Allison Garofalo

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

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 visit my nearest farm to find out who produces my food, and will learn about the quality of life of those around the world who produce my food in order to make better choices when I shop.

Access to public transportation is a social justice issue! I will learn about the need for public transportation in my community and tell 10 friends or colleagues per day about the issue.

I will spend at least 30 minutes researching and weighing my options to see if a hybrid or electric vehicle makes sense for my lifestyle.

I will spend 15 minutes researching the impact of old harmful refrigerants on our environment.

If at all possible, I will not accept any disposable bags when making purchases.

I will use the resources below to find where I can forage for my own food locally.

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.

I will host a watch party to screen a documentary about an issue that matters to me.

I will watch 2 documentary(ies) about systemic racism.

I will plant 2 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.

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 spend 30 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 30 minutes learning about the experiences of trans, femme, and/or nonbinary people.

Individual actions are important, but people and organizations working together can make a real impact. I will share a carbon calculator with a friend and invite them to calculate the carbon footprint of their household.

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

I will volunteer 5 hour(s) in my community during the challenge.

I will create a rain garden or bioswale or use rain barrels to collect water for outdoor watering needs.

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