Jason Schweitzer

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

I will enjoy 4 meatless or vegan meal(s) each day of the challenge.

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

I will start a compost bin where I live.

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

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

I will spend at least 15 minutes learning about the need for more regenerative agriculture.

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

I will source 10 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 research and support local farmers who have made the decision to not use synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.

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

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

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 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 replace 1 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

I will use my spending power to reward companies leading in creating or purchasing green energy and incentivize others to invest more in green energy.

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

Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 10 minutes in exploring and appreciating a natural area in my region, whether a forest, wetland, coastal area, or somewhere else.

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

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