There are many things that we can do everyday that can help stop climate change. It may be something small, but collectively, these small changes add up to a big difference.

Ten organisations including 350.org, Project 90 by 2030, and I am changing the world, are all proposing challenges that they will undertake to help reduce climate change. The challenge starts today (Friday 21 May).

They are encouraging both companies and individuals to take part. Prizes will be awarded to those companies and organisations that meet their goals each month and overall prizes at the end. They are aiming to get as many South African organisations and individuals taking part as possible. You can go and sign up, with your pledge here.

These are the ten different categories of challenges that you can set yourself and they fall under the broad areas of:

Energy efficiency (reducing how much energy is needed by simply using less)

1.On-line submission of targets for carbon footprint reduction of at least 10% by the end of 2010 in these categories: Schools, companies (small), companies (medium & large), NGO’s/CBO’s. Prizes awarded by the end of the challenge for those who achieve their targets.

2.An on-line challenge to achieve a target of 10 000 watts of energy savings by means of technology adjustments in these categories: Schools, companies (small), companies (medium & large), NGO’s/CBO’s. Prizes awarded by the end of the challenge for those who achieve their targets.

3.A photo campaign where people send in photos taken of innovative energy efficiency actions they are taking themselves or see around them. Monthly prizes awarded for best picture submitted and final overall winner at the end of the campaign.

4.Monthly prizes for the most innovative energy efficiency idea. At the end of the campaign a collection of energy saving ideas will be put together for posting on all partner websites.

Solar water heating (calling on government to provide 4 million free domestic Solar water heaters instead of building more coal-fired power stations)

5.An on-line campaign for all South Africans to sign up supporting the supply of free domestic solar instead of investing taxpayer’s money into providing more dirty power.

Renewable Energy (creating an environment where RE is normal, available and visible!).

6.A campaign to have 10 community-based, 10 company and 10 school sites fitted with renewable energy supply by the end of December 2010.

Water (everyone using water more efficiently from today onward!)

7.On-line submissions of targets to save water and reduce water footprints by at least 10% by December 2010 in these categories: Schools, companies (small), companies (medium & large), NGO’s/CBO’s. Prizes awarded by the end of the challenge for those who achieve their targets.

8.A media-driven campaign to cut out bottled water and use the tap instead.

Conscious travel (linking travel (flights, driving) carbon footprint reduction to walking, cycling and hiking through a range of challenges with partners and others)

9.On-line submissions of targets to reduce carbon footprints by at least 10% by December 2010 in these categories: Schools, companies (small), companies (medium & large), NGO’s/CBO’s. Prizes awarded by the end of the challenge for those who achieve their targets.

Waste – decrease waste going to landfill by 10% by the end of 2010

10.On-line submissions of targets to reduce carbon footprints on waste, reducing the amount of waste send to landfill by at least 10% by December 2010 in these categories: Schools, companies (small), companies (medium & large), NGO’s/CBO’s. Prizes awarded by the end of the challenge for those who achieve their targets.

These are some of the submissions that have already been received:

BEN South Africa challenges all commuters (cyclists and non-cyclists) to achieve targets for utilising their bicycles instead of driving their cars, as well as achieving targets for simply using their bicycles more often for additional reasons. This includes using the bicycle as a way to keep fit & healthy and getting out to see our beautiful country, instead of shopping or staying indoors.

Well Worn Theatre Company, through this year's Lottery Funded 2010 Climate Change Action Programme and Play, will challenge 150 Gauteng Primary Schools to reduce their carbon and water footprint by 10% in 2010. They will encourage each school to start at least one energy and one water saving project this year inspired by ideas from watching the play and the resource packs that accompany the show. They will also encourage every school to become a Project 90 Club and sign up to record their successes as well as be in line for prizes for the schools that make the most effort.

350.org is encouraging supporters in South Africa and around the world to make the tenth day of the tenth month of the millennium's tenth year a real marker for concrete climate action. They are calling it the 10/10 Global Work Party, and in every corner of the planet they hope communities will put up solar panels, insulate homes, build flood barriers, erect windmills, plant trees, paint bikepaths, launch local drought-resistant gardens - and then celebrate together their collective, co-creative efforts. In vulnerable communities, it's about increasing climate resiliency, and in other communities, it's about aiming to reduce emissions by 10% this year and each year ahead of us until we're living carbon-light!

You can go and create your own challenge by signing up here.