Emily Simons

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

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

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

Instead of traveling by plane, I will find an alternative way to accomplish the goals of an upcoming trip (i.e. telepresence, vacation locally).

I will avoid buying and using 2 single-use plastics and instead replace them with durable options.

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

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 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 advocate for alternatives to single-use packaging at local grocery stores, markets, at work, or on campus.

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

I will spend at least 45 minutes learning about the need for more regenerative agriculture.

I will use seaweed in a new recipe.

I will plant 10 trees in my community, public parks, or backyard.

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

I will spend 60 minutes learning about biochar and how it can help sequester carbon.

Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 180 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 60 minutes learning about the legacy of redlining and how city planning and environmental justice issues are interconnected.