Nathan Van Wylen

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

I will replace 10 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

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

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

I will spend at least 10 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of wave and tidal energy.

I will spend at least 10 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of Micro Wind.

I will replace manual thermostats with smart ones.

I will spend at least 10 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of biomass.

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 spend at least 10 minutes watching videos and/or reading about the environmental benefits of silvopasture.

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

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

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

I will sign up for a Master Recycler/Composter program in my area.

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

I will create a plan to and advocate for solar installation at my business, apartment building, or campus.

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

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 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 spend at least 5 minutes researching and advocating for a comprehensive high speed rail network in my country/region.

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

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

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