Mary Van Eyk

I will spend at least 60 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of biomass.

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 make a donation to a nonprofit that installs microgeneration in low income countries.

I will create a plan to and advocate for solar installation at my business, apartment building, or campus.

I will spend 60 minutes learning about carbon offsets, and why they are a necessary solution in combating a climate crisis.

I will spend at least 60 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

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

I will spend at least 60 minutes learning how local indigenous tribes are caring for the land by participating in a training, workshop, or presentation.

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

I will spend at least 60 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of micro wind.

I will share a business carbon calculator and encourage my organization to improve our sustainable practices.

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 replace 5 incandescent lightbulbs with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

I will spend 20 minutes learning about the climate impact of refrigerants and what climate-friendly refrigerants are by using the links below.

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.

I will spend 60 minutes researching cattle feed and manure management, or visiting a dairy farm to learn about their farming practices.

I will spend at least 60 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of geothermal energy and consider investing in this technology.

I will spend at least 60 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of wave and tidal energy.

Using Drawdown's Job Function Action Guide, I will learn about climate actions I can take at work.

I will set up or join a recycling program at my workplace or school.

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 practice the "5 Rs" — refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle — to reduce my waste more than I can with just recycling alone.

I will avoid buying and using 2 single-use plastics and instead replace them with durable options.