Michael Harmon
"Creating sustainable harmony through art, design, & education"
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 1,826 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO6.0conversationswith people
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UP TO1.0documentarywatched
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UP TO330gallons of waterhave been saved
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UP TO26meatless or vegan mealsconsumed
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UP TO1,938minutesspent exercising
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UP TO484minutesspent learning
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UP TO500minutesspent outdoors
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UP TO2.0minutesbeing mindful
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UP TO3.3pounds of paperhave been saved
Michael 's actions
Land Sinks
Explore My Area
Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 45 minutes in exploring and appreciating a natural area in my region, whether a forest, wetland, coastal area, or somewhere else.
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.
Transportation
Go for a Daily Walk
Walkable Cities
I will take a walk for 45 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.
Health and Education
Research Barriers to Participation and Representation
Health and Education
I will spend at least 45 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
Fund Family Planning
Health and Education
I will donate to supply a community with reproductive health supplies.
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 20 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.
Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks
Restore Wetlands
Coastal Wetland Restoration
I will volunteer 2 hours with a wetland restoration project in my region.
Land Sinks
Research Peatlands
Peatland Protection and Rewetting
I will spend 20 minutes researching the environmental benefits of peatlands and what is being done around the world to conserve and restore them.
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 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.
Buildings
Explore Other Buildings Solutions
All Buildings Solutions
I will spend at least 20 minutes researching other Drawdown Buildings Solutions.
Buildings
Research Retrofitting Incentives
Building Retrofitting
I will spend at least 20 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 45 minutes learning about the legacy of redlining and how city planning and environmental justice issues are interconnected.
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
Donate
Improved Clean Cookstoves
I will donate to nonprofits that install clean cookstoves in low-income countries.
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
Research Heat Pumps
High-Efficiency Heat Pumps
I will spend at least 20 minutes researching heat pumps to see if installing one makes sense for my home/building.
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 20 minutes researching cement alternatives that reduce the carbon footprint of concrete.
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 45 minutes researching how to properly dispose of bioplastics in my city and share this information with 5 friends, family and/or colleagues.
Industry
Become A Master Recycler/Composter
Recycling
I will sign up for a Master Recycler/Composter program in my area.
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
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 20 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 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 20 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
Improve a Bus Stop
Public Transit
I will improve a bus stop in my neighborhood by posting the stop schedule, adding seating or shelter, adding art or flowers, picking up litter, or implementing some other small improvement.
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 20 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 30 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
Smaller Portions
Reduced Food Waste
I will use smaller plates and/or serve smaller portions when dishing out food.
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
Reduce Animal Products
Plant-Rich Diets
I will enjoy 1 meatless or vegan meal(s) each day of the challenge.
Electricity
Explore Other Electricity Solutions
All Electricity Solutions
I will spend at least 20 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 30 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of geothermal energy and consider investing in this technology.
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 Biomass
Biomass Power
I will spend at least 20 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of biomass.
Action Track: Climate Resilience
Learn More about Silvopasture
Silvopasture
I will spend at least 20 minutes watching videos and/or reading about the environmental benefits of silvopasture.
Action Track: Climate Resilience
Local Perennial Biomass
Perennial Biomass Production
I will spend at least 20 minutes finding out if anyone is working on perennial biomass projects in my region and how I can get involved.
Action Track: Climate Resilience
Learn about 'Green Gentrification'
Multiple Solutions
I will spend at least 45 minutes learning about green gentrification and how it relates to city planning for climate action.
Action Track: Climate Resilience
Support a Community Garden
Multiple Solutions
I will support a community garden by volunteering, donating, or advocating for a new or existing one.
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
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.
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 QUESTIONHealth and Education Fund Family PlanningWhen family planning focuses on healthcare provision and meeting the expressed needs of women, it results in empowerment, equality, and well-being, and the benefits to the planet are side effects. Why is family planning an important civil rights consideration?
