Amy Kroll

Trees provide food and habitat for local wildlife species, shade our streets and homes, and help keep our air and water clean by capturing pollutants. I will learn about certification labels and buy wood and paper products certified as sustainable or recycled to protect forests and reduce environmental harm.

Our food choices can help protect forests and wildlife. I will spend 15 minutes learning how to choose foods that are grown in ways that protect forests, such as avoiding products linked to deforestation and seeking certified sustainable options like shade-grown coffee or palm oil-free products.

Idling cars wastes fuel, contributes to climate change, and pollutes the air in our communities. I will turn off my engine when waiting in my car to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions.

Wasting food also wastes water, energy, and resources. I will keep a daily log of food I throw away during the Ecochallenge, either because it went bad before I ate it, I put too much on my plate, or it was scraps from food preparation, and commit to reducing my food waste throughout the challenge.

Innovation can create a more sustainable world. I will spend 15 minutes learning about new materials, technologies, ideas, or practices that help solve environmental challenges and improve our planet's future.