Illinois Ocean Coalition

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

I will keep a daily log of food I throw away during the 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 source 5 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 reduce the amount of paper mail that I receive by 0.11lbs (0.05kg) a day or 41lbs (18.6kg) a year by opting into paperless billing, ending unwanted subscriptions and opting out of junk mail.

I will sign up for a Master Recycler/Composter program in my area.

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

I will avoid buying toxic plastics, including polycarbonate, polystyrene and polyvinyl and instead replace them with bioplastic or durable options.

I will spend 20 minutes each day researching women-owned businesses I can support when shopping.

I will set up a recycling center at my workplace or school.

I will improve a bus stop in my neighborhood by posting the stop schedule, adding seating or shelter, adding art or flowers, picking up litter, or implementing some other small improvement.

I will recycle all materials that are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community.

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