Kim Pierson

I will spend at least 60 minutes researching and weighing my options to see if a hybrid or electric vehicle makes sense for my lifestyle.

I will spend at least 30 minutes finding out if my city, region, state, or country offers incentives for retrofitting existing buildings.

I will replace manual thermostats with smart ones.

I will spend 30 minutes researching and shopping from 2 businesses owned by women, people of color, or immigrants.

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

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

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

I will learn about sustainable fashion and begin practicing it in my own life.

I will spend 45 minutes learning about the climate impact of refrigerants and what climate-friendly refrigerants are by using the links below.

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

After researching the incentives at the federal, state, utility, and local levels, I will contact a local installer/distributor for a solar panel installation consultation on my house.

I will sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option. If my utility does not offer one, I will purchase Renewable Energy Credits to match my usage.

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.

I will take a walk for 20 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.

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

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

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

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 replace 15 incandescent lightbulbs with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

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.