Vickie Ratsch

I will declutter, clean, and donate or recycle unneeded items in my dorm room, apartment, or home to create a more peaceful and organized living space.

I will calculate my digital carbon footprint and take steps to reduce my CO2 emissions.

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

I will spend 5 minutes per day practicing Mindfulness.

I will spend 30 minutes learning about food apartheid and find out how I can advocate for healthy and fresh food in my region.

Many common products contain harmful chemicals. I will spend 30 minutes researching chemicals found in products I use, and I will make a list of products I'd like to replace with safer options.

I will spend 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.

Environmental issues often impact marginalized communities the most. I will spend 60 minutes researching environmental justice concerns in my region, who is affected by them, and local initiatives to address these concerns.

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

I will take a walk each day to clear my mind, get some fresh air, and support my physical and mental health as a student.

I will spend 20 minutes each day maintaining a record of all my purchases and learning about my spending habits.

I will research tool libraries and other sharing economy organizations in my area and rent or borrow instead of buy next time I need something they offer.

Good sleep is essential for a healthy body and mind. I will prioritize getting 7 hours of quality sleep each night and develop a bedtime routine that supports rest and relaxation.

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

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

I will spend 5 minutes reading the Ecochallenge feed each day and giving high fives or commenting on posts by people who I don't know, but whose content inspires or interests me.

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 only check my email during school or study hours, using my personal time for activities that support my well-being and align with my values.

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 create healthier school-life balance habits by setting boundaries around classwork, study time, and rest to support my well-being.