Wendy Olmstead
"Let's work together to create a sustainable planet for all! "
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 2,937 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO1.0advocacy actioncompleted
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UP TO2,682conversationswith people
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UP TO1.0documentarywatched
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UP TO1.0energy auditconducted
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UP TO1,050gallons of waterhave been saved
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UP TO5.0lightbulbsreplaced
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UP TO62meatless or vegan mealsconsumed
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UP TO1,182minutesspent exercising
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UP TO836minutesspent learning
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UP TO1,044minutesspent outdoors
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UP TO128minutesbeing mindful
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UP TO103plastic containersnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO1,678pounds of CO2have been saved
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UP TO3.3pounds of paperhave been saved
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UP TO26public officials or leaderscontacted
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UP TO2.0treesplanted
Wendy's actions
Industry
Practice the 5 R's
Recycling
I will Practice the "5 Rs" — refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle — to reduce my waste more than I can with just recycling alone.
Industry
Research Cement Alternatives
Alternative Cement
I will spend at least 30 minutes researching cement alternatives that reduce the carbon footprint of concrete.
Land Sinks
Support a Community Garden
Multiple Solutions
I will support a community garden by volunteering, donating, or advocating for a new or existing one.
Electricity
Explore Other Electricity Solutions
All Electricity Solutions
I will spend at least 30 minutes researching other Drawdown Electricity Solutions.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Learn the Truth About Expiration Dates
Reduced Food Waste
I will spend at least 15 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Smaller Portions
Reduced Food Waste
I will use smaller plates and/or serve smaller portions when dishing out food.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Reduce Animal Products
Plant-Rich Diets
I will enjoy 2 meatless or vegan meal(s) each day of the challenge.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Kiss the Ground Screening and Panel Discussion
I will attend our campus Earth Month event, a screening of Kiss the Ground, a full-length documentary narrated by Woody Harrelson that sheds light on an “new, old approach” to farming called “regenerative agriculture” that has the potential to balance our climate, replenish our vast water supplies, and feed the world. A panel of experts will discuss the film and sustainable approaches to agriculture immediately following the educational screening of the film. I will register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kiss-the-ground-screening-panel-discussion-tickets-141072093429
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Tend A Garden
I will tend to a garden, or prepare for one, each day using sustainable gardening practices.
Electricity
Spread the Word about Energy Alternatives
All Electricity Solutions
I will research and tell 1 people each day about the benefits of alternative energy sources like wind turbines, solar energy, geothermal energy, and methane digesters.
Transportation
Go for a Daily Walk
Walkable Cities
I will take a walk for 60 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.
Industry
Recycle Everything I Can
Recycling
Contamination prevents what is recyclable from being recycled. I will research and recycle all materials that are accepted by local haulers or drop stations in my community, making sure to not contaminate recyclables with non-recyclables.
Buildings
Research Heat Pumps
High-Efficiency Heat Pumps
I will spend at least 30 minutes researching heat pumps to see if installing one makes sense for my home/building.
Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks
Advocate for Wetland Protection
Coastal Wetland Protection
I will write 30 letter(s) or email(s) per day to a public official or representative to advocate for policies that protect wetlands.
Transportation
Conduct Virtual Meetings
Telepresence
I will encourage my office to hold meetings virtually whenever possible instead of requiring travel.
Electricity
Choose LED Bulbs
LED Lighting
I will replace 3 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.
Buildings
Explore Other Buildings Solutions
All Buildings Solutions
I will spend at least 30 minutes researching other Drawdown Buildings Solutions.
Buildings
Research Retrofitting Incentives
Building Retrofitting
I will spend at least 30 minutes finding out if my city, region, state, or country offers incentives for retrofitting existing buildings.
Buildings
Online Energy Audit
Multiple Solutions
I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy.
Buildings
Learn about the Legacy of Redlining
Multiple Solutions
I will spend at least 30 minutes learning about the legacy of redlining and how city planning and environmental justice issues are interconnected.
Buildings
Learn about 'Green Gentrification'
Multiple Solutions
I will spend at least 30 minutes learning about green gentrification and how it relates to city planning for climate action.
