Alison Burrows
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 857 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO1.0documentarywatched
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UP TO600gallons of waterhave been saved
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UP TO7.0lightbulbsreplaced
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UP TO21locally sourced mealsconsumed
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UP TO18meatless or vegan mealsconsumed
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UP TO615minutesspent exercising
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UP TO166minutesspent learning
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UP TO590minutesspent outdoors
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UP TO85minutesbeing mindful
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UP TO23plastic containersnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO872pounds of CO2have been saved
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UP TO3.3pounds of paperhave been saved
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UP TO1.0public official or leadercontacted
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UP TO12treesplanted
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UP TO13zero-waste mealsconsumed
Alison's actions
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.
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.
Land Sinks
Research Peatlands
Peatland Protection and Rewetting
I will spend 15 minutes researching the environmental benefits of peatlands and what is being done around the world to conserve and restore them.
Land Sinks
Learn about Temperate Forests
Temperate Forest Restoration
I will spend at least 15 minutes learning more about the environmental services provided by and the environmental issues affecting temperate forests.
Land Sinks
Choose Better Wood Products
Forest Protection
I will only purchase wood and paper products from ecologically certified sources like Forest Stewardship Council.
Buildings
Explore Other Buildings Solutions
All Buildings Solutions
I will spend at least 10 minutes researching other Drawdown Buildings Solutions.
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
Tour a Green Roof
Green and Cool Roofs
I will set up a visit or a virtual tour of a green roof in my city, and ask about the codes and process for installing a green roof.
Buildings
Learn about 'Green Gentrification'
Multiple Solutions
I will spend at least 15 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
Research Heat Pumps
High-Efficiency Heat Pumps
I will spend at least 15 minutes researching heat pumps to see if installing one makes sense for my home/building.
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.
Industry
Research Cement Alternatives
Alternative Cement
I will spend at least 15 minutes researching cement alternatives that reduce the carbon footprint of concrete.
Industry
Share Bioplastic Disposal Tips
Bioplastics
I will spend at least 15 minutes researching how to properly dispose of bioplastics in my city and share this information with 4 friends, family and/or colleagues.
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.
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
Research the Climate Impact of Refrigerants
Refrigerant Management
I will spend 15 minute(s) learning about the climate impact of refrigerants and what climate-friendly refrigerants are by using the links below.
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.
Transportation
Explore Other Transportation Solutions
All Transportation Solutions
I will spend at least 15 minutes researching other Drawdown Transportation Solutions.
Transportation
Use Muscle Power
Multiple Transportation Solutions
I will cut my car trip mileage by only taking necessary trips, and I will only use muscle-powered transportation for all other trips.
Transportation
Purchase a Carbon Offset
Efficient Aviation
If I buy a plane ticket, I will purchase a carbon offset.
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 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
Choose LED Bulbs
LED Lighting
I will replace 7 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.
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.
Action Track: Climate Resilience
Learn More about Silvopasture
Silvopasture
I will spend at least 15 minutes watching videos and/or reading about the environmental benefits of silvopasture.
Action Track: Climate Resilience
Learn More about Biomass
Biomass Power
I will spend at least 15 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of biomass.
Health and Education
Support Businesses Owned by Women, BIPOC, or Immigrants
Sustainable Intensification for Smallholders
I will spend 15 minutes researching businesses owned by women, immigrants, and Black, Indigenous, and people of color that I can support when shopping.
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 15 minutes learning about the need for more regenerative agriculture.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Composting
Composting, Reduced Food Waste
I will start a compost bin where I live.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Support Nutrient Management
Nutrient Management
I will research and support local farmers who have made the decision to not use synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Mulch the Base of Trees and Plants
Farm Irrigation Efficiency
I will prevent water runoff and increase absorbency by mulching the base of trees and plants in my yard.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Zero-waste Cooking
Reduced Food Waste
I will cook 3 meal(s) with zero-waste each day
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Learn the Truth About Expiration Dates
Reduced Food Waste
I will spend at least 10 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.
Health and Education
Learn about the Need for Family Planning
Health and Education
I will spend at least 15 minutes learning more about the need for family planning globally.
Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks
Learn about Biochar
Biochar Production
I will spend 15 minute(s) learning about biochar and how it can help sequester carbon.
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.
Land Sinks
Explore My Area
Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 90 minutes in exploring and appreciating a natural area in my region, whether a forest, wetland, coastal area, or somewhere else.
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
Forest-Friendly Foods 1
Tropical Forest Restoration
I will spend at least 15 minutes researching the impact of my diet to see how it contributes to deforestation.
