Just being aware is not enough. Trees bring peace and calm when you see them. Its amazing to the big change in how my day goes by spending 10 minutes appreciating nautre, Tending a plant.
Shweta Goyal
"To add value to this Earth Month by changing intention to action everyday!"
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 1,007 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO7.0advocacy actionscompleted
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UP TO84conversationswith people
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UP TO25donationsmade
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UP TO540gallons of waterhave been saved
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UP TO7.0lightbulbsreplaced
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UP TO27locally sourced mealsconsumed
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UP TO19meatless or vegan mealsconsumed
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UP TO278minutesspent learning
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UP TO641minutesspent outdoors
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UP TO223minutesbeing mindful
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UP TO25peoplehelped
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UP TO22plastic containersnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO2.0treesplanted
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UP TO16zero-waste mealsconsumed
Shweta'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.
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
Learn about the Need for Family Planning
Health and Education
I will spend at least 30 minutes learning more about the need for family planning globally.
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
Learn about Biochar
Biochar Production
I will spend 30 minute(s) learning about biochar and how it can help sequester carbon.
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
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
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.
Buildings
Explore Other Buildings Solutions
All Buildings Solutions
I will spend at least 30 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
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
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
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.
Industry
Research Cement Alternatives
Alternative Cement
I will spend at least 30 minutes researching cement alternatives that reduce the carbon footprint of concrete.
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 15 minutes researching how to properly dispose of bioplastics in my city and share this information with 1 friends, family and/or colleagues.
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
Properly Dispose of Refrigerants
Refrigerant Management
I will spend at least 30 minutes learning how to properly dispose of my refrigerator, freezer, and other refrigerants at the end of their useful lives.
Transportation
Explore Other Transportation Solutions
All Transportation Solutions
I will spend at least 30 minutes researching other Drawdown Transportation Solutions.
Transportation
Advocate For Greener Vehicles
Electric Cars, Hybrid Cars, Efficient Trucks
I will assess the vehicles used by my company or college and advocate for a purchasing policy focused on electric and fuel-efficient vehicles
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.
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 30 minutes researching other Drawdown Food, Agriculture, and Land Use Solutions.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Learn More about Regenerative Agriculture
Conservation Agriculture, Regenerative Annual Cropping
I will spend at least 30 minutes learning about the need for more regenerative agriculture.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Zero-waste Cooking
Reduced Food Waste
I will cook 1 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 30 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.
Electricity
Explore Other Electricity Solutions
All Electricity Solutions
I will spend at least 60 minutes researching other Drawdown Electricity Solutions.
Electricity
Watch a Video about Methane Digesters
Methane Digesters
I will watch a video about methane digesters (also commonly known as anaerobic digesters).
Electricity
Learn More About Geothermal Energy
Geothermal Power
I will spend at least 60 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of geothermal energy and consider investing in this technology.
Action Track: Climate Resilience
Learn More about Silvopasture
Silvopasture
I will spend at least 60 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 10 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of biomass.
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
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.
Industry
Research the Climate Impact of Refrigerants
Refrigerant Management
I will spend 5 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.
Land Sinks
Explore My Area
Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 10 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
Choose Better Wood Products
Forest Protection
I will only purchase wood and paper products from ecologically certified sources like Forest Stewardship Council.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks
Attend Sustainability Jump in Series with Shelley Dearhart on 4/20
Attend the event with Shelley Dearhart. M.S. where she will discuss seafood sustainability – what is sustainable seafood, why is it important to our planet, and what you can do to eat sustainably! This session takes place on Tuesday, April 20th from 5:00-6:00 PM ET via Microsoft Teams Live
Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks
ATTEND SUSTAINABILITY JUMP IN SERIES SPEAKER WITH DR. WALLACE J NICHOLS ON 4/13
Attend Dr. Wallace J Nichols, New York Times best-selling author of, “Blue Mind.” Dr. J will be addressing several topics including the impacts of waste reduction, climate change and the neuroscience behind why we simply feel better when we are in, on, or in view of water. The session takes place on Tuesday, April 13th from 12:00-1:00 PM ET via Microsoft Teams Live.
Health and Education
Help Students Overcome Health Barriers
Health and Education
I will donate 10 Femme Kit(s) to help people who menstruate overcome health and sanitation barriers to being able to attend school.
Electricity
Advocate for Solar Installation
Distributed Solar Photovoltaics
I will create a plan to and advocate for solar installation at my business, apartment building, or campus.
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.
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 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.
Action Track: Climate Resilience
Plant Trees
Temperate Forest Restoration
I will plant 10 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.
Action Track: Climate Resilience
Tend A Garden
I will tend to a garden, or prepare for one, each day using sustainable gardening practices.
Action Track: Accelerating Solutions
Conduct Virtual Meetings
Telepresence
I will encourage my office to hold meetings virtually whenever possible instead of requiring travel.
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
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: Accelerating Solutions
Spread the Word about Energy Alternatives
All Electricity Solutions
I will research and tell 3 people each day about the benefits of alternative energy sources like wind turbines, solar energy, geothermal energy, and methane digesters.
