Aruna Ravi
"Take care of Earth… good planets are hard to find"
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 1,611 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO1.0advocacy actioncompleted
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UP TO1.0conversationwith a person
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UP TO1.0documentarywatched
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UP TO1.0energy auditconducted
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UP TO450gallons of waterhave been saved
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UP TO3.0lightbulbsreplaced
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UP TO51locally sourced mealsconsumed
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UP TO65meatless or vegan mealsconsumed
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UP TO365minutesspent exercising
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UP TO275minutesspent learning
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UP TO60minutesspent outdoors
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UP TO226minutesbeing mindful
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UP TO52plastic containersnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO4,359pounds of CO2have been saved
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UP TO3.3pounds of paperhave been saved
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UP TO30zero-waste mealsconsumed
Aruna's actions
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.
Transportation
Purchase a Carbon Offset
Efficient Aviation
If I buy a plane ticket, I will purchase a carbon offset.
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.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Zero-waste Cooking
Reduced Food Waste
I will cook 1 meal(s) with zero-waste each day
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Buildings
Explore Other Buildings Solutions
All Buildings Solutions
I will spend at least 15 minutes researching other Drawdown Buildings Solutions.
Buildings
Research Retrofitting Incentives
Building Retrofitting
I will spend at least 15 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 15 minutes learning about the legacy of redlining and how city planning and environmental justice issues are interconnected.
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
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.
Transportation
Explore Other Transportation Solutions
All Transportation Solutions
I will spend at least 15 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 15 minutes researching and advocating for a comprehensive high speed rail network in my country/region.
Transportation
Stay on the Ground
Telepresence, High-Speed Rail
Instead of traveling by plane, I will find an alternative way to accomplish the goals of an upcoming trip (i.e. telepresence, vacation locally).
Industry
Research Cement Alternatives
Alternative Cement
I will spend at least 15 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 15 minutes researching how to properly dispose of bioplastics in my city and share this information with 1 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
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 2 single-use plastics and instead replace them with durable options.
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
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
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.
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.
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 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
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 25 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.
Electricity
Explore Other Electricity Solutions
All Electricity Solutions
I will spend at least 15 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 Biomass
Biomass Power
I will spend at least 15 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of biomass.
Electricity
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.
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 3 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.
Electricity
Choose Renewable Energy or Purchase Renewable Energy Credits
Onshore Wind Turbines, Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaics
I will sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option. If my utility does not offer one, I will purchase Renewable Energy Credits to match my usage.
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.
Health and Education
Research Barriers to Participation and Representation
Health and Education
I will spend at least 15 minutes learning more about the barriers to women's equal participation and representation around the world.
Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks
Building With Carbon Storing Waste Products
Engineered Sinks
I will spend at least 15 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 15 minute(s) learning about biochar and how it can help sequester carbon.
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
Learn the Truth About Expiration Dates
Reduced Food Waste
I will spend at least 15 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.
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
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
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
Composting
Composting, Reduced Food Waste
I will start a compost bin where I live.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Reduce Animal Products
Plant-Rich Diets
I will enjoy 3 meatless or vegan meal(s) each day of the challenge.
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.
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 More about Silvopasture
Silvopasture
I will spend at least 15 minutes watching videos and/or reading about the environmental benefits of silvopasture.
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.
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
Explore My Area
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.
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 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?
Aruna Ravi 4/30/2021 11:58 PMLeftover scraps from vegetables such as the skins, tops, and stalks can be used to create a flavorful broth. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONTransportation Research and Consider Switching to a Hybrid or Electric VehicleReducing (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?
Aruna Ravi 4/30/2021 11:52 PMEVs help decrease sole reliance on fossil fuels for transportation, and also reduce the emissions that contribute to climate change and smog, improving public health, and reducing ecological damage. I bought my first car - a 2020 Chevy Bolt last year! :) -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFood, Agriculture, and Land Use Eat MindfullyMindful eating is healthier for us than eating with distractions. How does your eating experience differ when practicing mindfulness?
Aruna Ravi 4/30/2021 11:45 PMMindful eating enables me to better appreciate and enjoy my meal, and focus more on nutritionally healthy foods. -
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?
Aruna Ravi 4/30/2021 11:39 PMThe “use-by” date is aimed at consumers as a directive of the date by which the product should be eaten; mostly because of quality, not because the item will necessarily make us sick if eaten after the use-by date. However, after the use-by date, product quality is likely to go down much faster and safety could be lessened. The “sell-by” date is aimed at retailers, and it informs them of the date by which the product should be sold or removed from shelf life. This does not mean that the product is unsafe to consume after the date. Typically, one-third of a product’s shelf-life remains after the sell-by date for the consumer to use at home. The “best-by” date is a suggestion to the consumer on which date the product should be consumed to assure ideal quality.
Confusion over date labeling leads to billions of pounds of food waste every year. Knowing the difference between these labels can empower us to make better decisions and reduce food waste.
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REFLECTION QUESTIONElectricity Choose LED BulbsChanging lightbulbs is an excellent first step toward energy efficiency! What's next for you?
Aruna Ravi 4/30/2021 11:35 PMWe must take efforts to minimize energy usage whenever possible. Turn off the lights when not needed. Use a fan instead of air conditioning when possible. Support renewable energy sources. Small steps by each us add up to create a big impact towards protecting our environment. -
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?
Aruna Ravi 4/30/2021 11:31 PMBy incorporating a mostly vegan diet, I have removed/replaced dairy and eggs from my meals (I’ve never eaten meat, ever). Meat, dairy, and egg production fuel deforestation for animal agriculture. Plant-based options are way more planet-friendly, and they’re also much better for our health. I am also consciously avoiding palm oil, which is actually responsible for mass deforestation across Indonesia and Malaysia.Around 300 football fields of forests are cleared every hour to create palm plantations. In one year alone, Indonesia lost 8,000 sq miles of rainforest to palm production and there is no sign that this rate of deforestation will slow anytime soon. Palm oil production has been especially devastating to the world’s orangutan population. Nearly 90% of their native habitat has been lost to palm plantations. As consumers, we can help to slow the damage being done to the planet and the animals by removing palm oil from our diets. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFood, Agriculture, and Land Use Reduce Animal ProductsWhy do people in richer countries eat more meat than people in other places? How does eating more meat affect our bodies, our planet, and other people?
Aruna Ravi 4/30/2021 11:17 PMThere is a notion that meat provides more energy or protein and in some cases, certain meat dishes are considered as a "delicacy" or "luxury" that are accessible only to rich or affluent people. Unfortunately, this conditions society into believing that eating meat is "necessary" for protein, or that meat dishes are "better" than plant-based dishes.However, research shows that vegans and vegetarians have longer lives with fewer health problems. Vegans get more than sufficient protein and other nutrients from a wholesome plant-based diet. A plant-based lifestyle prevents cruelty to animals, is better for our health, and lowers carbon emissions as animal agriculture is one of THE BIGGEST SOURCES OF GREENHOUSE GASES. Eating more meat is bad for the animals, the planet, and the people. There are countless amazing plant-based options out there to try out. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONAction Track: Accelerating Solutions Advocate For Greener VehiclesHow does advocating for green vehicles in your community connect to your values? How might you be able to get others involved in advocating for the shift to fuel-efficient vehicles?
Aruna Ravi 4/30/2021 11:03 PMUsing and advocating for green vehicles aligns with my values towards sustainable living. EVs help decrease sole reliance on fossil fuels for transportation, and also reduce the emissions that contribute to climate change and smog, improving public health, and reducing ecological damage. -
Aruna Ravi 4/22/2021 11:56 PM~Every day is Earth Day~