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
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
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 3 single-use plastics and instead replace them with durable options.
Transportation
Conduct Virtual Meetings
Telepresence
I will encourage my office to hold meetings virtually whenever possible instead of requiring travel.
Transportation
Go for a Daily Walk
Walkable Cities
I will take a walk for 30 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.
Action Track: Accelerating Solutions
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.
Action Track: Accelerating Solutions
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.
Action Track: Climate Resilience
Plant Trees
Temperate Forest Restoration
I will plant 1 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.
Action Track: Climate Resilience
Support Local Food Systems
Plant-Rich Diets
I will source 10 percent of my food from local producers each day. This could include signing up for a local CSA, buying from a farmer's market, visiting a food co-op, foraging with a local group, or growing my own ingredients.
Action Track: Climate Resilience
Tend A Garden
I will tend to a garden, or prepare for one, each day using sustainable gardening practices.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Keep Track of Wasted Food
Reduced Food Waste
I will keep a daily log of food I throw away during Earth Month Ecochallenge, either because it went bad before I ate it, I put too much on my plate, or it was scraps from food preparation.
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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REFLECTION QUESTIONIndustry Go PaperlessWhat do you want to prioritize over material 'stuff' in your own life?
Alison Burrows 4/30/2021 1:16 PMI live in a tiny house and I've realized how much of a burden it is to just have a bunch of material stuff you don't really need. I've prioritized buying high quality items that will last years and also have multiple uses. Otherwise, I'm much more satisfied doing things rather than collecting things. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONIndustry Research the Climate Impact of RefrigerantsWhat did you learn about the climate impact of refrigerants? How do supermarkets contribute to this impact?
Alison Burrows 4/30/2021 1:13 PMWe always hear about gas powered cars contributing to greenhouse gases, but I did not realize that refrigerants (especially in grocery stores) are significantly more of a problem! Why aren't we talking about this?? -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFood, Agriculture, and Land Use Learn More about Regenerative AgricultureClean air, clean water and healthy food are just three reasons to care about regenerative agriculture. What are some other reasons? How could/does regenerative agriculture positively impact you and your community?
Alison Burrows 4/30/2021 1:11 PMRegenerative agriculture enhances biodiversity and restores nutrients and life into the soil. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFood, Agriculture, and Land Use Support Nutrient ManagementHow does environmental quality influence your sense of community?
Alison Burrows 4/30/2021 1:09 PMIf I find a campsite (for example) well maintained, I feel connected to the community that uses these shared spaces because people are considerate of others experience. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONBuildings Plan to InsulateWhat are some of the benefits of making your home more energy efficient?
Alison Burrows 4/30/2021 12:49 PMThe money I'll save on my electric bill will offset my investment and I'll save money in the long term! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONBuildings Install A Toilet Tank BankHow can your region/household prepare for changing water situations in order to become more resilient?
Alison Burrows 4/30/2021 9:35 AMI didn't install a low flow toilet tank, but I did put a 1 liter bottle full of water in the toilet tank so my toilet flushes about 1 liter less water with each flush. It works and it's cheap! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFood, Agriculture, and Land Use Zero-waste CookingIn North America, up to 65% of food waste happens at the consumer level. Chef Steven Satterfield advocates for utilizing every part of a vegetable. How can you incorporate using an entire vegetable, including the skins, tops, and stalks during your next meal prep?
Alison Burrows 4/30/2021 9:29 AMI've stopped peeling my carrots and I now cut up the entire stalk of the broccoli! I also use the ends of the vegetables that I always thought looked weird, but now I just cook them with everything else. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONTransportation Use Muscle PowerHow do your transportation choices affect your engagement in your community? Does your experience or enjoyment differ while walking, riding transit, biking or driving?
Alison Burrows 4/30/2021 9:16 AMIt's a much slower form of travel so I take more notice of the houses and landscapes that I drive on a daily basis. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFood, Agriculture, and Land Use Learn the Truth About Expiration DatesHow does knowing the difference between use by, sell by, and best by dates empower you to make better decisions?
Alison Burrows 4/29/2021 10:29 AMI HATE wasting food, but the "use by" date always turned me off, even if the food didn't show signs of being bad yet - I would usually throw it out "just to be safe." But now I know that it's really just when the food is at it's peak freshness so now I know I can eat the food guilt free! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONElectricity Watch a Video about Methane DigestersWhat does your vision of a sustainable community look like? What would need to be changed in order for such vision to become reality?
Alison Burrows 4/28/2021 8:17 AMI envision sustainable communities investing in multiple sources of green energy feeding into a microgrid that powers a small community rather than large one centralized energy system.