Rebecca Brown

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).

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

I will avoid printing 3 pieces of paper by "going digital" and printing double-sided whenever possible.

I commit to dedicating 60 minutes to exploring my organization's quality improvement resources and examining how quality improvement methodologies can support sustainability projects.

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 30 minutes learning about which items are recyclable both at my workplace and at home since they may be different, and recycle only those items.

I will spend 30 minutes learning about greenwashing and how to avoid it.

I will recycle 7 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 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 write down three things every day that I am grateful for every day.

I will reflect on how I am feeling and express myself through writing, art, music, physical activity, or another creative way to enhance well-being

I will adopt a diet free of refined sugars, which eliminates sweetened beverages, candy, and processed foods.

I will volunteer 2 hour(s) in my community during the challenge.

I will learn one new fact about my community each day (history, geography, local wildlife, resources, programs, current issues, goals, etc.)

I will spend 30 minutes learning about some of the ways my organization makes its laboratories more sustainable and ways we can improve.

I will make 5 new healthcare connections at my workplace or beyond to learn from my peers, share best practices, and see if there are opportunities for collaboration.

I will spend 35 minute(s) learning about constructive communication.

I will take one action to support local wildlife, such as adding a food or water source, creating shelter/habitat, preventing light pollution, eliminating bird strikes, or another action.

I will plant 2 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard. Check out resources for which tree species are best to plant in your area.

I will purchase produce and/or meat from a local farmers market or food co-op to make 5 locally-sourced meals.

I will spend 25 minutes learning about the environmental footprint of the healthcare industry, how it impacts health, and ways I can help reduce it.

Your voice matters! Help us improve the One Healthcare Ecochallenge by taking our survey, available starting April 23rd.

I will promote equity and support my community by purchasing items at 2 diverse- and/or locally-owned businesses.

I will help others in need and prevent useful items from going to landfill by donating 2 items.

I will spend 30 minutes learning about some of the ways my organization makes its operating rooms more sustainable and ways we can improve.

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Check out Espresa's Platform-- did you know you can get reimbursed for at home composting? Composting reduces GHG emissions by as much as 70% vs landfilling organic waste.