Earth Month Ecochallenge: Drawdown

April 1 - April 30, 2021

Brittnay O'Hop

AREA 78

"Plant propagation is my jam."

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
2,105 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

2.0

conversations

with people
UP TO

1.0

documentary

watched
UP TO

4.0

donations

made
UP TO

24

meatless or vegan meals

consumed
UP TO

85

minutes

spent exercising
UP TO

925

minutes

spent learning
UP TO

1,357

minutes

spent outdoors
UP TO

491

minutes

being mindful
UP TO

3.0

people

helped

Brittnay's actions

Land Sinks

Learn about Temperate Forests

Temperate Forest Restoration

I will spend at least 10 minutes learning more about the environmental services provided by and the environmental issues affecting temperate forests.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Transportation

Research and Consider Switching to a Hybrid or Electric Vehicle

Electric Cars, Hybrid Cars

I will spend at least 10 minutes researching and weighing my options to see if a hybrid or electric vehicle makes sense for my lifestyle.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Electricity

Explore Other Electricity Solutions

All Electricity Solutions

I will spend at least 10 minutes researching other Drawdown Electricity Solutions.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Electricity

Learn More About Geothermal Energy

Geothermal Power

I will spend at least 10 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of geothermal energy and consider investing in this technology.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Industry

Share Bioplastic Disposal Tips

Bioplastics

I will spend at least 10 minutes researching how to properly dispose of bioplastics in my city and share this information with 1 friends, family and/or colleagues.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Education

Addressing Root Causes

I will read through the Solutions U - Addressing Root Causes collection. I would like gain further insight regarding crime, terrorism, drug addiction, obesity and poverty--the root causes of each issue, and what is being done to improve human lives. I will post a reflection about how I felt before and after I've read through the collection.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED 17
DAILY ACTIONS

Food, Agriculture, and Land Use

Sharing is Caring

In an effort to energize my friends, family, and neighbors to be active in nature conservation and sustainability, I will share my daily observations of nature, gardening practices, and informative science-based links about climate change through social media (IG, Facebook, etc.).

COMPLETED 5
DAILY ACTIONS

Industry

Properly Dispose of Refrigerants

Refrigerant Management

I will spend at least 10 minutes learning how to properly dispose of my refrigerator, freezer, and other refrigerants at the end of their useful lives.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Industry

Research the Climate Impact of Refrigerants

Refrigerant Management

I will spend 10 minute(s) learning about the climate impact of refrigerants and what climate-friendly refrigerants are by using the links below.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Action Track: Accelerating Solutions

Give a Microloan

Sustainable Intensification for Smallholders

I will give 1 microloan(s) to women who need help starting a business.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Education

Fund Family Planning

Health and Education

I will donate to supply a community with reproductive health supplies.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Education

Help Students Overcome Health Barriers

Health and Education

I will donate 1 Femme Kit(s) to help people who menstruate overcome health and sanitation barriers to being able to attend school.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Education

Learn about the Need for Family Planning

Health and Education

I will spend at least 10 minutes learning more about the need for family planning globally.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Education

Research Barriers to Participation and Representation

Health and Education

I will spend at least 10 minutes learning more about the barriers to women's equal participation and representation around the world.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Education

Support Businesses Owned by Women, BIPOC, or Immigrants

Sustainable Intensification for Smallholders

I will spend 10 minutes researching businesses owned by women, immigrants, and Black, Indigenous, and people of color that I can support when shopping.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land Sinks

Research Peatlands

Peatland Protection and Rewetting

I will spend 10 minutes researching the environmental benefits of peatlands and what is being done around the world to conserve and restore them.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land Sinks

Forest-Friendly Foods 1

Tropical Forest Restoration

I will spend at least 10 minutes researching the impact of my diet to see how it contributes to deforestation.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Transportation

Go for a Daily Walk

Walkable Cities

I will take a walk for 10 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.

