Jennifer Lande

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 30 minutes researching the impact of my diet to see how it contributes to deforestation.

I will spend at least 10 minutes researching and advocating for a comprehensive high speed rail network in my country/region.

I will replace 5 incandescent lightbulbs with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

I will take a walk for 90 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.

My goal is to use less electricity and lower my energy costs. I will turn off my AC when I leave for work.

I will eat a heart healthy diet by adding 3 cups of fruits and vegetables each day to achieve at least 4 cups per day.

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 plant 3 trees in my community, public parks, or backyard.

I will contact 3 congress people or representatives to advocate for public policy that protects forests and the enforcement of existing anti-logging laws, as well as the rights of local people to protect and restore the land in their communities.

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

I will spend at least 35 minutes learning more about the environmental services provided by and the environmental issues affecting temperate forests.

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

Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 500 minutes in exploring and appreciating a natural area in my region, whether a forest, wetland, coastal area, or somewhere else.

I will set up a visit or a virtual tour of a green roof in my city, and ask about the codes and process for installing a green roof.

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 spend 100 minutes finding out how to make my home more energy efficient through better insulation and weatherization.

I will fix faucets or report leaky faucets to facilities that have been wasting up to 9 gallons (34 L) of water a day or 270 (1,020 L) gallons of water a month per faucet.

I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy.

I will connect with a local nonprofit working on issues affecting women, girls, trans people, and/or nonbinary people in my community, and find out how I can get involved or become a member.

I will spend 100 minutes researching and shopping from 10 businesses owned by women, people of color, or immigrants.

I will spend at least 25 minutes learning more about the need for family planning globally.

I will spend at least 300 minutes learning more about the barriers to women's equal participation and representation around the world.