Kathleen Ackerman

Learn about the role that healthy soil plays in mitigating climate change.

When they are available, I will purchase products made from bamboo instead of wood, plastic, or metal.

I will spend at least 30 minutes researching the impact of my diet to see how it contributes to deforestation.

I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy.

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.

I will spend at least 30 minutes researching heat pumps to see if installing one makes sense for my home/building.

I will find out how to make my home more energy efficient through better insulation and weatherization.

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.

I will explore the interactive map in the links below to find a supermarket that does not use HFC refrigerants near my home.

I will spend 30 minute(s) learning about the climate impact of refrigerants and what climate-friendly refrigerants are by using the links below.

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

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning about the need for more regenerative agriculture.

I will start a compost bin where I live.

I will prevent water runoff and increase absorbency by mulching the base of trees and plants in my yard.

I will research and support local farmers who have made the decision to not use synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.

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 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.

I will spend at least 30 minutes researching other Drawdown Electricity Solutions.

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

I will spend at least 30 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of geothermal energy and consider investing in this technology.

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.

Native plants often struggle to survive with the over abundance of invasive plants. Plantings that are native to our area best serve wildlife and a healthy habitat.

The goal is to understand, firsthand, how local farmers are putting these soil solutions into practice. We have a local farmer who has agreed to join our discussion.