Rafael Velez

I will keep 2 disposable plastic bottle(s) from entering the waste stream by using a reusable water bottle.

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

I will not accept any disposable bags when making purchases.

I will reduce the amount of paper mail that I receive by 3.4lbs (1.5kg) a month or 41lbs (18.6kg) a year by opting into paperless billing, ending unwanted subscriptions and opting out of junk mail.

I will replace inefficient heating and cooling units.

Both systemic and personal sustainability are important! I will develop a plan with my medical professionals to achieve my best health and live my life to the fullest.

I will plant 1 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.

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

I will cook 3 meal(s) with zero-waste each day

Plastic bags and small plastic pieces like straws are most likely to get swept into our waterways. I will keep 5 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill and ocean each day by refusing straws or using my own glass/metal straw.

I will fix faucets or report leaky faucets to facilities that have been wasting up to 9 gallons (34 L) of water per faucet every day.

I will spend 30 minutes learning about food deserts and find out how I can advocate for healthy and fresh food in my region.

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 20 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.