Christine Kirsch

Eating a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables is a simple way to boost our personal health and support a more resilient food system. I will prepare and enjoy 3 servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

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.

Dishwashers can save water — if used wisely. I will only run the dishwasher when it’s full and skip the pre-rinse to reduce water and energy use. If I don't have a dishwasher, I will turn off the tap as often as possible while washing dishes.

Bees and other pollinators are vital to ecosystems and agriculture. I will spend 5 minutes learning how to support local pollinators and take at least one action—such as planting native flowers or avoiding pesticides—to help sustain resilient ecosystems and harvests.

Working together builds resilience and pride in the places we care about. I will participate in 1 community projects such as a cleanup or local beautification project that strengthens connections and shared purpose.

Swapping and sharing resources reduces waste and builds community bonds. I will participate in 1 swaps or sharing activities, like borrowing items, attending or hosting a swap meet, or giving away items I no longer need to support a sharing economy with friends, family, colleagues or neighbors.

Shared projects at work strengthen teams and build organizational resilience. I will host or join 1 cleanup events with colleagues, classmates, or group members to improve our environment and strengthen collaboration.

Too much artificial light can confuse and harm animals, especially those active at night. I will reduce sources of outdoor light or switch to wildlife-friendly fixtures to support healthy habitats.

Fallen leaves, logs, and brush provide shelter and food for wildlife. I will leave natural features in my yard or community space to help strengthen biodiversity and soil resilience.

Healthy habitats support resilient wildlife populations. I will join 1 restoration efforts, such as planting native plants, cleaning a natural area, or repairing trails to protect biodiversity.

Native plants provide food and shelter for local wildlife and help ecosystems adapt to change. I will choose native plants for my yard, balcony, or community space instead of non-native or ornamental species to support biodiversity resilience.

Wildlife needs support from people. I will take 1 actions, such as volunteering, signing petitions, contacting leaders, or sharing information on social media, to help protect habitats and species.

Sharing builds common understanding. I will share 1 definitions of resilience that resonate with me—through conversations, social media, or the event feed—to help others explore what resilience means.

Growing food builds resilience by connecting us to the soil and reducing reliance on long supply chains. I will grow edible plants—such as herbs, vegetables, or grains—in my home, balcony, or community space, strengthening both my food security and local biodiversity.

Recognition strengthens trust and connection. I will recognize 1 people in my organization for their contributions, showing appreciation that helps build resilience and morale.

Fresh air, (hopefully) sunshine, and movement should be a staple part of every day. Spend at least 10 (consecutive and intentional) minutes outside. Step outside for a walk, run, or bike ride. Not feeling active today? Try some breath work, take off your shoes and stand on the ground (grounding/earthing), sit on your porch with a good book or your morning coffee, or just connect visually with the world around you while you reset. No screens. Just you and the great outdoors.

Research compost options in your area or start your own compost bin at home. Composting turns waste into a resource, building soil health and cutting methane emissions from landfills. Composting food scraps at home, work, or in my community, avoids sending up to 0.42 lbs (0.19 kg) of food waste to the landfill per day.

Celebrating achievements helps teams endure challenges. I will celebrate group or individual successes in my organization to build morale and resilience.

Supporting local businesses helps keep communities vibrant and resilient. I will look at my monthly spending to determine where I can make changes to choose to shop at local businesses or restaurants, with a focus on businesses owned by people of color, local farmers, or community members, instead of large corporations. I will put at least 3 of those changes into action.

Stories connect and inspire us. I will share 1 resilience stories—either from my life, my community, or from a leader or culture I admire—through conversations, social media, or the event feed to help others see resilience in action.

Resilience is an everyday magic in all of us. I will spend 5 minutes learning about resilience and psychologist Ann Masten’s concept of “ordinary magic,” which shows how people adapt and thrive through small, daily strengths.

Mulching helps soil hold water and reduces runoff. I will mulch the base of trees or other plants at home, school, or in my community to improve water retention and soil health.

Rainwater collection reduces water waste and supports local needs. I will install a rain barrel or collect rainwater to use for outdoor tasks, such as watering plants or cleaning.

Everyone’s water needs and use are different. I will create an action that works for my life and supports water resilience—and make my commitment public by sharing it in the feed to inspire others.