Mary Middlebrooks

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.

I will save up to 20 gallons (75 L) of water each day by taking 5-minute showers.

I will enjoy 1 meal(s) each day free of processed foods.

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 eat all of my meals without distractions, e.g., phone, computer, TV, or newspaper.

I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy.

I will sign up for a local CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture).

I will switch to washing my clothes in cold water, saving up to 1,600 lbs of C02 over the course of the next year.

I will make an appointment for my annual physical.

I will spend 30 minutes researching toxic chemicals found in cleaning supplies and personal care products and remove them from my home.

I will watch 2 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 spend 15 minutes learning about food deserts and find out how I can advocate for healthy and fresh food in my region.

At least 30% of crops and 90% of flowering plants rely on pollinators to produce fruit. I will spend 15 minutes researching which plants support local native pollinators and plant some in my yard.

I will prevent water runoff and increase absorbency by mulching the base of plants and trees at my home or work.