Julie Whittum

I will watch 2 documentaries about food sovereignty: the right of local peoples to control their own food systems including markets, ecological resources, food cultures and production methods.

Access to affordable, nutritious food is a food justice issue. I will advocate for local and/or organic food options at work, on campus and/or in the spaces I frequent.

Organic farming practices are healthier and safer for our planet, animals, and people. I will enjoy 2 meals cooked with organic ingredients per day.

I will get my Core Four Biometrics tests (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and BMI).

I will advocate for alternatives to single-use packaging at local grocery stores, markets, at work, or on campus to reduce pollution in the environment and in local communities.

I will calculate my digital carbon footprint and take steps to reduce my CO2 emissions.

I will spend 15 minutes learning about local or national energy issues that will be on the voting ballot this fall.

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 replace inefficient heating and cooling units with energy saving units.

I will spend 10 minutes researching environmental justice and environmental racism concerns in my region, who is affected by them, and local initiatives to address these concerns.

I will make an appointment for my annual physical.

I will spend 10 minutes listening to a podcast about food.

Food waste hurts our planet and our communities. I will cook 2 meals with zero waste each day.

I will find out what food programs are in my area and donate food and/or other items that they request.

I will enjoy 3 meatless meals and/or 3 vegan meals each day this week.

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.

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.

Flying emits a lot of CO2 into the atmosphere which affects air quality and the health of our planet, animals, and people. If buying a plane ticket, I will also buy a carbon offset.

I will join an outdoor restoration project in my community.

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 spend at least 30 minutes researching and weighing my options to see if a hybrid or electric vehicle makes sense for my lifestyle.

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