Buildings
Replace Manual Thermostats
Smart Thermostats
I will replace manual thermostats with smart ones.
Buildings
Install A Toilet Tank Bank
Low-Flow Fixtures
I will reduce the amount of water flushed and save up to 11 gallons (41 L) of water a day or 330 gallons (1,230 L) a month by installing a toilet tank bank.
Buildings
Install a Low-Flow Showerhead
Low-Flow Fixtures
I will save up to 15 gallons (56 L) of water a day or 450 gallons (1,680 L) a month by installing a low-flow showerhead.
Buildings
Fix Leaky Faucets
Low-Flow Fixtures
I will fix faucets or report leaky faucets to facilities. Fixing leaky faucets can save up to 9 gallons (34 L) of water a day or 270 (1,020 L) gallons of water a month per faucet.
Buildings
Upgrade My Windows
Insulation
I will upgrade the windows or weatherstripping in my home or office to reduce air leaks and save on energy costs.
Buildings
Plan to Insulate
Insulation
I will find out how to make my home more energy efficient through better insulation and weatherization.
Land Sinks
Explore My Area
Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 240 minutes in exploring and appreciating a natural area in my region, whether a forest, wetland, coastal area, or somewhere else.
Land Sinks
Research Peatlands
Peatland Protection and Rewetting
I will spend 30 minutes researching the environmental benefits of peatlands and what is being done around the world to conserve and restore them.
Land Sinks
Plant Trees
Temperate Forest Restoration
I will plant 2 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.
Land Sinks
Learn More about Silvopasture
Silvopasture
I will spend at least 30 minutes watching videos and/or reading about the environmental benefits of silvopasture.
Land Sinks
Local Perennial Biomass
Perennial Biomass Production
I will spend at least 30 minutes finding out if anyone is working on perennial biomass projects in my region and how I can get involved.
Land Sinks
Learn about Temperate Forests
Temperate Forest Restoration
I will spend at least 30 minutes learning more about the environmental services provided by and the environmental issues affecting temperate forests.
Land Sinks
Advocate for Forest Protection
Forest Protection
I will contact 1 congress people or representatives to advocate for public policy that protects forests and the enforcement of existing anti-logging laws, as well as the rights of local people to protect and restore the land in their communities.
Land Sinks
Buy Bamboo
Bamboo Production
When they are available, I will purchase products made from bamboo instead of wood, plastic, or metal.
Land Sinks
Choose Better Wood Products
Forest Protection
I will only purchase wood and paper products from ecologically certified sources like Forest Stewardship Council.
Land Sinks
Forest-Friendly Foods 2
Tropical Forest Restoration
I will replace or remove from my current diet the palm oil, coffee, and cocoa products that are known to contribute to deforestation.
Land Sinks
Forest-Friendly Foods 1
Tropical Forest Restoration
I will spend at least 30 minutes researching the impact of my diet to see how it contributes to deforestation.
Health and Education
Host a Film Screening
Health and Education
I will host a virtual film screening and discussion about women's and gender equality issues.
Health and Education
Research Barriers to Participation and Representation
Health and Education
I will spend at least 30 minutes learning more about the barriers to women's equal participation and representation around the world.
Health and Education
Support Businesses Owned by Women, BIPOC, or Immigrants
Sustainable Intensification for Smallholders
I will spend 30 minutes researching businesses owned by women, immigrants, and Black, Indigenous, and people of color that I can support when shopping.
Health and Education
Start a Social Media Campaign
Health and Education
Through social media, I will raise awareness about gender inequity in education by sharing the information found in the links below.
Industry
Choose Recycled Paper
Recycled Paper
I will plan ahead to only use paper products made from post-consumer recycled paper for my home or office.
Industry
Go Paperless
Recycled Paper
I will reduce the amount of paper mail that I receive by 0.11lbs (0.05kg) a day or 3.3lbs (1.6kg) a month by opting into paperless billing, ending unwanted subscriptions and opting out of junk mail.
Industry
Share Bioplastic Disposal Tips
Bioplastics
I will spend at least 60 minutes researching how to properly dispose of bioplastics in my city and share this information with 10 friends, family and/or colleagues.
