Kristine Waldren

I will replace 30 minute(s) per day typically spent inside (computer time, watching television, etc.) with quality time outside exercising, enjoying the sunrise/sunset, gardening, journaling, or practicing gratitude for nature.

On average, a tree absorbs 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of carbon dioxide yearly during the first 20 years. To do my part, I will plant 1 trees in my community, public parks, or backyard.

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

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

I will volunteer 2 hours in my community.

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

I will use the communication methods I read about to practice effective, compassionate, and nonviolent communication with someone I interact with regularly (i.e., my roommate, parents, co-worker, partner, classmates, or children).

I will spend 10 learning about the past and present indigenous communities in my regions and what I can do to be supportive.

I will spend 10 minutes each day practicing mindfulness.

I will find out what food programs are in my area and donate food and/or other items that they request.

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.

At least 30% of crops and 90% of flowering plants rely on pollinators to produce fruit. I will plant pollinator-friendly plants in my area to support local pollinators.