COMPLETED 8
DAILY ACTIONS

Transportation

Explore Other Transportation Solutions

All Transportation Solutions

I will spend at least 10 minutes researching other Drawdown Transportation Solutions.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Electricity

Watch a Video about Methane Digesters

Methane Digesters

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

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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 10 minutes researching other Drawdown Food, Agriculture, and Land Use Solutions.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks

Building With Carbon Storing Waste Products

Engineered Sinks

I will spend at least 10 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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Buildings

Explore Other Buildings Solutions

All Buildings Solutions

I will spend at least 10 minutes researching other Drawdown Buildings Solutions.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Buildings

Learn about the Legacy of Redlining

Multiple Solutions

I will spend at least 10 minutes learning about the legacy of redlining and how city planning and environmental justice issues are interconnected.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Industry

Research Cement Alternatives

Alternative Cement

I will spend at least 10 minutes researching cement alternatives that reduce the carbon footprint of concrete.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Action Track: Climate Resilience

Tend A Garden

I will tend to a garden, or prepare for one, each day using sustainable gardening practices.

COMPLETED 23
DAILY ACTIONS

Food, Agriculture, and Land Use

Learn More about Regenerative Agriculture

Conservation Agriculture, Regenerative Annual Cropping

I will spend at least 10 minutes learning about the need for more regenerative agriculture.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED 21
DAILY ACTIONS

Food, Agriculture, and Land Use

Support Indigenous Peoples' Land Management

Indigenous Peoples' Forest Tenure

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

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Action Track: Climate Resilience

Learn More about Silvopasture

Silvopasture

I will spend at least 10 minutes watching videos and/or reading about the environmental benefits of silvopasture.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food, Agriculture, and Land Use

Eat Mindfully

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

COMPLETED 29
DAILY ACTIONS

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?

REFLECTION QUESTION
Transportation Research and Consider Switching to a Hybrid or Electric Vehicle

Reducing (or eliminating) exhaust emissions and improving public health are two benefits of green vehicles. What other motivators inspire you to consider switching to a more fuel-efficient vehicle?

Brittnay O'Hop 4/30/2021 6:07 PM

The main motivator is the fact that I have absolutely zero desire to be out in public. I don't "go for a ride"; I don't meet up with friends; vacations are far too expensive for me. I don't sit in traffic for hours and hours just to go to work.

My needs are practical, but, from time to time, require some heavy lifting (usually when it comes to hauling gardening supplies). Switching to an E-SUV that costs under $40,000 is incredibly beneficial to me. A hybrid SUV would probably be a more reasonable transition, but, ...wait, what did I just mention in my earlier response about geothermal? Something about retrofitting and upgrades? If I'm going to make a switch, I might as well go completely electric.

EVs are energy efficient, and have come a very long way since their original conceptualization. I remember seeing a documentary about the first electric cars. They were such a wonderful alternative to gasoline powered cars, BUT--some investors were reluctant to continue to develop them. The documentary talked about how expensive they were, how heavy the battery was, and how surprisingly low the battery efficiency was. There were so many cons to EVs in their early stages, but now, there really is no reason to not invest in one.

Having charging stations that use solar energy make the prospect of investing in an EV that much more enticing. We'll see what happens.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Land Sinks Learn about Temperate Forests

As you learn more about the scope and seriousness of the environmental challenges we face, what impact does that have on your thinking and actions? What are the parts that feel overwhelming? What parts help you feel hopeful?

Brittnay O'Hop 4/30/2021 4:52 PM

I think I already know what practices to continue, and what behaviors I must change as an individual.

The parts that are overwhelming is the apathy of OTHER people. I simply think that not enough people care. While video games, and virtual reality tours are great to visit places that you will never see, I think it's silly that we need refined artist renderings in order to energize people to care about nature, in general.

However, I think that Digital Life 3D, and Nature XR, are still, nonetheless, are great ideas. It also turns artists on to REALISM, instead of interpretive styles, which ends up turning them on to how natural environments will always be far superior to created ones infused with so-called "self-expression".

I'm unapologetically, incredibly critical of art. Moving on.

Here's what makes me feel hopeful: Rather than resorting to escapism (movies, video games) on my day off today, I unearthed a Japanese Barberry, synonymous with The Worst Shrub Ever; I transplanted some milkweed and other perennials into my anti-deer moat, and I'm hopefully going to continue doing more tomorrow.

