Samantha Siemens

I will fix faucets or report leaky faucets to facilities that have been wasting up to 9 gallons (34 L) of water a day or 270 (1,020 L) gallons of water a month per faucet.

I will plant native species, landscape with water-efficient plants, and use eco-friendly fertilizers.

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

At least 30% of crops and 90% of flowering plants rely on pollinators to produce fruit. I will spend 20 minutes researching which plants support local native pollinators and plant some in my yard or local community garden.

I will practice actively listening to a friend, family member, co-worker, acquaintance, or someone who I may disagree with in at least 4 conversations.

I will spend 15 minutes learning more about renewable energy alternatives (i.e. solar, wind, biomass) in my region.

I will work from home 5 day(s) to avoid my commute's carbon output.

I will spend at least 15 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 spend 20 minutes researching toxic chemicals found in cleaning supplies and personal care products and remove them from my home or dorm room.

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

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

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.

I will find out where to recycle the recyclable items that I can't put in recycling dumpsters or my curbside bin.

I will keep 1 disposable plastic bottle(s) from entering the waste stream by using a reusable water bottle.

Plastic bags and small plastic pieces like straws are most likely to get swept into our waterways. I will keep 1 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill and ocean each day by refusing straws or using my own glass/metal straw.

Exercise is a great stress blaster! I will exercise for 40 minute(s) each day.

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

I will avoid sending 1 disposable cup(s) to the landfill each day by using a reusable mug.

I will make sure I’m registered to vote. While I’m at it, I’ll sign up to help others register too!

I will avoid sending up to .42 lbs (.19 kg) of food waste to the landfill each day by composting my food or learning how to.

Cheap, single-use items and disposable packaging end up blowing around as litter more often in poor and POC-majority neighborhoods. I will find out how I can limit single-use items and do my best to limit the waste I generate.

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

I will eat a heart healthy diet by adding 2 cup(s) of fruits and vegetables each day to achieve at least 4 cups per day.