SAM Hsieh

I will start a compost bin where I live.

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

I will save up to 15 gallons (56 L) of water a day by installing a low-flow showerhead.

I will source 1 meal(s) 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 create a plan to and advocate for solar installation at my business, apartment building, or campus.

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

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

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

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

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

I will spend at least 10 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

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

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

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

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 reduce the amount of water flushed and save up to 11 gallons (41 L) of water per day by installing a toilet tank bank.

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

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 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 host a film screening and discussion about women's and gender equality issues.