Taylor Hoogsteden

I will spend 5 minute(s) each day outside, practicing gratitude (prayer, meditation, journaling, etc.) for Earth and the nature surrounding me.

I will spend 11 minutes learning about sustainable fashion and begin trying to practice it in my own life.

I will reduce the amount of paper mail that I receive by opting into paperless billing, ending unwanted subscriptions and opting out of junk mail.

I will carry all of my unrecyclable, non-compostable trash with me to raise my awareness of how much I send to the landfill.

I will visit a local refill store to fill up on bulk items and reduce purchasing of plastic.

I will cook 1 meal(s) with zero-waste each day

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. Spider Exchange is located at 24D New Frat Row.

I will pick up litter on-campus or in Richmond for ___ minutes.

Historically, marginalized and low-income communities live closer to landfills, contributing to a multitude of health problems. I will find out how I can limit single-use items and do my best to limit the waste I generate and divert waste from the landfill.

I will not accept any disposable bags when making purchases.

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

I will take 5 minutes to learn how local indigenous tribes are caring for the land.

I will enjoy the sunrise and sunset.

I will take a 10-minute walk outside each day.

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

At least 30% of crops and 90% of flowering plants rely on pollinators to produce fruit. I will spend 10 minutes researching which plants support local native pollinators and plant some in my yard.

I will replace 10 minute(s) each day typically spent inside (computer time, watching television, etc.) with quality time outside.

I will attend the Virtual Gallery Talk and Breakfast on "Fragile Interconnectedness: Greenland & the Amazon" and listen to photographers give insights into their work.

A community can be brought to its knees without dependable power, often affecting the most vulnerable. I will write 1 letter(s) or email(s) to a public official or company to advocate for a more resilient power grid (e.g. microgrids, solar+storage).

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

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

I will spend at least 15 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

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

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

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

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

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

I will attend the International Dinner at Heilman Dining Hall.

I will attend the Local-Global Sustainability Fair at Tyler Haynes Commons.

I will visit the Eco-Corridor for a self-guided tour between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to slow down, destress, and engage in mindfulness stations.

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.

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

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

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

I will shop from women-owned businesses today.

I will spend 20 minutes learning about equity and inclusion resources on campus and in Richmond.

I will meet 3 new office, dorm, or apartment neighbors each day.

I will use the resource links and spend 20 minutes learning about the native populations that lived in my area prior to colonization, and what I can do to support those that still exist.

I will spend 20 minutes learning about environmental justice issues in Richmond.

I will tell friends and/or colleagues about the Ecochallenge and share information about how to get involved.

I will offer to help person(s) who are in need each day.