Waleska Toledo

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 carry all of my unrecyclable, non-compostable trash with me to raise my awareness of how much I send to the landfill.

I will spend at least 2 minutes visiting a local dump/transfer station, material recovery facility, and/or landfill to learn about the waste stream.

I will sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option.

I will save up to 15 gallons (56 L) of water a day by installing a low-flow showerhead.

I will adopt a diet free of refined sugars, which eliminates sweetened beverages, candy, and processed foods.

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 organize one of Ecochallenge.org's discussion courses on food sustainability - 'Menu for the Future' or 'Hungry for Change', with my family, friends, coworkers, or classmates.

I will spend 1 minutes researching toxic chemicals found in cleaning supplies and personal care products and remove them from my home.

I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy.

I will replace manual thermostats with programmable ones.

I will upgrade the windows or weatherstripping in my home or office to reduce air leaks and save on energy costs.

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, making sure to not contaminate recyclables with non-recyclables.

I will keep 1 disposable plastic bottle(s) from entering the waste stream by using a reusable water bottle.

I will adopt a "Needs Vs. Wants" approach and only buy things I need.