Jim Kalvelage

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

I will start a compost bin where I live.

I will assess the vehicles used by my company or college and advocate for a purchasing policy focused on electric and fuel-efficient vehicles.

I will spend at least 5 minutes researching heat pumps to see if installing one makes sense for my home/building.

I will reduce the amount of paper mail that I receive by opting into paperless billing and subscriptions.

I will replace manual thermostats with smart ones.

I will spend at least 5 minutes researching other Drawdown Buildings and Cities Solutions.

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 watch a video about methane digesters (also commonly known as anaerobic digesters).

I will spend at least 5 minutes learning more about the barriers to women's equal participation and representation around the world.

I will spend at least 5 minutes learning more about the need for family planning globally.

I will spend at least 5 minutes researching and weighing my options to see if a hybrid or electric vehicle makes sense for my lifestyle.

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

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 replace 5 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

I will connect with a local nonprofit working on womens' or girls' issues in my community, and find out how I can get involved or become a member.

I will cook 1 meal(s) with zero-waste each day.

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

If I have to buy paper products, I will only purchase products made from post-consumer recycled paper for my home or office.

I will buy from organic and local farmers who have made the decision to not use synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.

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

I will spend at least 1 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of wave and tidal energy.

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.