Steven Appenzeller

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

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

I will spend at least 60 minutes researching heat pumps to see if installing one makes sense for my home/building.

I will spend at least 90 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of geothermal energy and consider investing in this technology.

I will spend at least 60 minutes finding out if my city, region, or state offers incentives for retrofitting existing buildings.

I will contact 1 elected officials to voice my opinion on the importance of restoring farmland in my region, including both public and private land.

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

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

I will plant 1 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.

I will find out how to make my home more energy efficient through better insulation and weatherization.

I will take a walk for 15 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.

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

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