Kim Pierson

I will calculate the carbon emissions associated with my household and consider how different lifestyle choices could reduce our carbon footprint and our impact on the environment.

I will eat a heart healthy diet by adding 2 cups of fruits and vegetables each day to achieve at least 4 cups per day.

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

I will spend at least 60 minutes researching and weighing my options to see if a hybrid or electric vehicle makes sense for my lifestyle.

I will replace manual thermostats with smart ones.

I will visit a coastal or ocean site to experience the ecosystem and look for the presence of macroalgae/seaweed.

I will take a walk for 20 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.

I will practice the "5 Rs" — refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle — to reduce my waste more than I can with just recycling alone.

I will spend 30 minutes finding out how to make my home more energy efficient through better insulation and weatherization.

I will start a compost or worm bin where I live.

I will spend 30 minutes researching and shopping from 2 businesses owned by women, people of color, or immigrants.

I will learn about sustainable fashion and begin practicing it in my own life.

I will replace 15 incandescent lightbulbs with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

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

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will research and recycle all materials that are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community, including electronics and metals.

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.

Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 120 minutes in exploring and appreciating a natural area in my region, whether a forest, wetland, coastal area, or somewhere else.

I will spend 45 minutes learning about the climate impact of refrigerants and what climate-friendly refrigerants are by using the links below.

I will save up to 15 gallons (56 L) of water a day or 450 gallons (1,680 L) a month by installing a low-flow showerhead.

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 finding out if my city, region, state, or country offers incentives for retrofitting existing buildings.

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