Yes. Individual envolvement makes me feel hopeful. It has to start somewhere.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Electricity Explore Other Electricity Solutions

What is the most exciting solution you explored? Why is it exciting to you?

Brittnay O'Hop 4/29/2021 9:07 PM

Clichy-Batignolles' eco-district; it implements multiple solutions to climate issues. And there are plants EVERYWHERE.

Seriously, go read about it, it's great.

Yet, the story of Samsø, Denmark, is also exciting, because its transformation followed a timeline--a sequence of events based around an ultimatum. It addressed the concerns of older communities, their trades, and skepticism around this "renewable energy" concept. But Samsø is a "tight-knit" community, so they got their act together, collectively, from an absolutely honest "what's in it for me?" angle, as opposed to a "let's save the planet because it'll be really nice" angle, and made the best with what renewable energy was available. And in many cases, a lof of areas in the world need to do the same--that is, to make the best with what we got, in all geographical locations.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Electricity Learn More About Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy is reliable, abundant, and efficient. Project Drawdown states that public investment will play a crucial role in its expansion. In what ways (i.e. with money, time, advocacy) can you invest in geothermal energy?

Brittnay O'Hop 4/29/2021 8:41 PM

I love the idea of geothermal energy. Considering that the system is...how should I say, "simple", it makes me wonder why geothermal energy wasn't more of the standard. Then again, it's probably no easy feat to install those pipes.

Sorry, I have the tendency to reflect on these topics instead of answering the question and moving on.

What I have to do is, first, is find out what Dominion Power up to with their renewable energy enrollment programs (residential and business). I'll go from there.

Read More
Brittnay O'Hop 4/28/2021 7:46 PM

Finished transplanting tomatoes! This makes five tomato plants, and five bell pepper plants! Now, I have to make sure that I have adequate amount of organic fertilizer/compost to keep them going...and be on the lookout for tomato hornworms.

I also took a risk and transplanted the Mexican sunflowers out to their summer homes... Hopefully they will take. If not, I'll just start all over again next month. They grow SO easily from seed, so it's really no harm done. It's more of an experiment for me.

The marigolds are doing just fine, as are the black-eyed susans--and the calendula! Now that I think of it, I need to start up a few basil plants... Also--milkweed surprises me every time. I usually jump the gun with hardening off, but these little ones are so tough despite being thrown out into the sun, there's hardly any sun damage to their leaves at all! Native plants; gotta love them.

I never like to be over-enthusiastic about summer; it's just too hot and humid for me to truly enjoy...but I am looking forward to being able to spend more time outside growing, especially since I've expanded my growing space this year!

Read More
Brittnay O'Hop 4/26/2021 7:12 PM

Tithonia rotundifolia, Mexican Sunflower "Torch". The butterflies absolutely loved these last year, so, I decided to start up three to be transplanted when it gets consistently 70+ degrees outside. They'll be added into the anti-deer moat....as they can get around 8 feet tall. Great camouflage.

Tagetes patula, French marigold. These germinated in less than 48 hours--in K-cups, no less. Like all my other annuals, I use bottom heat and a clear plastic hood/lid to make sure they germinate consistently and quickly. Once they germinate, I remove their nursery lid.

My family has always worked with French marigold in the vegetable garden. They keep mosquitoes away (something I tested last year on my front porch, and it worked), and they keep pests from nibbling on the roots of plants. Deer aren't particularly fond of them either because of their scent.

Read More
Brittnay O'Hop 4/23/2021 9:30 PM

And now, a confession: Rather than planting a tree for Earth Day... I'm having two of them removed. The process started Friday, courtesy of the fine folks at David Tree Service.

https://treeservicesva.com

One of the oak trees in my backyard is sickly and blackening at its base. I believe the poor thing became housing and nursery for carpenter ants, as we observed and tracked them last year. We had tried to work with the tree, but unfortunately, the situation hasn't improved.

The maple tree growing in my front yard is...well, seriously, maple trees shouldn't be growing in people's front yards, or back yards, unless they are VERY VERY VERY EXPANSIVE yards. Anyway, the maple, which has been growing in this spot since before we moved into this home (as with all the other trees in our yard), was growing at an angle, and its has roots have sprawled everywhere. Now, the root coverage of maples are great for erosion control, ... but they are known for damaging foundations of homes, and utility lines. I'm not okay with that.