Industry
Launch a Recycling Program
Recycling
I will set up a recycling center at my workplace or school.
Industry
Become A Master Recycler/Composter
Recycling
I will sign up for a Master Recycler/Composter program in my area.
Industry
Learn About & Practice Sustainable Fashion
Multiple Industry Solutions
I will learn about sustainable fashion and begin trying to practice it in my own life.
Industry
Advocate For More Packaging Options
Multiple Industry Solutions
I will advocate for alternatives to single-use packaging at local grocery stores, markets, at work, or on campus.
Industry
Reduce Single-Use Disposables
Bioplastics
Cheap, single-use items and disposable packaging end up blowing around as litter more often in poor and BIPOC-majority neighborhoods. I will avoid buying and using 5 single-use plastics and instead replace them with durable options.
Industry
Properly Dispose of Refrigerants
Refrigerant Management
I will spend at least 15 minutes learning how to properly dispose of my refrigerator, freezer, and other refrigerants at the end of their useful lives.
Industry
Find a Local Climate-Friendly Supermarket
Refrigerant Management
I will explore the interactive map in the links below to find a supermarket that does not use HFC refrigerants near my home.
Industry
Research the Climate Impact of Refrigerants
Refrigerant Management
I will spend 30 minute(s) learning about the climate impact of refrigerants and what climate-friendly refrigerants are by using the links below.
Transportation
Explore Other Transportation Solutions
All Transportation Solutions
I will spend at least 30 minutes researching other Drawdown Transportation Solutions.
Transportation
Research and Consider Switching to a Hybrid or Electric Vehicle
Electric Cars, Hybrid Cars
I will spend at least 30 minutes researching and weighing my options to see if a hybrid or electric vehicle makes sense for my lifestyle.
Transportation
Research and Advocate for High-Speed Rail
High-Speed Rail
I will spend at least 30 minutes researching and advocating for a comprehensive high speed rail network in my country/region.
Transportation
Purchase a Carbon Offset
Efficient Aviation
If I buy a plane ticket, I will purchase a carbon offset.
Transportation
Stay on the Ground
Telepresence, High-Speed Rail
Instead of traveling by plane, I will find an alternative way to accomplish the goals of an upcoming trip (i.e. telepresence, vacation locally).
Electricity
Watch a Video about Methane Digesters
Methane Digesters
I will watch a video about methane digesters (also commonly known as anaerobic digesters).
Electricity
Solar Water Consultation
Solar Hot Water
I will contact a local installer/distributor to see if a solar water heater makes sense for my house.
Electricity
Learn More about Biomass
Biomass Power
I will spend at least 30 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of biomass.
Electricity
Rooftop Solar Consultation
Distributed Solar Photovoltaics
After researching the incentives at the federal, state, utility, and local levels, I will contact a local installer/distributor for a solar panel installation consultation on my house.
Electricity
Support Companies Leading in Green Energy
Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaics, Distributed Solar Photovoltaics
I will use my spending power to reward companies leading in creating or purchasing green energy and incentivize others to invest more in green energy.
Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks
Building With Carbon Storing Waste Products
Engineered Sinks
I will spend at least 30 minutes researching how people can build with carbon-storing materials - including agricultural byproducts - and discuss it with my peers in person or by posting to social media.
Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks
Smart Seafood Choices
Ocean Farming
I will visit seafoodwatch.org or download the app and commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean.
Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks
Learn about Biochar
Biochar Production
I will spend 30 minute(s) learning about biochar and how it can help sequester carbon.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Explore Other Food, Agriculture, and Land Use Solutions
All Food, Agriculture, and Land Use Solutions
I will spend at least 60 minutes researching other Drawdown Food, Agriculture, and Land Use Solutions.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Eat Mindfully
I will eat all of my meals without distractions, e.g., phone, computer, TV, or newspaper.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Learn More about Regenerative Agriculture
Conservation Agriculture, Regenerative Annual Cropping
I will spend at least 60 minutes learning about the need for more regenerative agriculture.
Electricity
Learn More About Geothermal Energy
Geothermal Power
I will spend at least 15 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of geothermal energy and consider investing in this technology.
