Kristen Ball

I will examine my living habits while on campus, and make an effort to be more sustainable in my day-to-day living habits. All are invited to complete the checklist, however students will receive certification for their dorm room or apartment.

I will save up to 6 gallons (23 L) of water each day by keeping my showers under 5 minutes.

I will test my knowledge of energy at UR with the Be A Green Spider Energy Quiz

I will eat lower on the food-chain to reduce my carbon footprint.

I will reduce food waste by participating in the composting program, using my reusable bag, and bringing my own utensils.

I will buy local produce and meats when shopping for groceries.

I will watch at least two videos from Project Drawdown to learn about climate solutions.

I will read an article about the effects of climate change at the local and state level.

I will listen to "How to Save a Planet" podcast to learn about how my individual actions can help mitigate climate change.

I will read at least one article about the environmental and social impacts of climate change on Chile.

I will listen to a podcast about the perceptions of climate change in Chile.

I will watch a TEDTalk by Xiye Bastida to learn about the youth climate movement.

I will call my congressman and leave a message to advocate for climate legislation.

I will attend a Lunch & Learn session in THC 305 at 12:00pm to learn about solar on campus and in Richmond.

I will watch a video to learn about the impact of negative impact of green technology on Chile's deserts.

I will read "A Field Guide for Transformation" by Leah Cardamore Stokes.

I will take the BAGS transportation quiz to learn about transportation at UR and general transportation knowledge.

I will learn about Chile's shift towards sustainable energy through the use of geothermal energy.

I will learn about the negative impacts of fossil fuels on our health and the environment by reading at least one article.

I will learn about renewable energy in Virginia.

I will keep lights, electronics, appliances, and power strips turned off when not using them.

I will adjust my thermostat down 2 degrees from usual when I use the heat, and up 2 degrees when I use air conditioning.

I will replace 6 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.

I will attend an Intro to Sustainability session at 12:00pm in the Wilton Center Multifaith Room 100.

I will read "Solutions Underfoot" by Jane Zelikova and "Notes From a Climate Victory Garden" by Louise Maher-Johnson.

I will read an article about industrial salmon farms in Chile.

I will learn about water use in food production and eat less water intensive foods.

I will attend the International Dinner at Heilman Dining Center from 5:00-7:30pm.

I will participate in the composting program on campus or compost my food scraps at home.

I will test my knowledge of food at UR with the Be A Green Spider Food Quiz.

I will enjoy 2 meatless meal(s) per day.

I will reduce food waste and save money by planning a weekly menu, and only buying the ingredients I need.

I will make responsible and sustainable seafood choices.

I will read "Loving a Vanishing World" by Emily N. Johnston and "Solutions at Sea" by Emily Stengel.

I will learn about salmon farming in Chile by reading an article.

I will learn about the impact of mining on water resources in Chile by reading at least one article.

I will view the poetry reading that is being displayed from 4:00-8:00pm on a screen outside D-Hall. The poet, Gladys Gonzalez, works on themes like urbanism, feminism, and inequality.

I will read or listen to "Calling In" by Mexican-Chilean climate activist Xiye Bastida to learn about a framework for climate advocacy and attend a discussion at 4:00pm in THC 310.

I will learn about how to reduce waste by taking the Office for Sustainability's Be A Green Spider Recycling Quiz.

I will test my knowledge of water by taking the Be A Green Spider Water Quiz on the Office for Sustainability's website.

I will learn about waste management efforts in Chile.

I will reduce food waste by composting my food waste.

I will avoid sending 3 disposable beverage containers to the landfill per day by using a reusable mug or water bottle.

I will not accept any disposable bags when making purchases.

I will use reusable napkins instead of single-use disposable napkins. I will opt-out of using single-use utensils by bringing my reusable set to an on-campus dining location or take-out restaurant.

I will attend a tour of the Gambles Mill Eco-Corridor to learn about stream restoration and sustainable land practices on campus. Tours will occur at 11:00am and 4:00pm. We will meet at the Eco-Corridor entrance across from the steam plant.

I will check for water leaks in my home.

I will conserve water and energy by only doing full loads of laundry in cold water.

I will save up to 2 gallons (7.5 L) of water each day by turning it off while brushing my teeth.

I will attend the free clothing swap in Tyler Haynes Commons. Note: Despite its name, you do not have to bring clothes to "shop" the swap!

I will read the Spiders Guide to Sustainable Living to learn more about individual sustainability on campus and in Richmond.

I will avoid using items with single-use packaging when possible.

I will save up to .21 lbs (.09 kg) of paper per day by switching from one-sided printing to two-sided.