Melissa Henry

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

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 pick up 5 piece(s) of litter each day.

I will eat a heart healthy diet by adding 3 cup(s) of fruits and vegetables each day to achieve at least 4 cups per day.

I will commit to getting 10 more minute(s) of sleep each night to achieve at least 7 hours per night.

I will plant 1 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 spend 20 minute(s) learning about constructive communication.

I will make 2 appointments to support my health and well-being (primary care provider, dental, vision, etc.)

No one person can do everything, but we can all do something. Making one person's worth of difference matters! Share an impact you made related to an Ecochallenge action that you are proud of in the feed.

I will spend at least 10 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

I will volunteer 1 hour(s) in my community during the challenge.

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

I will help others in need and prevent useful items from going to landfill by donating 5 items.

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning about water and air quality issues in my area, how they are impacting human and environmental health, and how I can help.

I will purchase produce and/or meat from a local farmers market or food co-op to make 20 locally-sourced meals.

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

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

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 spend 30 minutes learning about how indoor air quality impacts health and commit to taking one action to improve indoor air quality in my living space.

Support GoMaine by completing the Maine Commuter survey. The data helps inform commuting needs in our state. Follow the link to take the survey and be entered into a raffle for $50 gift certificate!

I will refuse 5 of single-use paper or plastic bags each day by bringing my own reusable bags or carrying purchased goods another way.

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 improve hydration by drinking an additional 16oz 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.

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 replace 60 minute(s) of screen time per day with other activities, and limit my social media use to once per day.

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.