Electricity
Communicate With My Elected Officials
Onshore Wind Turbines, Offshore Wind Turbines
I will write or call 1 elected official(s) telling them not to support fossil fuel subsidies and instead support wind energy generation.
Electricity
Calculate My Carbon Footprint
All Drawdown Solutions
I will calculate the greenhouse gas emissions associated with my household and consider how different lifestyle choices could reduce my negative impact on the environment.
Participant Feed
Reflection, encouragement, and relationship building are all important aspects of getting a new habit to stick.
Share thoughts, encourage others, and reinforce positive new habits on the Feed.
To get started, share “your why.” Why did you join the challenge and choose the actions you did?
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Wendy Olmstead 4/30/2021 6:16 AMStan State Eco Challenge Team, you are amazing! Check out our collective actions: 3,016 pounds of carbon dioxide saved, 4,816 minutes spent learning, 376 meatless or vegan meals, and 2,130 gallons of water saved! We are making a difference! Today is the last day of the challenge, but keep it going and spread the word! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONElectricity Explore Other Electricity SolutionsWhat is the most exciting solution you explored? Why is it exciting to you?
Wendy Olmstead 4/29/2021 6:16 AMI am most excited at the prospect of cities like Clichy-Batignolles and the use of insulation to prevent heat/cool air loss, green roofs, and the use of plants to insulate external walls. This gives me hope for the US plan because this eco-village in Paris not only houses people but provides them jobs. -
Wendy Olmstead 4/29/2021 6:06 AMTwo days left to go in the challenge. I will be looking for a new challenge to learn more! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLand Sinks Learn More about SilvopastureHad you heard of the term "silvopasture" before now? After learning more about it, what do you think is the biggest advantage of silvopasture?
Wendy Olmstead 4/28/2021 7:00 AMI had heard of silvopasture, but haven't spent much time learning about it until now. I think the biggest advantage is eliminating the need for pesticides and their harmful effects on our health, the health of the entire ecosystem, and biodiversity. -
Wendy Olmstead 4/28/2021 6:48 AMStan State Team! Have you looked at our cumulative actions? Check out the team results to see how much carbon, water, and energy we have saved together over the past 28 days! Three more to go-let's finish strong! -
Wendy Olmstead 4/27/2021 5:29 AMOnly four days left in the eco challenge! Let's see what else we can learn and add to our ecological tool box! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONTransportation Research and Advocate for High-Speed RailWhat are the factors that influence your choice of transportation? These can include things like money, time, and convenience, as well as perceptions of danger or safety. What would need to change for you to regularly choose more climate-friendly options?
Wendy Olmstead 4/26/2021 6:29 AMI have a 40 minute commute to work that I have not had to make since covid. Continuing to tele-commute would decrease my personal contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. I would use a bus service to get to work if it was a direct trip and took the same amount of time. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLand Sinks Local Perennial BiomassClimate scientist Katharine Hayhoe states that "The reason we care about climate change is because it affects the people and places that we care about." What is happening (or will happen) in your area that will affect the people and places you care about?
Wendy Olmstead 4/26/2021 6:27 AMIn California, we are entering another severe drought and likely another summer of catastrophic wildfires that will create toxic smoke. With so many Californians suffering from asthma due to air pollution, the added poor air quality affects everyone. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLand Sinks Explore My AreaHow can spending more time outdoors enhance your sense of place -- your deep knowledge of and appreciation for your surroundings?
Wendy Olmstead 4/26/2021 6:24 AMIt's easy not to care about the earth when you are disconnected from it. When I want to relax and destress, I sit in my back yard watching the many species of birds that inhabit the trees that I have intentionally planted to create a backyard forest in the midst of the mono-cropping of the Central Valley. Identifying the bird species helps me appreciate the role of trees in their lives and in mine. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONIndustry Share Bioplastic Disposal TipsWhat concerns you the most about how we are affecting the planet? Consider both local and global actions.
Wendy Olmstead 4/26/2021 6:21 AMI am most concerned about climate change. I think we all need to act locally by moving to alternative energy sources and I am hopeful that we are now moving in the right direction globally through our federal government's recommitment to working with other countries and decision to become a leader in alternative energies.