John Meurer

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 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 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 enjoy 6 meatless meal(s) and/or vegan meal(s) each day this week.

I will recognize 8 colleague(s) for their sustainability efforts on our team feed, in-person, by email, and/or through my organization's recognition platforms.

I will recycle 20 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 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.

How can you personally help address climate change? Complete the climate action venn diagram at ayanaelizabeth.com/climatevenn and share your climate action in the feed.

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

I will spend 10 minutes learning about the environmental footprint of the healthcare industry, how it impacts health, and ways I can help reduce it.

I will keep 10 disposable cup(s) and/or bottle(s) from entering the waste stream by using a reusable water bottle, cup, or mug.

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

I will work from home 12 day(s) to avoid my commute's carbon output.

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

I will promote a positive environment and uplift others by performing 10 random act(s) of kindness.

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