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April 1 - April 30, 2021
Melissa Wilcox's avatar

Melissa Wilcox

Deloitte Sacramento

"Committed to working towards a zero waste lifestyle and creating a homestead"

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 1,428 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    1.0
    documentary
    watched
  • UP TO
    780
    gallons of water
    have been saved
  • UP TO
    51
    meatless or vegan meals
    consumed
  • UP TO
    880
    minutes
    spent exercising
  • UP TO
    60
    minutes
    spent learning
  • UP TO
    284
    minutes
    spent outdoors
  • UP TO
    58
    minutes
    being mindful
  • UP TO
    3.3
    pounds of paper
    have been saved

Melissa's actions

Food, Agriculture, and Land Use

Tend A Garden

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

COMPLETED 27
DAILY 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.

COMPLETED 22
DAILY ACTIONS

Electricity

Explore Other Electricity Solutions

All Electricity Solutions

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

UNCOMPLETED
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

Electricity

Learn More about Biomass

Biomass Power

I will spend at least 15 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of biomass.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Industry

Research Cement Alternatives

Alternative Cement

I will spend at least 15 minutes researching cement alternatives that reduce the carbon footprint of concrete.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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 3 friends, family and/or colleagues.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Industry

Become A Master Recycler/Composter

Recycling

I will sign up for a Master Recycler/Composter program in my area.

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.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

UNCOMPLETED
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

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.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Transportation

Explore Other Transportation Solutions

All Transportation Solutions

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

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Transportation

Express My Support For Equitable Biking Infrastructure

Bicycle Infrastructure

I will find out who in my city makes decisions that impact bike routes and express my support for better biking infrastructure.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Transportation

Go for a Daily Walk

Walkable Cities

I will take a walk for 20 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.

COMPLETED 18
DAILY ACTIONS

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.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Buildings

Research Heat Pumps

High-Efficiency Heat Pumps

I will spend at least 10 minutes researching heat pumps to see if installing one makes sense for my home/building.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land Sinks

Support a Community Garden

Multiple Solutions

I will support a community garden by volunteering, donating, or advocating for a new or existing one.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land Sinks

Local Perennial Biomass

Perennial Biomass Production

I will spend at least 15 minutes finding out if anyone is working on perennial biomass projects in my region and how I can get involved.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks

Building With Carbon Storing Waste Products

Engineered Sinks

I will spend at least 20 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

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.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Education

Connect With A Nonprofit

Health and Education

I will connect with a local nonprofit working on issues affecting women, girls, and/or trans and nonbinary people in my community, and find out how I can get involved or become a member.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Education

Fund Family Planning

Health and Education

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

UNCOMPLETED
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 4
DAILY ACTIONS

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Food, Agriculture, and Land Use

Smaller Portions

Reduced Food Waste

I will use smaller plates and/or serve smaller portions when dishing out food.

COMPLETED 22
DAILY ACTIONS

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 24
DAILY ACTIONS

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.

COMPLETED 19
DAILY ACTIONS

Health and Education

Explore the Deloitte WorldClimate Hub

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

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Education

Get your family involved in greening the dot!

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!

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land Sinks

Sign up for Plant Your Change

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!

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Education

Explore the Deloitte World Climate Hub

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

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Education

Donate to the NPSI Earth Month Giving Campaign

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

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Health and Education

Attend the NPSI Intersections Panel on April 28th

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!

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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).

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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
    Land Sinks Forest-Friendly Foods 2
    How difficult or easy was it to change your diet?

    Melissa Wilcox's avatar
    Melissa Wilcox 4/30/2021 12:59 PM
    Oh boy was this harder than expected! We eat a lot of fresh food, so I thought we were doing a pretty good job. It turns out just about everything we get that isn't fresh seems to have palm oil snuck into it even some of my bathroom products! It has been quite the learning experience to try to cut palm oil out and I plan to continue learning and working on eliminating it. 
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Industry Become A Master Recycler/Composter
    What could you do differently to waste less?

