Cynthia Kanno

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

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 use seaweed in a new recipe.

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

Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 15 minutes in exploring and appreciating a natural area in my region, whether a forest, wetland, coastal area, or somewhere else.

I will spend at least 15 minutes watching videos and/or reading about the environmental benefits of silvopasture.

When they are available, I will purchase products made from bamboo instead of wood, plastic, or metal.

I will spend at least 15 minutes researching the impact of my diet to see how it contributes to deforestation.

I will replace 1 incandescent lightbulbs with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.