Sara Spiedel

Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will spend 5 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 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 help others in need and prevent useful items from going to landfill by donating 1 items.

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 select a greener option when purchasing supplies, such as products that have environmental certifications, less packaging, or other environmental attributes, or come from local vendors.

I will spend at least 10 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 volunteer 2 hour(s) in my community during the challenge.

I will refuse 1 of single-use paper or plastic bags each day by bringing my own reusable bags or carrying purchased goods another way.

I will share one idea for making my organization more sustainable on our team's feed.

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

I will form a new green team or healthcare sustainability group.

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 make 1 new healthcare connections through direct outreach or by joining a green team or industry group to learn from my peers, share best practices, and see if there are opportunities for collaboration.

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

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

Work collectively to resume recycling efforts at our organization.

I will attend or watch a recording of a webinar 10 minutes long covering one or more healthcare sustainability issues.