Alex Hays

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

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

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

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

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

I will replace 2 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

I will make an appointment for my annual physical.

I will plant 1 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 1 container(s) out of the landfill each day.

I will spend at least 60 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 collect all of my unrecyclable, non-compostable trash to raise my awareness of how much I send to the landfill.

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

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

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 save up to .21 lbs (.09 kg) of paper per day by switching from one-sided printing to two-sided when I have to print documents.

I will sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option.

At least 30% of crops and 90% of flowering plants rely on pollinators to produce fruit. I will spend 60 minutes researching which plants support local native pollinators and plant some in my yard.