Heather Tomlinson

Each day, I will spend 25 minutes exploring a new area around my neighborhood (e.g., park, water body, nearby trail, community garden, green space, etc.).

I will commute by bike 5 miles each day and get my muscles moving while avoiding sending up to (___) lbs of CO2 into Earth's atmosphere.

Through my Earth Month Ecochallenge feed, I will share with others an environmentally friendly habit I have cultivated.

I will try a new vegan or vegetarian recipe and share how it turns out on the Ecochallenge feed, or with family and friends.

One kilogram of beef and cheese emits 71kg and 24kg of greenhouse gasses, while 1kg of rice, grains, and legumes emits between 2-4kg. Fruits, vegetables, and nuts emit less than 1kg per 1kg. I will reduce my climate impact by enjoying 3 meatless meals and/or 3 vegan meals each day this week.

Studies show a grass lawn is water intensive and on average it require about 30 percent of a household’s water consumption. I will do one or more of the following actions in my yard or community to conserve water and improve habitat: plant indigenous plants, landscape with water-efficient plants, add mulching, replace a lawn, and/or use eco-friendly fertilizers.

I spend 10 minutes analyzing my recent utility bills, which might include electricity, gas, or water to see what my current usage is and determine if I can reduce my energy and water use.

I will make a few homemade cleaning products.

I will volunteer 5 hours in my community.

I will become a savvy produce shopper when buying organic and non-organic items.

I will replace 2 incandescent light bulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

During the workday, I will schedule time for daily breaks during work days to practice work-life balance.