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 QUESTIONAction Track: Climate Resilience Plant TreesHow is planting trees good for your mental, physical, and spiritual health?
Shweta Goyal 4/28/2021 3:32 AMA temperate forest is a forest found between the tropical and boreal regions, located in the temperate zone. It is the second largest biome on the planet, covering 25% of the world's forest area, only behind the boreal forest, which covers about 33%.We can help protect and restore the temperate forest by purchasing paper and wood products that are FSC(Forest Stewardship Council) certified for your home and business. These are products that have come from sustainably managed forests, where trees are replanted and not clear cut.
Just being aware is not enough. Trees bring peace and calm when you see them. Its amazing to the big change in how my day goes by spending 10 minutes appreciating nautre, Tending a plant. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONAction Track: Climate Resilience Learn More about BiomassHad you ever heard of biomass technology before you took this challenge? What did you learn that surprised you? Share your new knowledge with your friends!
Shweta Goyal 4/27/2021 11:09 AMBiomass is plant or animal material used as fuel to produce electricity or heat. Examples are wood, energy crops and waste from forests, yards, or farms.
Type of Biomass:- Biomass Feedstock
- Dedicated Energy Crops
- Agriculture Crop Residue
- Forestry Residues
- Algae
- Wood Processing Residues
- Wet Waste
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REFLECTION QUESTIONAction Track: Climate Resilience 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?
Shweta Goyal 4/27/2021 10:57 AMSilvopasture is the practice of integrating trees, forage, and the grazing of domesticated animals in a mutually beneficial way. It utilizes the principles of managed grazing, and it is one of several distinct forms of agroforestry.
By incorporating silvopasture with tree production, soil is protected from water and wind erosion, and the soil is enhanced with organic matter. -
Shweta Goyal 4/27/2021 10:56 AMCreative ways to switch from plastic to sustainable options:- Stainless steel straws
- Silicone Food bags
- Edible Water Bottles, Spoons, forks
- Bamboo Toothbrush's
- Storage bags that are made up of Starch
- Cotton Produce Bags
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REFLECTION QUESTIONElectricity Choose LED BulbsChanging lightbulbs is an excellent first step toward energy efficiency! What's next for you?
Shweta Goyal 4/23/2021 3:10 AMLEDs generally consume very low amounts of power. LED lighting retrofit projects result in a 60-75% improvement in the overall energy efficiency of the facility’s lighting. Depending on the existing lights and the particular LEDs installed, the savings could be more than 90%.The number one hazard when it comes to lighting is the emission of heat. LEDs emit almost no forward heat while traditional bulbs like incandescents convert more than 90% of the total energy used to power them directly into heat. That means only 10% of the energy powering incandescent lights is actually used for light. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONElectricity Calculate My Carbon FootprintWhat stood out to you most about your carbon footprint? What surprised you or sparked curiosity? Where can you take most immediate action?
Shweta Goyal 4/22/2021 9:20 AMI have started storing water in glass bottles versus plastic bottles or containers. Turned off lights in a room when not in use. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONAction Track: Accelerating Solutions Advocate For More Packaging OptionsWhat concerns you the most about how we are affecting the planet? Consider both local and global actions.
Shweta Goyal 4/22/2021 9:16 AMnflatable air pillows are another great eco- and cost-saving alternative to Styrofoam or bubble wrap. Available in a variety of sizes, they are ideal for filling voids in boxes or providing cushioning around packed items.They are small bags, which can be inflated, and therefore, when used as packaging, consist primarily of air. This cuts down on the amount of plastic used in their production and means they can be shipped with minimal packaging when compared to other cushioning materials.What’s more, they can be reused, recycled, and are even biodegradable. Make sure to purchase air pillows made of 100 percent recycled materials and that emphasize their biodegradability. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONAction Track: Accelerating Solutions Spread the Word about Energy AlternativesWhat inspiration and wisdom can you gather from your family, faith, or community traditions that would help you in both communicating about and addressing our most pressing energy issues?
Shweta Goyal 4/22/2021 9:13 AMWind energy isn’t just reserved for electricity generation on a national scale, small local communities can also benefit from its installation. A single 2.5 MW wind turbine can generate enough electricity to power over 1,400 households annually! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONAction Track: Accelerating Solutions Support Local Food SystemsDependable fresh food, supporting local farmers and building resilient communities are just a few benefits of local food systems. Which of these (or other) advantages inspire you the most?
Shweta Goyal 4/14/2021 11:33 AMHealthy , Organic food for healthy self and sustainable environment. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONAction Track: Climate Resilience Tend A GardenHave you ever had a significant experience in nature that altered your perspective or focus? If so, please describe it.
Shweta Goyal 4/14/2021 2:27 AMThere is happiness in just watering a plant or taking care of of it. It is therapeutic as well. Feels like you are responsible to help it grow, thrive and sustain in this big wide world!