Lisa Barth

Lighting makes up approximately 10% of hospitals' energy use on average. I will save energy by turning off unnecessary lights when not in use and when I am the last one to leave a space.

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

Hand washing dishes can use more energy and hot water than running a full dishwasher. To save water, I will scrape instead of rinsing dishes before loading them into the dishwasher, and only run it when it is full.

I will switch to washing my clothes in cold water, saving up to 1,600 lbs of CO2 over the course of the next year.

I will save up to 4 gallons (15 L) of water each day by turning it off while brushing my teeth.

I will Practice the "5 Rs" — refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle — to reduce my waste more than I can with just recycling alone.

I will recycle 10 items at work and/or at home each day, making sure I review recycling program guidelines and only place accepted items that are clean, empty, and dry in the recycling bin.

I pledge to take one action that improves the sustainability of my organization in 2025. It can be an action from this challenge or another action that improves resource stewardship.

I will volunteer 10 hour(s) in my community during the challenge.

I will refuse 20 of single-use paper or plastic bags each day by bringing my own reusable bags or carrying purchased goods another way.

I will eat a heart healthy diet by adding 2 cup(s) of fruits and vegetables each day to achieve at least 4 cups per day.

I will repair an item, such as clothing or an appliance, for myself, a friend, family member, or neighbor.

I will save up to 20 gallons (75 L) of water each day by taking 5-minute showers.

I will improve hydration by drinking an additional 8oz of water each day. I will do this by drinking additional servings of water or by drinking water in place of other less healthy beverage options.