Melissa Frandsen

I will donate to Native American Rights Fund, which protects tribal natural resources and environmental rights and promotes Native American Human Rights.

I will support a community garden by volunteering, donating, or advocating for a new or existing one.

I will take a walk for 20 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.

I will eat a heart healthy diet by adding 2 cups of fruits and vegetables each day to achieve at least 4 cups per day.

Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 20 minutes in exploring and appreciating a natural area in my region, whether a forest, wetland, coastal area, or somewhere else.

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

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I will visit Tradewater’s website to learn more about carbon offsets, and why they are a necessary solution in combating a climate crisis.

I will reduce the amount of paper mail that I receive by 0.11lbs (0.05kg) a day or 3.3lbs (1.6kg) a month by opting into paperless billing, ending unwanted subscriptions and opting out of junk mail.

I will research and support local farmers who have made the decision to not use synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.

I will replace 5 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

I will spend at least 60 minutes learning about the need for more regenerative agriculture.

I will source 50 percent of my food from local producers each day. This could include signing up for a local CSA, buying from a farmer's market, visiting a food co-op, foraging with a local group, or growing my own ingredients.

I will avoid buying and using 1 single-use plastics and instead replace them with durable options.

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning about the legacy of redlining and how city planning and environmental justice issues are interconnected.

I will replace or remove the palm oil, coffee, and cocoa products in my current diet that are known to contribute to deforestation.

When they are available, I will purchase products made from bamboo instead of wood, plastic, or metal.

I will explore the interactive map in the links below to find a supermarket that does not use HFC refrigerants near my home.

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 learn about sustainable fashion and begin trying to practice it in my own life.

I will spend at least 30 minutes finding out if anyone is working on perennial biomass projects in my region and how I can get involved.

I will plan ahead to only use paper products made from post-consumer recycled paper for my home or office.

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

I will spend at least 120 minutes learning how local indigenous tribes are caring for the land by participating in a training, workshop, or presentation.

I will spend 30 minutes each day researching businesses owned by women, people of color, or immigrants that I can support when shopping.

I will spend at least 60 minutes researching and weighing my options to see if a hybrid or electric vehicle makes sense for my lifestyle.

I will spend at least 60 minutes researching the impact of my diet to see how it contributes to deforestation.

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

I will spend at least 60 minutes watching videos and/or reading about the environmental benefits of silvopasture.

I will plant 5 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning more about the environmental services provided by and the environmental issues affecting temperate forests.

I will visit seafoodwatch.org or download the app and commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean.

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 watch a video about methane digesters (also commonly known as anaerobic digesters).

I will spend 30 minute(s) learning about biochar and how it can help sequester carbon.