Erica Bonanno
"The Earth is what we ALL have in common."
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 2,210 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO4.0conversationswith people
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UP TO1.0documentarywatched
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UP TO1,050gallons of waterhave been saved
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UP TO6.0lightbulbsreplaced
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UP TO52locally sourced mealsconsumed
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UP TO56meatless or vegan mealsconsumed
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UP TO840minutesspent exercising
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UP TO335minutesspent learning
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UP TO20minutesspent outdoors
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UP TO690minutesbeing mindful
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UP TO112plastic containersnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO64pounds of CO2have been saved
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UP TO3.3pounds of paperhave been saved
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UP TO4.0treesplanted
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UP TO12zero-waste mealsconsumed
Erica's actions
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.
Transportation
Research and Consider Switching to a Hybrid or Electric Vehicle
Electric Cars, Hybrid Cars
I will spend at least 15 minutes researching and weighing my options to see if a hybrid or electric vehicle makes sense for my lifestyle.
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.
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.
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.
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
Conduct Virtual Meetings
Telepresence
I will encourage my office to hold meetings virtually whenever possible instead of requiring travel.
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
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
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
Zero-waste Cooking
Reduced Food Waste
I will cook 3 meal(s) with zero-waste each day
Electricity
Choose LED Bulbs
LED Lighting
I will replace 4 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.
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 30 minutes researching other Drawdown Food, Agriculture, and Land Use Solutions.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Composting
Composting, Reduced Food Waste
I will start a compost bin where I live.
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
Support Nutrient Management
Nutrient Management
I will research and support local farmers who have made the decision to not use synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.
Health and Education
Research Barriers to Participation and Representation
Health and Education
I will spend at least 30 minutes learning more about the barriers to women's equal participation and representation around the world.
Buildings
Replace Manual Thermostats
Smart Thermostats
I will replace manual thermostats with smart ones.
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.
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
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.
Health and Education
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.
Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks
Learn about the harm humans cause to ocean life
I plan on watching a documentary dedicated to this topic. It is important to know what is happening in our oceans and how we can help rectify the damage done.
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.
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
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 4 friends, family and/or colleagues.
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 3 single-use plastics and instead replace them with durable options.
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.
Action Track: Climate Resilience
Plant Trees
Temperate Forest Restoration
I will plant 2 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
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.
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.
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.
Electricity
Watch a Video about Methane Digesters
Methane Digesters
I will watch a video about methane digesters (also commonly known as anaerobic digesters).
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Reduce Animal Products
Plant-Rich Diets
I will enjoy 1 meatless or vegan meal(s) each day of the challenge.
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
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.
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.
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
Buy Bamboo
Bamboo Production
When they are available, I will purchase products made from bamboo instead of wood, plastic, or metal.
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
Go for a Daily Walk
Walkable Cities
I will take a walk for 15 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.
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.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Smaller Portions
Reduced Food Waste
I will use smaller plates and/or serve smaller portions when dishing out food.
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
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.
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 Go PaperlessWhat do you want to prioritize over material 'stuff' in your own life?
Erica Bonanno 4/30/2021 6:25 PMDecluttering not only your space but your mind and focusing on your wellbeing should be a priority in most people's lives. -
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?
Erica Bonanno 4/30/2021 2:02 PMThe difference between a car that gets 20 MPG and one that gets 30 MPG amounts to $715 per year (assuming 15,000 miles of driving annually and a fuel cost of $2.86).
That's $3,575 extra in fuel costs over five years! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFood, Agriculture, and Land Use Learn More about Regenerative AgricultureClean air, clean water and healthy food are just three reasons to care about regenerative agriculture. What are some other reasons? How could/does regenerative agriculture positively impact you and your community?
Erica Bonanno 4/30/2021 1:59 PMStudies show that regenerative agriculture, due to the measurable increase in soil quality, can help reduce local nutrient pollution due to a decrease in wind and water erosion. For example, nitrogen and phosphate help promote consistent crop yields and are a critical grower tool in our food supply chain; however, when these nutrients enter local bodies of water, it can lead to widespread fish kills and toxic algae blooms. Promoting soil quality and keeping soil on the farm benefits the grower but also keeps our waterways and air clean. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONIndustry Research the Climate Impact of RefrigerantsWhat did you learn about the climate impact of refrigerants? How do supermarkets contribute to this impact?
