Nicole B
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 1,031 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO9.0conversationswith people
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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 TO8.0lightbulbsreplaced
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UP TO10meatless or vegan mealsconsumed
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UP TO40minutesspent exercising
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UP TO375minutesspent learning
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UP TO370minutesspent outdoors
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UP TO389minutesbeing mindful
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UP TO1.0personhelped
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UP TO18plastic containersnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO578pounds of CO2have been saved
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UP TO3.3pounds of paperhave been saved
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UP TO6.0zero-waste mealsconsumed
Nicole's actions
Electricity
Spread the Word about Energy Alternatives
All Electricity Solutions
I will research and tell 3 people each day about the benefits of alternative energy sources like wind turbines, solar energy, geothermal energy, and methane digesters.
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
Host a Film Screening
Health and Education
I will host a virtual film screening and discussion about women's and gender equality issues.
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
Research Barriers to Participation and Representation
Health and Education
I will spend at least 20 minutes learning more about the barriers to women's equal participation and representation around the world.
Health and Education
Help Students Overcome Health Barriers
Health and Education
I will donate 3 Femme Kit(s) to help people who menstruate overcome health and sanitation barriers to being able to attend school.
Health and Education
Make School More Affordable
Health and Education
I will raise funds to help make school affordable for girls around the world.
Health and Education
Fund Family Planning
Health and Education
I will donate to supply a community with reproductive health supplies.
Health and Education
Learn about the Need for Family Planning
Health and Education
I will spend at least 20 minutes learning more about the need for family planning globally.
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.
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.
Land Sinks
Research Peatlands
Peatland Protection and Rewetting
I will spend 20 minutes researching the environmental benefits of peatlands and what is being done around the world to conserve and restore them.
Land Sinks
Learn about Temperate Forests
Temperate Forest Restoration
I will spend at least 20 minutes learning more about the environmental services provided by and the environmental issues affecting temperate forests.
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
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.
Land Sinks
Forest-Friendly Foods 1
Tropical Forest Restoration
I will spend at least 20 minutes researching the impact of my diet to see how it contributes to deforestation.
Buildings
Explore Other Buildings Solutions
All Buildings Solutions
I will spend at least 20 minutes researching other Drawdown Buildings Solutions.
Buildings
Research Retrofitting Incentives
Building Retrofitting
I will spend at least 20 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 20 minutes learning about the legacy of redlining and how city planning and environmental justice issues are interconnected.
Buildings
Tour a Green Roof
Green and Cool Roofs
I will set up a visit or a virtual tour of a green roof in my city, and ask about the codes and process for installing a green roof.
Buildings
Replace Manual Thermostats
Smart Thermostats
I will replace manual thermostats with smart ones.
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
Fix Leaky Faucets
Low-Flow Fixtures
I will fix faucets or report leaky faucets to facilities. Fixing leaky faucets can save up to 9 gallons (34 L) of water a day or 270 (1,020 L) gallons of water a month per faucet.
Buildings
Research Heat Pumps
High-Efficiency Heat Pumps
I will spend at least 20 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.
Industry
Research Cement Alternatives
Alternative Cement
I will spend at least 20 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 20 minutes researching how to properly dispose of bioplastics in my city and share this information with 3 friends, family and/or colleagues.
Industry
Launch a Recycling Program
Recycling
I will set up a recycling center at my workplace or school.
Industry
Become A Master Recycler/Composter
Recycling
I will sign up for a Master Recycler/Composter program in my area.
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
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
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 6 single-use plastics and instead replace them with durable options.
Industry
Properly Dispose of Refrigerants
Refrigerant Management
I will spend at least 20 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 20 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: Climate Resilience
Learn More about Silvopasture
Silvopasture
I will spend at least 30 minutes watching videos and/or reading about the environmental benefits of silvopasture.
Action Track: Climate Resilience
Local Perennial Biomass
Perennial Biomass Production
I will spend at least 20 minutes finding out if anyone is working on perennial biomass projects in my region and how I can get involved.
Action Track: Climate Resilience
Restore Wetlands
Coastal Wetland Restoration
I will volunteer 12 hours with a wetland restoration project in my region.
Action Track: Climate Resilience
Learn about 'Green Gentrification'
Multiple Solutions
I will spend at least 20 minutes learning about green gentrification and how it relates to city planning for climate action.
