Scott Benson

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 keep 4 forks, spoons, and/or knives from entering the landfill by using reusable utensils when eating at work.

I will avoid sending food waste to the landfill by composting my food scraps.

I will adopt a "Needs Vs. Wants" approach and only buy things I need.

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

I will spend 10 minutes learning about how indoor air quality impacts health and commit to taking one action to improve indoor air quality in my living space.

I will work from home 5 day(s) to avoid my commute's carbon output.

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 turn my computer monitor(s) off at my work station when not in use to save energy (I will follow my organization's IT instructions for keeping on, turning off, or restarting computers).

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

I will avoid printing 5 pieces of paper by "going digital" and printing double-sided whenever possible.

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