So, as of right now, there are cut up parts of the oak's trunk in my back yard. As for the maple, one of the large limbs that was hanging partly over into the street and a neighbor's yard has been cut down. David (the owner of the company) will be checking the utility lines, and will be continuing the process of stump grinding as he sees appropriate. The crew will be coming back out on Monday, hopefully, because of COURSE it'll be raining over the weekend! Why not!

I might also note that the crew was supposed to come out on Earth Day itself. Unfortunately, because of the cold front that came into our area (along with 50 mph gusts of wind)...they had to take care of two emergency tree removals. Because, you know....50 mph gusts of wind + sickly, old trees = home disaster. Which is something we're trying to avoid!

While these actions don't exactly support the whole "plant a tree" on Earth Day movement, I'd like to mention that it's equally important to re-think the trees in your landscape and watch for their health. Trees, like everythin g else, get old, sick, and weak, and...yeah, fall onto your house when you least expect it.

I'd like to take a moment to say that, over the last year, my dad and I were involved in tree-related car accident. It just so happened that my dad was chauffeuring me to work. Anyway, it was an oak which became uprooted, and fell into the road, because of weather conditions. The incident had probably happened minutes before we arrived at the location, so there was no warning signs, or cones, or flares, or any officials re-directing traffic. And so, we were rear-ended by a Jeep. Cool story, right?

So, yes. Call Before You Dig, and educate yourself on native trees that are suitable for planting around your home. It makes all the difference in the world.

NEEDLESS TO SAY... I didn't get out for my tour around the neighborhood because I was SO ENGROSSED with the way that this crew of five men managed to, without incident, dismantle a VERY large oak tree in a small space in my backyard. They did it with ropes and chainsaws; David was the one doing the cutting 50+ feet in the air, and he had the climbing spurs attached to his boots. No cranes, or cherry pickers, or heavy machinery making ugly tracks in my yard; no damage to the back deck or to the fence! I kept saying to myself, however out loud, "THERE. IS A MAN. UP IN THIS TREE. MOM, REALLY, LOOK--HE IS UP, IN, THIS, TREE."

Maybe I'm just easily amused/impressed. But seriously, anyone in Virginia need assistance with tree removal--get in contact with them. I'll definitely be getting in touch with them again when I have to have a few other trees removed (with the intent to be replaced BY PAWPAWS!!!) in the future.

Read More
Brittnay O'Hop 4/22/2021 7:51 PM

I finally got around to sowing those Lavender and Virginia Bluebell seeds I had in my fridge... Might be way too late for the bluebells. We'll see.

This time, I had sowed them into disposable K-Cups, as opposed to plastic and paper Starbucks cups. I had grown lavender in the K-Cups last year (I didn't have many other containers available), and it works pretty well. I'll be starting Black-eyed Susans and French Marigolds in them this weekend.

I'd only suggest reusing empty, clean, disposable K-Cups for starting seeds for plants that don't mind a little root disturbance. For example, sowing seeds for tomatoes, or even milkweed, in a container that small doesn't work well for it's fibrous root systems, or those with very long taproots.

Seriously, you propagate plants out of almost any container. You just have to understand how the plant grows, and what it needs.

Read More
Brittnay O'Hop 4/21/2021 5:09 PM

I had to take some time to put some thermal cover over the milkweed (and crew) that I had started to harden off outside. I'm looking forward to getting back outside once this cold front passes through. Good work is never done!

Read More
Brittnay O'Hop 4/17/2021 5:36 PM

I did quite a bit of weeding today: front garden bed, north side garden bed... I planted Linaria in the front, and sprinkled shredded leaves and coffee grounds around them, along with the violas and bleeding hearts. I cleaned up my blackberry beds, dumped some gravel onto the walking paths, and continued to mask/smother turf areas on the south side with cardboard. I'm not quite sure how much I'll be able to accomplish this year, overall, with the southside of my house... I've been so focused on soil building the anti-deer moats that I gave the weeds a pretty high upper hand. We'll see what happens.

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