Elaine Rivera

I will cook 1 meal(s) with zero-waste each day

I will advocate for alternatives to single-use packaging at local grocery stores, markets, at work, or on campus.

I will start a recycling program at my workplace or school. If a recycling program exists, I will advocate for ways to improve and expand it.

I will spend at least 30 minutes finding out where to recycle the recyclable items that I can't put in my curbside bin.

I will replace 8 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

I will install alternative energy systems, such as solar electric systems or solar water heaters.

I will avoid sending 1 disposable cup(s) to the landfill each day by using a reusable mug.

I will plant 9 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.

Historically, marginalized and low-income communities live closer to landfills, contributing to a multitude of health problems. I will find out how I can limit single-use items and do my best to limit the waste I generate.

Plastic bags and small plastic pieces like straws are most likely to get swept into our waterways. I will keep 1 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill and ocean each day by refusing straws or using my own glass/metal straw.

I will replace inefficient heating and cooling units.

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.

I will keep 4 disposable plastic bottle(s) from entering the waste stream by using a reusable water bottle.

I will spend 10 minutes learning about sustainable fashion and begin trying to practice it in my own life.

I will use an energy meter to monitor my energy use and identify opportunities to save power.