Action Track: Climate Resilience
Plant Trees
Temperate Forest Restoration
I will plant 4 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.
Action Track: Climate Resilience
Support a Community Garden
Multiple Solutions
I will support a community garden by volunteering, donating, or advocating for a new or existing one.
Action Track: Accelerating Solutions
Advocate for Wetland Protection
Coastal Wetland Protection
I will write 2 letter(s) or email(s) per day to a public official or representative to advocate for policies that protect wetlands.
Action Track: Accelerating Solutions
Express My Support For Walkable Cities
Walkable Cities
I will find out who in my city makes decisions that impact neighborhood walkability and express my support for better walking infrastructure.
Action Track: Accelerating Solutions
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.
Action Track: Accelerating Solutions
Support Businesses Owned by Women, BIPOC, or Immigrants
Sustainable Intensification for Smallholders
I will spend 30 minutes researching businesses owned by women, immigrants, and Black, Indigenous, and people of color that I can support when shopping.
Action Track: Accelerating Solutions
Donate
Improved Clean Cookstoves
I will donate to nonprofits that install clean cookstoves in low-income countries.
Action Track: Accelerating Solutions
Advocate for Forest Protection
Forest Protection
I will contact 2 congress people or representatives to advocate for public policy that protects forests and the enforcement of existing anti-logging laws, as well as the rights of local people to protect and restore the land in their communities.
Action Track: Accelerating Solutions
Contact your Elected Officials
Abandoned Farmland Restoration
I will contact 2 elected officials to voice my opinion on the importance of restoring farmland in my region, including both public and private land.
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
Communicate With My Elected Officials
Onshore Wind Turbines, Offshore Wind Turbines
I will write or call 2 elected official(s) telling them not to support fossil fuel subsidies and instead support wind energy generation.
Action Track: Accelerating Solutions
Support Microgeneration in Low Income Countries
Small Hydropower, Micro Wind Turbines, Microgrids
I will make a donation to a nonprofit that installs microgeneration in low income countries.
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 20 minutes researching other Drawdown Food, Agriculture, and Land Use Solutions.
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
Tend A Garden
I will tend to a garden, or prepare for one, each day using sustainable gardening practices.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Learn More about Regenerative Agriculture
Conservation Agriculture, Regenerative Annual Cropping
I will spend at least 20 minutes learning about the need for more regenerative agriculture.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Composting
Composting, Reduced Food Waste
I will start a compost bin where I live.
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
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
Give a Microloan
Sustainable Intensification for Smallholders
I will give 1 microloan(s) to women who need help starting a business.
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.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Zero-waste Cooking
Reduced Food Waste
I will cook 2 meal(s) with zero-waste each day
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Learn the Truth About Expiration Dates
Reduced Food Waste
I will spend at least 20 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.
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
Support Local Food Systems
Plant-Rich Diets
I will source 65 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.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Reduce Animal Products
Plant-Rich Diets
I will enjoy 2 meatless or vegan meal(s) each day of the challenge.
Transportation
Research and Advocate for High-Speed Rail
High-Speed Rail
I will spend at least 20 minutes researching and advocating for a comprehensive high speed rail network in my country/region.
Transportation
Explore Other Transportation Solutions
All Transportation Solutions
I will spend at least 20 minutes researching other Drawdown Transportation Solutions.
Transportation
Conduct Virtual Meetings
Telepresence
I will encourage my office to hold meetings virtually whenever possible instead of requiring travel.
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 20 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.
Transportation
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
Transportation
Research and Consider Switching to a Hybrid or Electric Vehicle
Electric Cars, Hybrid Cars
I will spend at least 20 minutes researching and weighing my options to see if a hybrid or electric vehicle makes sense for my lifestyle.
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).
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
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
Explore Other Electricity Solutions
All Electricity Solutions
I will spend at least 20 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
Solar Water Consultation
Solar Hot Water
I will contact a local installer/distributor to see if a solar water heater makes sense for my house.
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.
Electricity
Rooftop Solar Consultation
Distributed Solar Photovoltaics
After researching the incentives at the federal, state, utility, and local levels, I will contact a local installer/distributor for a solar panel installation consultation on my house.
Electricity
Learn More about Biomass
Biomass Power
I will spend at least 20 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of biomass.
Electricity
Choose LED Bulbs
LED Lighting
I will replace 8 incandescent lightbulb(s) with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.
