Dawn Watkins

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

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 shop from women-owned business(es) today.

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.

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 spend at least 20 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

I will replace 4 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

I will enjoy 2 meatless or vegan meal(s) each day of the challenge.

I will keep a daily log of food I throw away during Drawdown Ecochallenge, either because it went bad before I ate it, I put too much on my plate, or it was scraps from food preparation.

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

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

Insects are a low impact alternative to mammals and fish for protein.