Brandy Ewell

I will spend 60 minutes each day outside, practicing gratitude (prayer, meditation, journaling, etc.) for Earth and the nature surrounding me.

I will attend a BioBlitz in the Eco-Corridor from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. to record species living in our natural spaces.

I will visit the on-campus "free store", known as the Spider Exchange, to donate unneeded items or "shop" for free from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Spider Exchange is located at 24D New Fraternity Row. Bring jars if you wish to fill up on refill supplies from Eco-Inspired!

I will connect with a local nonprofit and find out how I can get involved or become a member.

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

I will buy local produce and meats when shopping for groceries. I will purchase seasonal fruits and vegetables.

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

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

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

I will enjoy three meatless meals per day.

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 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.

I will learn about equity and inclusion resources on campus and in Richmond.

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

I will spend 60 minutes learning about environmental justice issues in Richmond.

I will take a 30-minute walk outside each day.

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

I will explore at least one new hiking trail or nature walk in my area.

A community can be brought to its knees without dependable power, often affecting the most vulnerable. I will write three letter(s) or email(s) per day to a public official or company to advocate for a more resilient power grid (e.g. microgrids, solar+storage).

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

I will spend 30 minutes learning about the United Nations’ global treaty to end plastic pollution.

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

At least 30% of crops and 90% of flowering plants rely on pollinators to produce fruit. I will spend 60 minutes researching which plants support local native pollinators and plant some in my yard.

I will enjoy the sunrise and sunset today.

I will disconnect from my email when not at school or work.

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

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.