Julie Gonsalves

I will source 1 meals each day from local producers.

Processed foods can be less nutritious for our bodies and take more energy and water to produce, which can create more waste, pollution, and offer less benefit to our health. I will enjoy 1 meals per day free of processed foods.

I will adjust my thermostat down 2 degrees from usual when I use the heat, and up 2 degrees when I use air conditioning.

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

I will fix faucets or report leaky faucets to facilities that have been wasting up to 3 gallons (11 L) of water per faucet every day.

I will spend 5 minutes reading the Ecochallenge feed each day and giving high fives or commenting on posts by people who I don't know, but whose content inspires or interests me.

If at all possible, I will not accept any disposable bags when making purchases.

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

I will repair at least one item that is broken, but is repairable. This might be items like garden tools, sewing machine, small appliances, electronics, clothing, and more.

I will spend 15 minutes researching the impact of old harmful refrigerants on our environment.

I will shop at a farmers market or food co-op to support local farmers and businesses. By doing so, I may be able to learn more about who produces the food I eat and goods I buy.

I will spend at least 15 minutes learning about water and air quality issues in my area, how they are impacting human and environmental health, and how I can help.

I will spend 30 minutes researching toxic chemicals found in cleaning supplies and personal care products and remove them from my home.

Instead of traveling by plane, I will find an alternative way to accomplish the goals of an upcoming trip (i.e. telepresence, vacation locally).

I will explore at least one new hiking trail or nature walk in my area.

I will save up to 8 gallons (32 L) of water a day by installing a low-flow shower-head.

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

I will switch to washing my clothes in cold water, saving up to 1,600 lbs of CO2 over the course of the next year.

At least 30% of crops and 90% of flowering plants rely on pollinators to produce fruit. I will spend 20 minutes researching which plants support local native pollinators and plant some in my yard.

I will spend 20 minutes learning about sustainable fashion and begin trying to practice it in my own life.

I will spend 20 minutes finding out where landfills and/or toxic waste sites are situated in my region and which communities are most impacted by these sites.

I will contact my local election office to volunteer during the upcoming election.

I will replace my lawn with a drought-tolerant landscape and save the water, money, and time I used to spend cutting the grass.

I will volunteer 4 hours in my community during the challenge.

I will spend 15 minutes learning about constructive communication.