Paul Huijbrecht

Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 60 minutes in exploring and appreciating a natural area in my region, whether a forest, wetland, coastal area, or somewhere else.

I will start a compost bin where I live.

I will spend at least 5 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.

I will spend 5 minute(s) learning about biochar and how it can help sequester carbon.

I will spend 5 minutes researching the environmental benefits of peatlands and what is being done around the world to conserve and restore them.

I will spend at least 5 minutes learning more about the environmental services provided by and the environmental issues affecting temperate forests.

I will replace or remove from my current diet the palm oil, coffee, and cocoa products that are known to contribute to deforestation.

I will spend at least 5 minutes researching the impact of my diet to see how it contributes to deforestation.

I will spend at least 5 minutes researching other Drawdown Buildings Solutions.

I will spend at least 5 minutes learning about the legacy of redlining and how city planning and environmental justice issues are interconnected.

I will spend at least 5 minutes researching cement alternatives that reduce the carbon footprint of concrete.

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.

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 1 single-use plastics and instead replace them with durable options.

I will spend 5 minute(s) learning about the climate impact of refrigerants and what climate-friendly refrigerants are by using the links below.

I will cook 1 meal(s) with zero-waste each day

I will spend at least 5 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.

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.

I will watch a video about methane digesters (also commonly known as anaerobic digesters).

I will spend at least 5 minutes researching other Drawdown Electricity Solutions.

I will spend at least 5 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of geothermal energy and consider investing in this technology.

I will find out who in my city makes decisions that impact neighborhood walkability and express my support for better walking infrastructure.

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.

I will donate to Native American Rights Fund, which protects tribal natural resources and environmental rights and promotes Native American Human Rights.

I will commute by carpool 100 mile(s) per day and avoid sending up to (___) lbs of CO2 into Earth's atmosphere.

I will visit seafoodwatch.org or download the app and commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean.

I will spend at least 5 minutes learning about green gentrification and how it relates to city planning for climate action.

I will Practice the "5 Rs" — refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle — to reduce my waste more than I can with just recycling alone.

I will eat all of my meals without distractions, e.g., phone, computer, TV, or newspaper.

I will spend at least 5 minutes learning about the need for more regenerative agriculture.

I will enjoy 2 meatless or vegan meal(s) each day of the challenge.

When you exercise outdoors, you reduce your carbon footprint because you are minimizing the use of energy-consuming machines. Exercising in your home is a good way to start the reduction process, as it does not require any travel in your vehicle. However, we typically turn on lights, fans, and/or televisions to accomplish our workout, and those items do contribute to our carbon footprint.

I will spend at least 15 minutes learning more about the barriers to women's equal participation and representation around the world.

I will encourage my office to hold meetings virtually whenever possible instead of requiring travel.

I will take a walk for 40 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.

If I buy a plane ticket, I will purchase a carbon offset.

Sign up for time of day pricing

Spend 15 minutes browsing the new World Climate Hub website, hosted by Deloitte US Sustainability!

If you have kids at home, encourage them to create a logo for Deloitte NPSI using scrap paper and any crayons, markers, or materials you have in your home. Email a photo of the final product to Emma Howe (emhowe@deloitte.com) for a chance to be featured in our Earth Month recap email and potential future internal communications!

Sign up for Plant Your Change to round up your purchases and plant one tree for every transaction on your personal credit card. Link to sign up found below!

Spend 15 minutes browsing the new World Climate Hub website, hosted by Deloitte US Sustainability! Link to be added soon.

NPSI will be hosting a month-long giving campaign during April. Donate via the NPSI philanthropy cloud website linked below!

On Wednesday, April 28th, Deloitte NPSI is hosting a panel with senior leaders at the firm to discuss the intersections between climate, health and justice. Invite to be added soon!

Instead of traveling by plane, I will find an alternative way to accomplish the goals of an upcoming trip (i.e. telepresence, vacation locally).