greg parker

Individual actions are important, but people and organizations working together can make a real impact. I will share a carbon calculator with a friend and invite them to calculate the carbon footprint of their household.

I will prevent water runoff and increase absorbency by mulching the base of trees and plants in my yard.

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

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

Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 60 minutes in exploring and appreciating a natural area in my region, whether a forest, wetland, coastal area, or somewhere else.

I will encourage my office to hold meetings virtually whenever possible instead of requiring travel.

Organizations have a responsibility to make sustainable business decisions. To understand how to improve sustainable practices, it’s important to start with understanding the current impact. I will share the Tradewater Business Carbon Calculator with my organization.

I will start a compost bin where I live.

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

Planet Money recently interviewed the co-founders of Tradewater to learn about the dangerous impact that old refrigerants have on our environment. I will listen to the podcast to learn more about this necessary solution in fighting a climate crisis.

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

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

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

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

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

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 fix faucets or report leaky faucets to facilities that have been wasting up to 9 gallons (34 L) of water a day or 270 (1,020 L) gallons of water a month per faucet.

I will commute by bike 20 mile(s) each day and avoid sending up to (___) lbs of CO2 into Earth's atmosphere.

I will spend at least 15 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

I will cut my car trip mileage by only taking necessary trips, and I will only use muscle-powered transportation for all other trips.

I will plant 2 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.

I will spend at least 30 minute(s) researching how people can build with carbon-storing materials - including agricultural byproducts - and discuss it with my peers or post to social media.

I will spend at least 60 minutes learning more about the barriers to women's equal participation and representation around the world.

I will cook 1 meal(s) with zero-waste each day

I will eat a heart healthy diet by adding 1 cups of fruits and vegetables each day to achieve at least 4 cups per day.

I will connect with a local nonprofit working on issues affecting women, girls, and/or trans/nonbinary people in my community, and find out how I can get involved or become a member.

I will replace 20 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.