Matthew Benedict

I will spend 1 minutes researching local organizations and businesses in my community, then support one of them by writing a testimonial or positive review, ordering curbside, making a donation to my favorite nonprofit, or supporting them in another way.

I will express my love and gratitude for our Earth by writing a love letter, poem, or song to Earth.

I will sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option. If my utility does not offer one, I will purchase Renewable Energy Credits to match my usage.

I will buy organic cotton and foods grown without the use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.

I will spend at least 1 minutes learning about how our oceans support life on Earth by producing oxygen, regulating climate, and providing habitat, food, and jobs.

Plastic packaging can clog our water ways and the stomachs of sea creatures. I will advocate for alternatives to single-use packaging at local grocery stores, markets, at work, or on campus.

I will host or participate in a trash pickup at a local river or beach that follows the CDC’s current guidelines for prevention of disease transfer.

An estimated 71% of seabirds and 30% of turtles have been found with plastics in their stomachs. When marine wildlife ingest plastic, they have a 50% mortality rate. By asking for no straw when placing a drink order, I will keep 1 plastic straw(s) of out of the ocean each day.

I will visit seafoodwatch.org or download the app and commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean.

Access to affordable, nutritious food is a food justice issue. I will advocate for local and/or organic food options in my state and/or community.

I will watch 1 documentary(ies) about food sovereignty: the right of local peoples to control their own food systems including markets, ecological resources, food cultures and production methods.

I will reduce food waste and save money by prepping for 1 meal(s) each day, only buying the ingredients I need.

I will avoid sending up to .69 lbs (.31 kg) of food waste to the landfill each day by composting my food or learning how to.

I will spend at least 01 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

I will enjoy 1 meatless meal(s) and/or 1 vegan meal(s) each day of the challenge.