Sarah LeRoux

At least 30% of crops and 90% of flowering plants rely on pollinators to produce fruit. I will spend 10 minutes researching which plants support local pollinators and plant some in my area.

With a fellow EcoChallenge teammate, I toured the Open Door Mission to view their facilities, gain an understanding of the scope of their work to serve homeless and low income people in our community, and learn how they are incorporating sustainable efforts into their operations.

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss The team will visit the llama farm to learn about the animals and their lives, and discuss the llama's role within an ecosystem - pets, guard animal, fiber use, and manure

I will use the communication methods I read about to practice effective, compassionate, and nonviolent communication with someone I interact with regularly (i.e., my roommate, parents, co-worker, partner, classmates, or children).

I will spend 20 minutes learning about invasive species and ways to reduce their impacts.

I will develop a readiness plan for my household in the event of an emergency.

I will spend 20 minutes learning about the climate and natural disaster risks in my area.

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

I will mend a piece of clothing for myself, family or friends.

During the workday, I will schedule time for daily rest during work days to practice work-life balance.

I will spend 15 minutes each day practicing mindfulness.

I will replace 30 minute(s) per day typically spent inside (computer time, watching television, etc.) with quality time outside exercising, enjoying the sunrise/sunset, gardening, journaling, or practicing gratitude for nature.

I will spend 20 minutes learning about how and where to dispose of medications and chemicals properly.

I will save up to 6 gallons (23 L) of water each day by taking 5-minute showers. Tip: Use a timer to practice or count to 60 a few times.

I will spend 20 minutes learning about water justice and find out how I can get involved in local initiatives.

I will visit ewg.org to learn about and use their Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen produce lists.

I will calculate my water footprint and look for a few ways I can reduce consumption or waste.