Michael Harmon 5/01/2021 12:12 AMFamily planning has positive impacts on all aspects of well-being; health, finances, & life expectancy of children & adults. It's also important to have equitable contraception as it relates to the population. The more people there are on the planet, the greater the demand is on resources. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONIndustry Research the Climate Impact of RefrigerantsWhat did you learn about the climate impact of refrigerants? How do supermarkets contribute to this impact?
Michael Harmon 4/30/2021 11:59 PMRefrigerants are a terrible pollutant that are difficult to maintain & properly dispose of. Chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs) contributed to ozone depletion. Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFCs) are better, but still contribute to greenhouse gases. Better alternatives are now being phased in. Grocery stores contribute do to their large amount of refrigerated machines. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLand Sinks Forest-Friendly Foods 1How is your diet currently impacting deforestation? What can you do to decrease your negative impact and increase your positive impact?
Michael Harmon 4/30/2021 11:53 PMBy reducing my meat consumption & switching to more plant foods, I can reduce the impact that my diet has on deforestation. I can also focus on switching to more regenerative/cyclical options. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLand Sinks Research PeatlandsMuch of Indonesia's peatlands have been drained so they could be replaced with palm oil or pulp and paper plantations. How can you make choices that help to protect peatlands, even if you live far away from one?
Michael Harmon 4/30/2021 11:42 PMPeatlands are important areas that can reduce negative environmental impacts. They are great carbon storage areas, but if disturbed, they will release carbon quickly. I can use my voice to advocate for their protection or use my dollars to donate to organizations & people that will help support them & keep them safe. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONBuildings Learn about the Legacy of RedliningHow does city planning and design relate to equity and climate change?
Michael Harmon 4/30/2021 11:25 PMRedlining is partially to blame for unequal investments being made into local communities. These areas are more susceptible to extreme heat because they typically have less greenery. They also usually have less access to fresh food & water, which results in increased illness & death. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONBuildings DonateHow are environmental issues like black carbon and other emissions from cooking fires or rudimentary cookstoves also human health and social justice issues? Why do these issues matter to you?
Michael Harmon 4/30/2021 11:18 PMInefficient stoves create unnecessary air pollution. People often burn unsafe materials in poorly ventilated areas. This is especially bad in poorer communities. These concerns matter to me because climate change, & access to clean water & air are not individual problems. They affect all of us equally. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONAction Track: Climate Resilience Learn about 'Green Gentrification'Cities and towns need to plan for climate change. How can your city or town make its climate action plans equitable and socially just?
Michael Harmon 4/30/2021 11:07 PMLos Angeles/California/the United States need to advocate for green, natural areas in cities that don't advance gentrification. It's also important that reliable, clean water sources be accessible to everyone & that industrial facilities don't unjustly pollute impoverished areas. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFood, Agriculture, and Land Use Explore Other Food, Agriculture, and Land Use SolutionsWhat did you find out? What is the most interesting fact you learned?
Michael Harmon 4/30/2021 9:52 PMI understand that small scale, local agriculture projects can help address climate challenges. I hadn't thought much about how that applies to gender & the inequality that exists in farming. I know that women work on farms. I know that they are less likely to own property. I didn't realize how equality could lead to increased productivity & yields. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONIndustry Learn About & Practice Sustainable FashionHow can you express your personality, creativity, and values in ways that don't require fast fashion or buying more clothes and accessories?
Michael Harmon 4/30/2021 5:00 PMI'll repair clothing & accessories until the point that they serve no further use. When I need to buy clothes, I'll thrift shop more often. Recently, I also bought socks that were manufactured from recycled plastic bottles; I'll try to buy new items like that (made sustainably) when possible. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFood, Agriculture, and Land Use Support Nutrient ManagementHow does environmental quality influence your sense of community?
Michael Harmon 4/29/2021 4:26 PMIn order to build equitable communities, we need to consider the unique challenges facing different areas. Toxic chemicals & other forms of pollution are more common in impoverished areas. Those areas also usually have less greenery, more density, and increased temperatures. We need to address those problems to build better communities. People will be happier & healthier when their environments are better.