Heidi Burkart

I will not use any disposable plates, cups, or utensils.

I will use an energy meter to monitor my energy use and identify opportunities to save power.

I will lobby my workplace to have reusable dishes and silverware in order to minimize disposables.

I will find out where to recycle the recyclable items that I can't put in my curbside bin.

I will visit a local dump/transfer station, material recovery facility, and/or landfill to learn about the waste stream.

I will start a recycling program at my workplace or school. If a recycling program exists, I will advocate for ways to improve and expand it.

I will only use reusable containers for my lunches at work or school.

I will sign up for a Recycler / Composter program in my area.

I will join my neighborhood association or another local group.

I will make my environmental actions visible with a lawn sign or bumper sticker, or by posting to my social media networks.

I will connect with a local nonprofit, environmental or otherwise, and find out how I can get involved or become a member.

I will find out who in my state makes decisions that impact the environment and express my support for more environmental actions.

I will host a house party to watch a movie or present a guest speaker on an environmental issue that matters to me.

I will raise money to support Northwest Earth Institute or another local nonprofit.

I will switch to washing my clothes in cold water, saving up to 1,600 lbs of C02 over the course of the next year.

I will enjoy 3 meatless meal(s) per day.

I will enjoy 3 meal(s) per day free of processed foods.

I will naturally heat and cool my house, office, or dorm room by opening or closing my windows, curtains, and blinds, and by using fans.

I will organize one of NWEI's discussion courses, such as 'Reconnecting with Earth', with my family, friends, coworkers, or classmates.

I will research or test drive an electric car or bike.

I will adjust my thermostat down 2 degrees from usual when I use the heat, and up 2 degrees when I use air conditioning.

I will adopt a diet free of animal products.

I will keep lights, electronics, and appliances turned off when not using them.

I will explore at least one new hiking trail or nature walk in my area.

I will power down my computer and monitor when not using it for more than 2 hours, saving up to (1.1) lbs of CO2 per day that I do this.

I will purchase produce and meat from a local farmers market or food co-op.

I will keep 8 disposable plastic bottle(s) from entering the waste stream by using a reusable water bottle.