Anthony Corso

Before buying something new, ask yourself: Can I repurpose or repair something? Can I borrow it? Can I go without? The goal isn’t just to consume “better” but to consume less whenever possible. Make more sustainable purchasing choices: - Avoid single-use items, and invest in reusables - Use secondhand first! Reuse and thrift when possible - Invest in high-quality, durable items - Purchase brands that pay fair wages, minimize waste and use ethical sourcing - Buy in bulk to reduce packaging and shipping - Prioritize experiences before objects - Donate usable items that you no longer need

If you choose to fertilize your lawn, there are several actions you can take to minimize its impacts on water. First, make sure to only use the type and amount of fertilizer your lawn needs, starting with a soil test. Ask questions if a lawn care company applies fertilizer to your lawn. Most universities recommend 3 to 4 fertilizer applications during the growing season. Never fertilize before a rainfall. Of course, there is another option: don’t fertilize at all. You can actually have a healthy lawn by opting not to fertilize.

Pesticides are harmful to wildlife, to pets and to human health. Research has linked exposure to pesticides to a range of human health issues, including cancers, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, diabetes and fertility issues.

Pledge to limit your exposure to plastics in one or more of the following ways: - Don't heat your food or beverages in plastic containers or Teflon-coated metals - Avoid using plastic cups, straws, cutlery and storage containers whenever possible - Purchase foods and products with little or no plastic packaging - Don't drink coffee made from K-cups - Use foil instead of plastic wrap; choose glass and metal over plastics

Mowing your lawn less — even every two to three weeks — allows flowering plants to bloom, providing bees and other pollinators with the nectar and pollen that they rely on. Decreasing mowing gives flowers a chance to bloom uninterrupted and in greater abundance. Longer grass can also provide other benefits to invertebrates including shelter.

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.

Belonging to a group can help build friendships and a sense of purpose. I will explore online or in-person groups or clubs that share my interests or goals and join a group to connect with others.

Sharing our talents can benefit those around us. I will offer my skills or services that contribute to local self-sufficiency, such as teaching a repair skill or helping with a neighbor's garden.

Each of us has a water footprint, directly linked to our daily activities as well as the water required in the production of things we use each day. Understanding our water use is important for a healthy planet. I will calculate my water footprint and look for a few ways I can reduce consumption or waste, then share what I learned on the feed.

Sharing builds common understanding. I will share 2 definitions of resilience that resonate with me—through conversations, social media, or the event feed—to help others explore what resilience means.

Anxiety can be overwhelming, but resources and strategies can help. I will spend 10 minutes exploring resources that help manage anxiety and stress to support my mental and psychological well being.

Wildlife observations can help researchers and communities understand and protect biodiversity. I will download a wildlife monitoring app and log 1 animal or plant species I discover.