Rachel Mendel

Conserving water helps protect this precious resource. I will shorten my showers to 5 minutes to save water and reduce energy use - each time saving up to 20 gallons (75 L) of water!

Bees and other pollinators are vital to ecosystems and agriculture. I will spend 10 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.

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.

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.

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.

Resilience in water systems means being able to adapt, recover, and thrive through change. I will spend 15 minutes learning how people and communities build water resilience and reflect on how I can apply this knowledge.

Learn more about sustainability efforts at Allina Health. Search for Environmental Sustainability on the AKN.

Confirm that you know where the nearest fire extinguisher is. And take a moment to confirm you remember how to use it with our PASS acronym: a. Pull the pin b. Aim the hose c. Squeeze the handle d. Sweep side to side