Maxwell Collins

My goal is to end suffering by escaping samsara. I will do this by spreading the Buddhist message.

Historically, marginalized and low-income communities live closer to landfills, contributing to a multitude of health problems. I will find out how I can limit single-use items and do my best to limit the waste I generate.

Plastic bags and small plastic pieces like straws are most likely to get swept into our waterways. I will keep 5 plastic straw(s) out of the landfill and ocean each day by refusing straws or using my own glass/metal straw.

I will keep 1 disposable plastic bottle(s) from entering the waste stream by using a reusable water bottle.

An estimated 71% of seabirds and 30% of turtles have been found with plastics in their stomachs. When they ingest plastic, marine life has a 50% mortality rate. By asking for no straw when placing a drink order, I will keep 2 plastic straw(s) of out of the ocean each day.

I will power down my computer and monitor when not using it for more than 2 hours, saving up to (1.1) lbs of CO2 each day that I do this.

I will install alternative energy systems, such as solar electric systems or solar water heaters.

I will spend at least 5 minutes assessing the vehicles used by my company or college and advocate for a purchasing policy focused on fuel-efficient vehicles.

I will replace manual thermostats with programmable ones.

I will replace inefficient heating and cooling units.