Erica Bonanno 4/30/2021 9:39 AMOn average, a U.S. supermarket leaks 25% of its refrigerant charge a year, harming our environment. One store using hydrofluorocarbon leaks the equivalent of more than 300 additional cars on the road a year. The emissions from leaking refrigerants in the U.S. alone is equal to 49 billion pounds of coal burned in a year. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLand Sinks Research PeatlandsMuch of Indonesia's peatlands have been drained so they could be replaced with palm oil or pulp and paper plantations. How can you make choices that help to protect peatlands, even if you live far away from one?
Erica Bonanno 4/30/2021 9:13 AMHow to help – go peat free
Tackling peat use in gardening is something we can all influence today. Parts of the world use approximately three billion liters of peat every single year in our gardens.
* One simple action is to just stop buying peat-based compost. The ingredients will be listed on the back of the bag. Instead, only buy peat-free compost, and only buy plants from people who grow peat-free.
* Ask your local garden center or other retailers to commit to being peat free, and to stock and promote more peat-free choices – to make it easier for people to go peat free. -
Erica Bonanno 4/30/2021 6:54 AMBetween 1990 and 2000, Americans wasted a total of 7.1 million tons of cans, enough to manufacture 316,000 Boeing 737 airplanes or enough to reproduce the world’s entire commercial air fleet 25 times. Since the first Earth Day in 1970, Americans have thrown away 910 billion cans worth over $25 billion in current dollars.
Container Recycling Institute, 2002. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLand Sinks Support a Community GardenWhat are the multiple benefits of community gardens, including carbon sequestration? Why do these benefits matter to you?
Erica Bonanno 4/29/2021 11:05 AMOutside our community center we have a community garden that is tended to by volunteers. While community gardens have many benefits social ties are important to the wellbeing of people in a community since they can bring positive health effects and community involvement. Community gardens allow for the creation of social ties and build a greater feeling of community. These connections help reduce crime, empower residents and allow residents to feel safe in their neighborhoods. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONIndustry Share Bioplastic Disposal TipsWhat concerns you the most about how we are affecting the planet? Consider both local and global actions.
Erica Bonanno 4/29/2021 9:35 AMWith overpopulation of human beings, requiring more food, materials, and shelter; all are being manufactured at stupendous rates, mostly stemming from forestry.
Forests are cleared to make way for new humans, which in turn, makes more humans, you can see the problem. According to international data, an estimated 18 million acres of trees are clear-cut each year to make way for new development and wood products- that is just under half of all the trees on the planet since the industrial revolution began.
With trees being one of the largest producers of oxygen, clearly that is not a good thing for humans- and especially not for the animals that call the forest home.
With millions of different species that live in forests, deforestation is a major threat to their survival and a big conservation issue. It also increases greenhouse gases within the atmosphere which leads to further global warming. Such human activities need to stop if we wish to survive. Even more so, recent studies have attributed deforestation to the increase of wildfires in areas like Amazon. Wildfires are equally destructed even more so, displacing both people and entire species. -
Erica Bonanno 4/29/2021 6:56 AMAlthough biochar technology is considered a more recent strategy for carbon sequestration, the practice of adding charred biomass to improve soil quality is not new. This process is modeled after a 2,000-year-old practice in the Amazonian basin, where indigenous people created areas of rich, fertile soils called terra preta (meaning “dark earth”).
Whether these soils were intentionally made or are simply a by-product of farming and/or cooking practices is still unclear. But one thing’s for sure: The fertility of terra preta is significantly higher than the otherwise famously infertile soils of the Amazon. This explains why plants grown in terra preta soil grow faster, and are more nutrient-dense, than plants grown in neighboring soils. In fact, terra preta soils continue to hold carbon still today. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONHealth and Education Research Barriers to Participation and RepresentationWhat are some of the barriers that exist to women's equal participation and/or representation in your community?
Erica Bonanno 4/28/2021 12:18 PMAbout four-in-ten believe higher standards for women and lack of readiness by companies to hire women for top positions and by voters to elect women to higher office are major reasons that there aren’t more women in top leadership roles in business and politics. Other reasons, such as family responsibilities, inexperience, or women not being tough enough, are cited less frequently as significant barriers to female leadership.