Chih Jen Cheng

I will prevent water runoff and increase absorbency by mulching the base of plants and trees at my home or work.

I will avoid wasting water while waiting for the shower or sink to heat up.

I will spend quality time with family and friends by playing low-tech game(s) and/or through the spirit of imagination.

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

I will plant native species, landscape with water-efficient plants, and use eco-friendly fertilizers.

I will calculate my Water Footprint to learn about my tap water use and "virtual water" use.

I will find out what stocks and bonds are in my investment account portfolio to determine if they align with my values (e.g. environmental, social responsibility, community).

We may find more meaning and joy in life when our actions are aligned with our personal values. I will determine what my top 3-5 core values are so that I can better align my actions with them.

I will begin, or continue, on the journey of forgiving myself and/or other(s). I may do this through journaling, meditation, prayer, and/or talking with a licensed healthcare professional.

I will spend at least 20 minutes learning about water and air quality issues in my area, how they are impacting human and environmental health, and how I can help.

I will spend 5 minutes researching toxic chemicals found in cleaning supplies and personal care products and remove them from my home.

I will get my Core Four Biometrics tests (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and BMI).

Both systemic and personal sustainability are important! I will develop a plan with my medical professionals to achieve my best health and live my life to the fullest.

I will sign up for a car-sharing service, or organize car sharing with my neighbors, to cut down on the number of vehicles on the road.

I will work from home 2 day(s) to avoid my commute's carbon output.

I will improve a bus stop in my neighborhood by posting the stop schedule, adding seating or shelter, adding art or flowers, picking up litter, or some other small improvement.

If buying a plane ticket, I will also buy a carbon offset.

I will spend 15 minutes learning about sustainable fashion and begin trying to practice it in my own life.

I will spend 10 minutes finding out where landfills and/or toxic waste sites are situated in my region and which communities are most impacted by these sites.

Plastic bags and small plastic pieces like straws are most likely to get swept into our waterways. I will keep 2 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill and ocean each day by refusing straws or using my own glass/metal straw.

I will avoid sending 2 disposable cup(s) to the landfill each day by using a reusable mug.

Historically, marginalized and low-income communities live closer to landfills, contributing to a multitude of health problems. I will find out how I can limit single-use items and do my best to limit the waste I generate. I will keep 3 container(s) out of the landfill each day.

I will research tool libraries and other sharing economy organizations in my area and rent instead of buy next time I need something they offer.

I will spend 20 minutes researching environmental justice and environmental racism concerns in my region, who is affected by them, and local initiatives to address these concerns.

I will spend 15 minutes learning about food apartheid and find out how I can advocate for healthy and fresh food in my region.

Racial inequity is both a sustainability and justice problem. I will support businesses owned by people of color in my community whenever I shop.