Joe Schmeits

I will spend at least 90 minutes finding out what local laws, policies, and practices keep people from voting in my community.

I will spend 90 minutes learning about food apartheid and find out how I can advocate for healthy and fresh food in my region.

I will watch 1 documentary(ies) about food sovereignty: the right of local peoples to control their own food systems including markets, ecological resources, food cultures and production methods.

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

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

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

I will plant 3 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.

I will join my neighborhood association or another local group of decision makers.

I will make sure I’m registered to vote. While I’m at it, I’ll sign up to help others register too!

Organizations have a responsibility to make sustainable business decisions. To understand how to improve sustainable practices, it’s important to start with understanding the current impact. I will share the Tradewater Business Carbon Calculator with my organization.

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

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

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.

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 spend 15 minutes researching toxic chemicals found in cleaning supplies and personal care products and remove them from my home.

I will enjoy 1 meal(s) each day free of processed foods.

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

I will collect all of my unrecyclable, non-compostable trash to raise my awareness of how much I send to the landfill.

I will reduce the amount of paper mail that I receive by 3.4lbs (1.5kg) a month or 41lbs (18.6kg) a year by opting into paperless billing, ending unwanted subscriptions and opting out of junk mail.

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.

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

I will watch 1 documentary(ies) about systemic racism.