Monica McDaniel

Learning by doing empowers youth. I will conduct an environmental audit — such as a home energy or waste audit — alongside a young person to teach them practical sustainability skills and see what I learn from them as well.

Working together to clean up public spaces helps the environment and builds community. I will participate in 1 community cleanup efforts in my neighborhood or local area.

Investing in young leaders helps shape the future. I will make a donation to a program or organization that supports emerging environmental leaders.

Bees and other pollinators are vital to ecosystems and agriculture. I will spending 60 minutes learning about local pollinators and why they are so important.

Reducing energy use helps protect the air and climate. I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy and reduce pollution.

Youth activists are leading the charge for a better world. I will spend 59 minutes learning about or supporting youth climate activists through sharing their work or attending their events.

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.

A clean community benefits everyone. Each day I am outside, I will pick up 10 pieces of litter to keep my community clean.

Environmental and social justice are deeply connected. I will spend 10 minutes learning about how environmental issues affect communities differently (especially communities of color) and explore solutions that promote equity and address both social and environmental challenges.

Pollinators need a little help from their friends like us! I will take 5 steps to protect pollinators, such as planting a pollinator-friendly plant, installing a pollinator hotel, or by leaving leaf litter for pollinators to call home.

Sharing our talents can benefit those around us. I will offer my skills or services to support my community, such as helping someone with a task, tutoring, repairing something, or volunteering my expertise.

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.

Sites of cultural and spiritual significance hold deep meaning for many communities, particularly Indigenous peoples. I will learn about or visit a site near me that is significant to the history, culture, or environment of the area. I will approach my visit with respect by researching its importance and guidelines beforehand, reflecting on how we can preserve these spaces for future generations.

Indigenous communities have stewarded ecosystems for generations through deep-rooted knowledge and connection to nature. I will spend 10 minutes exploring Indigenous conservation methods and reflecting on their role in fostering balance and equity with nature.