Maria Lopez Ruiz

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 set up a visit to tour a green roof in my city, and ask about the codes and process for installing a green roof.

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

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

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

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

I will enjoy 2 meatless or vegan meal(s) each day of the challenge.

I will spend at least 30 minutes researching the impact of my diet to see how it contributes to deforestation.

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

I will spend at least 30 minutes watching videos and/or reading about the environmental benefits of silvopasture.

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

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 spend at least 30 minutes researching how to properly dispose of bioplastics in my city and share this information with 5 friends, family and/or colleagues.

I will replace or remove products in my current diet that are known to contribute to deforestation.

I will support women-owned businesses when I shop this month.

If I buy a plane ticket, I will purchase a carbon offset.

I will calculate my water footprint and look for a few ways I can reduce consumption or waste.

I will calculate the carbon emissions associated with my household and consider how lifestyle changes could reduce the carbon footprint and impacts on the environment.