    Melissa Wilcox's avatar
    Melissa Wilcox 4/30/2021 12:57 PM
    I think my biggest area for improvement is reducing packaging and purchasing less. I've made big efforts to cut packing out of the kitchen, cleaning and bathroom, but sometimes retail therapy and supplies for hobbies get the better of me. 
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food, Agriculture, and Land Use Smaller Portions
    While dishing food out, we tend to load our plates with more than we need. Using smaller plates helps to mitigate this. Aside from the environmental benefits, what other benefits might come from eating/serving smaller portions?

    Melissa Wilcox's avatar
    Melissa Wilcox 4/30/2021 12:48 PM
    I think the obvious answer here is that eating smaller portions is better for your metabolism and physical, but I think its also better for you mental health. I think it helps us create the mindset of taking just what we need and not more just because it is there
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food, Agriculture, and Land Use Support Nutrient Management
    How does environmental quality influence your sense of community?

    Melissa Wilcox's avatar
    Melissa Wilcox 4/30/2021 12:46 PM
    Environmental quality is a direct influence on my sense of community. The more we care about the environment around us and take care of it and the people in it, the better our community is. Nobody wants to live in a place where there is trash everywhere, the water is polluted and the air is dirty. When we have a collective effort to invest in where we live we create a better community
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Food, Agriculture, and Land Use Tend A Garden
    Have you ever had a significant experience in nature that altered your perspective or focus? If so, please describe it.

    Melissa Wilcox's avatar
    Melissa Wilcox 4/30/2021 12:33 PM
    I feel like just about every time I camp it shifts my focus. I think the most impactful one has been hiking through the narrows in Zion Canyon. Being so deep in a canyon and seeing all the layers of history in the rock is one of the most humbling experiences I've ever had. We are small short lived creatures in the context of Earth
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Buildings Install a Low-Flow Showerhead
    What would a sustainable water future in your region look like? What needs to change?

    Melissa Wilcox's avatar
    Melissa Wilcox 4/28/2021 9:40 AM
    A sustainable water future would be shifting towards native plants and sustainable yards and taking better care of our water resources as the American river is highly polluted. We need to work towards more sustainable agriculture
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Buildings Research Heat Pumps
    Why is taking action on climate change important to you? Why do you care?

    Melissa Wilcox's avatar
    Melissa Wilcox 4/21/2021 9:27 AM
    Sometimes when I've been in nature I think about how small and insignificant humans are compared to an earth that has been here for billions of years. It makes me feel grateful to even be on the planet, we cannot exist without it but it can exist without us. I want to be a part of the ecosystem and not destroy it because we are so fortunate to have all that the earth gives us.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks Building With Carbon Storing Waste Products
    How feasible do you think it is for society to build with agricultural waste products?

    Melissa Wilcox's avatar
    Melissa Wilcox 4/20/2021 11:35 AM
    I think it is completely feasible, but we need to have the incentives, funding, and interest to do so. It's not the easiest solution and it would require going against existing industries which as we've seen in the energy sector is an uphill battle. If we passed legislation that created funding and incentives then I think that this is definitely a feasible solution
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Electricity Calculate My Carbon Footprint
    What stood out to you most about your carbon footprint? What surprised you or sparked curiosity? Where can you take most immediate action?

    Melissa Wilcox's avatar
    Melissa Wilcox 4/19/2021 11:36 AM
    What stood out most to me was that even though I live sustainably relative to most Americans that my lifestyle would require 1.4 earths if everyone lived like me. I was disheartened that if everyone lived like Americans we would need 5 earths, but I can't say I'm surprised. The biggest area for improvement in our household is energy consumption. While our house uses 100% renewable energy we still consume a lot of it and our cars are not efficient. We are discussing how we can work towards less usage by walking/biking and using less appliances. Unfortunately we rent so we can't make big changes that would have a greater impact like our heating/cooling system and insulation.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Industry Go Paperless
    What do you want to prioritize over material 'stuff' in your own life?

    Melissa Wilcox's avatar
    Melissa Wilcox 4/19/2021 9:46 AM
    I prefer to prioritize experience and hobbies. Some things can be more sustainable than other like camping and hiking vs vacationing and traveling oversees. But I try to do the more sustainable ones as much as I can