Christine DePooter

Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 45 minutes in exploring and appreciating a natural area in my region, whether a forest, wetland, coastal area, or somewhere else.

I will spend 25 minutes researching the environmental benefits of peatlands and what is being done around the world to conserve and restore them.

I will plant 4 trees in my community, public parks, or backyard.

I will support a community garden by volunteering, donating, or advocating for a new or existing one.

I will spend at least 25 minutes watching videos and/or reading about the environmental benefits of silvopasture.

I will take a walk for 30 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.

I will spend at least 25 minutes researching other Drawdown Buildings Solutions.

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 25 minutes learning more about the need for family planning globally.

I will watch Drawdown’s Climate Solutions 101 and share what I learned with others.

I will spend at least 25 minutes researching how people can build with carbon-storing materials - including agricultural byproducts - and discuss it with my peers or post to social media.

I will spend 25 minutes learning about biochar and how it can help sequester carbon.

I will visit seafoodwatch.org and download the app to commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean.

I will eat a heart healthy diet by adding 1 cups of fruits and vegetables each day to achieve at least 4 cups per day.

I will tend to a garden, or prepare for one, each day using sustainable gardening practices.

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

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

I will spend at least 25 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

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

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.

I will spend at least 25 minutes learning how to properly dispose of my refrigerator, freezer, and other refrigerants at the end of their useful lives.

I will spend 25 minutes learning about the climate impact of refrigerants and what climate-friendly refrigerants are by using the links below.

I will explore the interactive map in the links below to find a supermarket that does not use HFC refrigerants near my home.

I will complete a plastics audit to see where plastics show up in my life and determine how I can reduce the use of single-use plastics.

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.