Victoria Vella

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

I will enjoy 2 meatless or vegan meals each day of the challenge.

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

I will spend at least 30 minutes researching how people can build with carbon-storing materials - including agricultural byproducts - and discuss it with my peers or post to social media.

I will plant 2 trees in my community, public parks, or backyard.

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

I will replace manual thermostats with smart ones.

I will reduce the amount of water flushed and save up to 11 gallons (41 L) of water a day or 330 gallons (1,230 L) a month by installing a toilet tank bank.

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

I will share a business carbon calculator and encourage my organization to improve our sustainable practices.

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 start a compost or worm bin where I live.

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

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 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.

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

Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 60 minutes in exploring and appreciating a natural area in my region, whether a forest, wetland, coastal area, or somewhere else.

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

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

I will spend at least 30 minutes finding out if anyone is working on perennial biomass projects in my region and how I can get involved.

I will spend at least 30 minutes researching cement alternatives that reduce the carbon footprint of concrete.

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

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.