Melany Minera De Paz

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 learn about sustainable fashion and begin trying to practice it in my own life.

I will advocate for alternatives to single-use packaging at local grocery stores, markets, at work, or on campus to reduce pollution in the environment and in local communities.

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.

I will volunteer 10 hour(s) in my community during the challenge.

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.

I will spend 15 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 visit a nearby farm to pick my own fruits and veggies.

I will switch to washing my clothes in cold water, saving up to 133 lbs of CO2 a month and 1,600 lbs of CO2 over the course of the next year.

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

I will save up to 20 gallons (75 L) of water each day by taking 5-minute showers.

I will spend 20 minute(s) per day outside, practicing gratitude (prayer, meditation, journaling, etc.) for Earth and my natural surroundings.

I will adopt a "Needs Vs. Wants" approach and only buy things I need.

I will eat all of my meals without distractions, e.g., phone, computer, TV, or newspaper.

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

I will keep track and reduce my consumption of refined sugars, including sweetened beverages, candy, and processed foods.

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 plant an herb garden in my home, workplace, or dorm room.

I will enjoy 2 meal(s) cooked with organic ingredients each day.

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 write down three things every day that I am grateful for, or send one email every day thanking or praising someone.

I will practice actively listening to a friend, family member, co-worker, acquaintance, or someone who I may disagree with in at least 3 conversations.

I will meditate or create a moment of silence for 15 minute(s) each day to reflect on things important to me.

I will try a new method of food preparation, such as canning, pickling, or baking bread.

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.