Scott Palm

Knowing our carbon footprint is the first step to reducing it. I will calculate my carbon impact and identify lifestyle changes that could reduce the carbon footprint and impacts on the environment. I will share my commitments to lowering my impact on the feed.

I will spend 30 minutes listening to a podcast about equity and justice.

I will watch 1 documentaries about systemic racism to learn more about how it affects us and the planet.

I will join my student government or another local group of decision makers.

I will keep lights, electronics, and appliances turned off when not using them.

I will volunteer 5 hours in my community or campus through clubs, service-learning, campus organizations, or other local events or opportunities.

I will adjust my thermostat down 2 degrees from usual when I use the heat, and up 2 degrees when I use air conditioning.

I will spend 60 minutes learning more about renewable energy alternatives (i.e. solar, wind, biomass) in my region.

I will organize one of Ecochallenge.org's discussion courses, such as Powering a Bright Future, with classmates, friends, co-workers, or family.

I will replace 5 incandescent light bulbs with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

Small acts of kindness and gratitude can brighten someone's day and create a positive ripple effect. I will express gratitude to people or perform random acts of kindness to spread joy and connection.

Daily movement supports our physical and mental health. I will spend 30 minutes each day exercising in a way that feels good to me, such as walking, running, stretching, or dancing.

I will spend 30 minutes practicing Loving-Kindness Meditation to nurture love and compassion for myself and others.

I will spend 30 minutes doing an activity where I'm both moving my body and enjoying myself.

Regular health check-ups help prevent problems before they start. I will schedule or attend a medical, dental, or mental health check-up to take care of my well-being. I will develop a plan with my medical professionals to achieve my best health and live my life to the fullest.

Good sleep is essential for a healthy body and mind. I will prioritize getting 6 hours of quality sleep each night and develop a bedtime routine that supports rest and relaxation.

I will avoid buying toxic plastics - including polycarbonate, polystyrene and polyvinyl - and instead replace them with durable non-plastic options.

I will try to shop at a farmers market or food co-op, if one is accessible, to support local farmers and businesses. By doing so, I may be able to learn more about who produces the food I eat and goods I buy.

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

I will spend 30 minutes listening to a podcast about food.

I will watch 1 documentaries 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 sign up for a local CSA (community-supported agriculture) or split a CSA share with roommates or friends.

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

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 spend 30 minutes learning about the perils of fast fashion and will choose thrift stores, clothing swaps, or second-hand options when I shop for clothes.