Melissa Wilcox
"Committed to working towards a zero waste lifestyle and creating a homestead"
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 1,428 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO1.0documentarywatched
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UP TO780gallons of waterhave been saved
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UP TO51meatless or vegan mealsconsumed
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UP TO880minutesspent exercising
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UP TO60minutesspent learning
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UP TO284minutesspent outdoors
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UP TO58minutesbeing mindful
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UP TO3.3pounds of paperhave 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.
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.
Electricity
Explore Other Electricity Solutions
All Electricity Solutions
I will spend at least 10 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
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
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.
Industry
Research Cement Alternatives
Alternative Cement
I will spend at least 15 minutes researching cement alternatives that reduce the carbon footprint of concrete.
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 3 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
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 10 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.
Transportation
Explore Other Transportation Solutions
All Transportation Solutions
I will spend at least 10 minutes researching other Drawdown Transportation Solutions.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
Support a Community Garden
Multiple Solutions
I will support a community garden by volunteering, donating, or advocating for a new or existing one.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Health and Education
Fund Family Planning
Health and Education
I will donate to supply a community with reproductive health supplies.
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
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
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 3 meatless or vegan meal(s) each day of the challenge.
Health and Education
Explore the Deloitte WorldClimate Hub
Spend 15 minutes browsing the new World Climate Hub website, hosted by Deloitte US Sustainability!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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).
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.
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 QUESTIONLand Sinks Forest-Friendly Foods 2How difficult or easy was it to change your diet?
Melissa Wilcox 4/30/2021 12:59 PMOh 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 QUESTIONIndustry Become A Master Recycler/ComposterWhat could you do differently to waste less?
Melissa Wilcox 4/30/2021 12:57 PMI 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 QUESTIONFood, Agriculture, and Land Use Smaller PortionsWhile 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 4/30/2021 12:48 PMI 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 QUESTIONFood, Agriculture, and Land Use Support Nutrient ManagementHow does environmental quality influence your sense of community?
Melissa Wilcox 4/30/2021 12:46 PMEnvironmental 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 QUESTIONFood, Agriculture, and Land Use Tend A GardenHave you ever had a significant experience in nature that altered your perspective or focus? If so, please describe it.
Melissa Wilcox 4/30/2021 12:33 PMI 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 QUESTIONBuildings Install a Low-Flow ShowerheadWhat would a sustainable water future in your region look like? What needs to change?
Melissa Wilcox 4/28/2021 9:40 AMA 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 QUESTIONBuildings Research Heat PumpsWhy is taking action on climate change important to you? Why do you care?
Melissa Wilcox 4/21/2021 9:27 AMSometimes 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 QUESTIONCoastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks Building With Carbon Storing Waste ProductsHow feasible do you think it is for society to build with agricultural waste products?
Melissa Wilcox 4/20/2021 11:35 AMI 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 QUESTIONElectricity Calculate My Carbon FootprintWhat stood out to you most about your carbon footprint? What surprised you or sparked curiosity? Where can you take most immediate action?
Melissa Wilcox 4/19/2021 11:36 AMWhat 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 QUESTIONIndustry Go PaperlessWhat do you want to prioritize over material 'stuff' in your own life?
Melissa Wilcox 4/19/2021 9:46 AMI 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