Stephanie Schraml

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

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

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.

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 not accept any disposable bags when making purchases.

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

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

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

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

I will sign up for a car-sharing service, or organize car sharing with my neighbors, to cut down on the number of vehicles on the road.

I will volunteer hour(s) in my community during the challenge.

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

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

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 purchase produce and meat from a local farmers market or food co-op.