Paula M Swinyer

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Bees and other pollinators are vital to ecosystems and agriculture. I will spend 120 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.

Extreme weather events like hurricanes, wildfires, and floods can disrupt lives and upend our communities. I will take proactive steps to prepare for extreme weather by safeguarding my home and creating or updating an emergency plan and kit with essential supplies, evacuation routes, and contact information.

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.

There are many amazing projects supporting wildlife and their habitats. I will choose a project or organization to support that helps species and habitats I care about and make a donation.

Bringing people together helps strengthen bonds. I will organize and host a gathering, such as a potluck, coffee meet up, or shared meal, for friends, family, colleagues, or neighbors to foster connection and community spirit.

Wildlife needs support from people. I will take 30 actions, such as volunteering, signing petitions, contacting leaders, or sharing information on social media, to help protect habitats and species.

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.

Swapping and sharing resources reduces waste and builds community bonds. I will participate in 3 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.

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.

Composting turns waste into a resource, building soil health and cutting methane emissions from landfills. I will compost food scraps at home, school, or in my community, which avoids sending up to 0.42 lbs (0.19 kg) of food waste to the landfill per day.

Wildlife observations can help researchers and communities understand and protect biodiversity. I will download a wildlife monitoring app and log 15 animal or plant species I discover.

Greywater—or lightly used household water—can sometimes be reused for tasks like watering plants or cleaning. I will learn about safe and practical ways to recycle greywater at home, school, or work.

Trees are vital for resilience, storing carbon, sheltering biodiversity, and protecting water and soil. I will plant 2 trees in my yard, community, or through a local project to help ecosystems adapt and thrive.