide, I will feature a sustainable seafood ingredient in a new recipe.

I will source 25 percent of my food from local producers each day. This could include signing up for a local CSA, buying from a farmer's market, visiting a food co-op, foraging with a local group, or growing my own ingredients.

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

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

I will donate to Native American Rights Fund, which protects tribal natural resources and environmental rights and promotes Native American Human Rights.

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning how local indigenous tribes are caring for the land by participating in a training, workshop, or presentation.

I will prevent water runoff and increase absorbency by mulching the base of trees and plants in my yard.

I will spend at least 60 minutes learning about the need for more regenerative agriculture.

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

I will eat a heart healthy diet by adding 4 cups of fruits and vegetables each day to achieve at least 4 cups per day.

I will visit a coastal or ocean site to experience the ecosystem and look for the presence of macroalgae/seaweed.

I will volunteer 8 hours with a wetland restoration project in my region to learn about the importance of wetlands.

I will spend 30 minutes learning about biochar and how it can help sequester carbon.

I will visit seafoodwatch.org and download the app to commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean.