Kate Lewandowski

I will spend 20 minutes learning about the environmental footprint of the healthcare industry, how it impacts health, and ways I can help reduce it.

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 keep 8 forks, spoons, and/or knives from entering the landfill by using reusable utensils when eating at work.

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 work from home 2 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 spend 10 minutes learning about some of the ways my organization makes its laboratories more sustainable and ways we can improve.

I will keep 3 disposable cup(s) and/or bottle(s) from entering the waste stream by using a reusable water bottle, cup, or mug.

I will spend 10 minutes learning about some of the ways my organization makes its operating rooms more sustainable and ways we can improve.

I will donate blood in my community to make sure there are adequate supplies for routine medical services and emergencies.

I will use public transit 2 mile(s) each day and avoid sending up to (___) lbs of CO2 into Earth's atmosphere.

I will recognize 7 colleague(s) for their sustainability efforts on our team feed, in-person, by email, and/or through my organization's recognition platforms.

I will make 1 new healthcare connections at my workplace or beyond to learn from my peers, share best practices, and see if there are opportunities for collaboration.

Exercise is a great stress blaster! I will exercise for 40 minute(s) each day.

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 recycle 2 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 help others in need and prevent useful items from going to landfill by donating 10 items.

I will sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option.

I will spend at least 60 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 promote equity and support my community by purchasing items at 3 diverse- and/or locally-owned businesses.

I will enjoy 2 meatless meal(s) and/or vegan meal(s) each day this week.