Amy Bergmann

I will join an outdoor restoration project in my community this week.

I will purchase produce and meat from a local farmers market or food co-op.

Costa Rica is known for the prevalence of stray dogs. Territorio de Zaguates is a dog sanctuary famous for its efforts to rescue, neuter, and rehome thousands of dogs. Today, I will read about and/or donate to Tierra de Zaguates or register to volunteer at local animal shelter.

I will offer to help two people who are in need each day this week.

I will shop from two women-owned businesses this week.

I will enjoy three meatless meals per day.

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

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

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

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

I will refuse receipts whenever possible. Receipts are everywhere in our lives and on campus. The majority of them contain some amount of some type of plastic. Therefore, they cannot be recycled or composted. Nothing says you HAVE to get a receipt. Often, email receipts, text receipts, or no receipt are all options.

In place of purchasing single-use water bottles, I pledge to regularly carry my reusable water bottle and utilize the many campus bottle fillers everyday.

I will visit a local refill store to fill up on bulk items and reduce purchasing of plastic. Refill shops not only allow you to refill containers instead of buying new, but they also carry numerous plastic-free swaps for many of the single use items available at traditional retailers.