Elizabeth Whitman

I will test drive an electric bike at a local distributor to see if it makes sense to use one in place of my car, or to extend the area I can cover by bike.

I will take a walk for 45 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.

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 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.

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

I will replace 3 incandescent lightbulbs with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

I will enjoy 1 meatless or vegan meals each day of the challenge.

Using the Seafood Watch guide, I will feature a sustainable seafood ingredient in a new recipe.

I will eat a heart healthy diet by adding 1 cups of fruits and vegetables each day to achieve at least 4 cups per day.

I will use seaweed in a new recipe.

Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 30 minutes in exploring and appreciating a natural area in my region, whether a forest, wetland, coastal area, or somewhere else.

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

I will spend at least 5 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

I will donate to supply a community with reproductive health supplies.

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

I will spend at least 10 minutes learning more about the need for family planning globally.

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

I will spend at least 15 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of geothermal energy and consider investing in this technology.

I will spend at least 20 minutes researching and weighing my options to see if a hybrid or electric vehicle makes sense for my lifestyle.