Katherine Dollman

While global and national actions get a lot of attention, it’s often at the local community level where individuals can have the greatest input and where change is most tangible. But every community is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. I will spend 20 minutes finding out how my neighborhood, town or city is helping the environment and building local resilience.

I will spend at least 20 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

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

I will spend 20 minutes researching cattle feed and manure management, or visiting a dairy farm to learn about their farming practices.

Using Drawdown's Job Function Action Guide, I will learn about climate actions I can take at work.

I will enjoy 1 meatless or vegan meals each day of the challenge.

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

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

I will use seaweed in a new recipe.

I will spend at least 20 minutes learning more about the barriers to women's equal participation and representation around the world.

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

I will spend 20 minutes researching and shopping from 2 businesses owned by women, people of color, or immigrants.

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.

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

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 2 cups of fruits and vegetables each day to achieve at least 4 cups per day.

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

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

I will spend at least 20 minutes researching cement alternatives that reduce the carbon footprint of concrete.

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