Mayank Agarwal

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.

Using the Seafood Watch guide, I will feature a sustainable seafood ingredient in a new recipe.

I will plan ahead to use paper products only made from post-consumer recycled paper for my home or office.

I will replace 2 incandescent lightbulbs with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

I will eat all of my meals without distractions, e.g., phone, computer, TV, or newspaper.

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.

Through social media (LinkedIn or Instagram), I will share what I've learned about Food, Agriculture, & Land Use and tag Ecochallenge.org.

I will spend at least 10 minutes researching the impact of my diet to see how it contributes to deforestation.

Through social media (LinkedIn or Instagram), I will share what I've learned about the Buildings sector and tag Ecochallenge.org.

I will spend at least 15 minutes finding out if anyone is working on perennial biomass projects in my region and how I can get involved.

I will spend at least 10 minutes learning more about the environmental services provided by and the environmental issues affecting temperate forests.

I will contact 15 elected officials to voice my opinion on the importance of restoring farmland in my region, including both public and private land.

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

I will reduce the amount of paper mail that I receive by 0.11lbs (0.05kg) a day or 3.3lbs (1.6kg) a month by opting into paperless billing, ending unwanted subscriptions, and opting out of junk mail.

I will spend at least 10 minutes researching how to properly dispose of bioplastics in my city and share this information with 10 friends, family, and/or colleagues.

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

I will contact the fossil fuel companies that supply energy in my community and ask how they manage and reduce methane leakage.

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of geothermal energy and consider investing in this technology.

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

I will spend at least 100 minutes researching and advocating for a comprehensive high speed rail network in my country/region.

I will spend at least 50 minutes researching and weighing my options to see if a hybrid or electric vehicle makes sense for my lifestyle.

Instead of traveling by plane, I will find an alternative way to accomplish the goals of an upcoming trip (i.e. telepresence, vacation locally).

I will improve a bus stop in my neighborhood by posting the stop schedule, adding seating or shelter, adding art or flowers, picking up litter, or implementing some other small improvement.

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 use seaweed in a new recipe.