Wanda Knapik

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

I will source 50 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 use smaller plates and/or serve smaller portions when dishing out food.

I will spend 30 minutes researching the environmental benefits of peatlands and what is being done around the world to conserve and restore them.

I will contact a local installer/distributor to see if a solar water heater makes sense for my house.

I will spend at least 90 minutes researching and weighing my options to see if a hybrid or electric vehicle makes sense for my lifestyle.

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

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

I will sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option. If my utility does not offer one, I will purchase Renewable Energy Credits to match my usage.

I will plan ahead to only use paper products made from post-consumer recycled paper for my home or office.

Instead of traveling by plane, I will find an alternative way to accomplish the goals of an upcoming trip (i.e. telepresence, vacation locally).

I will test drive an electric bike at a local distributor to see if it makes sense to use one in place of my car, or to extend the area I can cover by bike.

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 cut my car trip mileage by only taking necessary trips, and I will only use muscle-powered transportation for all other trips.

I will donate to The Nature Conservancy, which works with Indigenous Peoples to secure land tenure and resource rights, support improved governance and local institutions, assist in natural resource mapping, planning and management; and strengthen livelihoods and sustainable economic development.

I will spend at least 60 minutes learning how local indigenous tribes are caring for the land by attending a training, workshop, or presentation.

I will replace manual thermostats with smart ones.

I will raise funds to help make school affordable for girls around the world.

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 plant 3 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.