Alessandra Chieff

I will calculate the carbon emissions associated with my household and consider how different lifestyle choices could reduce our carbon footprint and our impact on the environment.

I will use smaller plates and/or serve smaller portions when dishing out food.

I will take a walk for 30 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.

I will buy organic cotton and foods grown without the use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.

I will spend at least 10 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

I will spend at least 30 minutes researching cement alternatives that reduce the carbon footprint of concrete.

I will enjoy 1 meatless or vegan meal(s) each day of the challenge.

I will Practice the "5 Rs" — refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle — to reduce my waste more than I can with just recycling alone.

I will eat all of my meals without distractions, e.g., phone, computer, TV, or newspaper.

I will tend to a garden, or prepare for one, each day using sustainable gardening practices.

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

I will only purchase wood and paper products from ecologically certified sources like Forest Stewardship Council.