Diane Dempsey

I will replace or remove the palm oil, coffee, and cocoa products in my current diet that are known to contribute to deforestation.

I will plant 1 native tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.

I will plant native species, landscape with water-efficient plants, and use eco-friendly fertilizers.

Through social media or on the Earth Day Ecochallenge feed, I will share my favorite environmentally friendly habit with my friends, even if it’s not an Earth Day action.

Keep a list of your wildlife sighting daily and notice what changes day to day and week to week. What do you see and hear? Can you name your observations?

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

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 5 plastic straw(s) of out of the ocean each day.

At least 30% of crops and 90% of flowering plants rely on pollinators, including monarch butterflies, to produce fruit. I will spend 30 minutes researching which plants support local native pollinators and plant some in my yard.

I will spend at least 30 minutes researching how biodiversity positively impacts our world and how the loss of biodiversity harms it.

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.

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 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.

Power down your computer or TV by using power strips or plugging into a switched outlet. Remember you must turn your power strip to the "off" position when you are not using your devices! Thanks to Marian for educating us more about this type of energy-saving action. I am challenging all of you to do the same at home - even if you don't have a smart power strip.

I will collect dish water/rinse water in a bucket beneath my sink and use it on plants outside.

I will spend 30 minutes removing invasive species in my back yard or local natural area.