Electricity
Learn More About Geothermal Energy
Geothermal Power
I will spend at least 20 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of geothermal energy and consider investing in this technology.
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 QUESTIONIndustry Research Cement AlternativesConcrete is a good example of a material that most of us encounter every day, but its carbon footprint may not be obvious. What other everyday materials might have a large carbon footprint? How can you find out more?
Nicole B 4/27/2021 9:31 AMHempcrete! Seeing the growth in hemp everything over the last few years has been so interesting, the innovation of hempcrete to replace tradition building materials is pretty cool! I know want a home made out of hempcrete!-
Nathan Hungate 4/27/2021 11:27 AMI love hempcrete - if you're looking for a home made with hempcrete you should highly consider a pole barn construction (post frame) that uses hempcrete as the insulation. Hempcrete is not load bearing so it will not work as your foundation walls, but both of those solutions used together are incredibly efficient and very high in insulation value! Hempcrete all the way
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REFLECTION QUESTIONFood, Agriculture, and Land Use CompostingProducing food that goes uneaten squanders many resources—seeds, water, energy, land, fertilizer, hours of labor, financial capital. Which of these kinds of waste most motivates you to change your behavior regarding food waste? Why?
Nicole B 4/23/2021 9:30 AMI already had one compost bin going at my house it was a stand alone system that could use more capacity so I did opt for a secondary one because in reality there is still items that could be composted opposed to throwing them in the trash! Evaluating what goes in the trash can be eye opening when you realize there is a better way to dispose of food waste and other compostable materials. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONIndustry Go PaperlessWhat do you want to prioritize over material 'stuff' in your own life?
Nicole B 4/20/2021 1:48 PMI made sure to sign up for paperless billing on any bank or utility account that I wasn't already on paperless for. It feels good to save paper because I pay most bills online and it makes perfect sense to consolidate those bills into electronic format that has less of an impact on the environment!! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONAction Track: Climate Resilience Support a Community GardenWhat are the multiple benefits of community gardens, including carbon sequestration? Why do these benefits matter to you?
Nicole B 4/20/2021 1:45 PMBeing a denver resident it is hard to find a good spot for a garden in your yard so community gardens are a great option to get outside and get your hands dirty. I am lucky to have a garden in my yard but I recently helped a friend sign up for a plot at their apartment complex and helped get her going with some seeds and showed her some online resources to get their starter plants ready to get in the ground. Growing our own food is an essential life skill!! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONBuildings Install a Low-Flow ShowerheadWhat would a sustainable water future in your region look like? What needs to change?
Nicole B 4/20/2021 1:41 PMI just happened to need a new shower head but I have procrastinated in purchasing and installing a new one so this challenge was a wonderful reminder to get it done in the name of loving mother earth!! I had no space for any excuse to put it off any longer, and I feel pretty good about the idea of saving 450 gallons a year on water! -
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.
Nicole B 4/14/2021 7:06 AMJust getting my garden really going, starter plants getting prepped inside and tilling the beds outside preparing them for summer. Gardening is such a positive activity and will provide the benefit of both relaxation and the nutrition it will produce. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONElectricity Rooftop Solar ConsultationIdentify some ways in which modern human societies have become unsustainable. What kind of roles do individuals have in creating and changing practices in society?
Nicole B 4/14/2021 7:00 AMI own a home on the western slope of Colorado that definitely gets 300+ days of sunshine a year in its high desert climate so I have always thought about looking into installing some kind of solar panel set up and this small push from the eco challenge finally gave me the final nudge to do more research and set an appointment for consultation on my home! -
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?
Nicole B 4/13/2021 8:07 AMI hate wasting food so this was an easy action for me to commit to. If we can make conscious choices everyday about our food and how to eliminate waste we can all work towards a world that ensures a brighter future. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONElectricity Choose LED BulbsChanging lightbulbs is an excellent first step toward energy efficiency! What's next for you?
Nicole B 4/13/2021 8:02 AMSuch an easy and inexpensive upgrade. Took no time at all and made me feel good about my energy choices. Who can argue with an upgrade that benefits your wallet and the environment as a whole!! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONBuildings Upgrade My WindowsHow does improving your home's (or office's) energy efficiency help you better live out your values?
Nicole B 4/12/2021 4:19 PMOver the weekend I helped install new lightbulbs for outdated models and placed new weather stripping on several doors. Small projects can have big impacts over time!!