Samantha Colasardo

I will volunteer 3 hours with a wetland restoration project in my region.

I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy.

After researching the incentives at the federal, state, utility, and local levels, I will contact a local installer/distributor for a solar panel installation consultation on my house.

I will spend at least 20 minutes researching and weighing my options to see if a hybrid or electric vehicle makes sense for my lifestyle.

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

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

I will spend at least 20 minutes researching the impact of my diet to see how it contributes to deforestation.

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

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

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

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

I will spend at least 32 minutes researching cement alternatives that reduce the carbon footprint of concrete.

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 fix faucets or report leaky faucets to facilities that have been wasting up to 9 gallons (34 L) of water per faucet every day.

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

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

I will start a compost bin where I live.

I will source 25 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 enjoy 3 meatless or vegan meal(s) each day of the challenge.