Carmen Deale
"Women of Color (WOC) is committed to be environmentally responsible. "
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 3,111 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO2.0conversationswith people
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UP TO1.0documentarywatched
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UP TO450gallons of waterhave been saved
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UP TO5.0lightbulbsreplaced
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UP TO2.6locally sourced mealsconsumed
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UP TO35meatless or vegan mealsconsumed
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UP TO20milesnot traveled by car
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UP TO11milestraveled by bike
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UP TO20milestraveled by carpool
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UP TO796minutesspent exercising
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UP TO695minutesspent learning
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UP TO240minutesspent outdoors
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UP TO572minutesbeing mindful
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UP TO60plastic containersnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO1,220pounds of CO2have been saved
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UP TO3.3pounds of paperhave been saved
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UP TO2.0public officials or leaderscontacted
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UP TO1.0treeplanted
Carmen 's actions
Buildings
Research Retrofitting Incentives
Building Retrofitting
I will spend at least 30 minutes finding out if my city, region, state, or country offers incentives for retrofitting existing buildings.
Buildings
Explore Other Buildings Solutions
All Buildings Solutions
I will spend at least 30 minutes researching other Drawdown Buildings Solutions.
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
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 30 minutes learning about the legacy of redlining and how city planning and environmental justice issues are interconnected.
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
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
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.
Industry
Share Bioplastic Disposal Tips
Bioplastics
I will spend at least 30 minutes researching how to properly dispose of bioplastics in my city and share this information with 2 friends, family and/or colleagues.
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 30 minute(s) learning about the climate impact of refrigerants and what climate-friendly refrigerants are by using the links below.
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.
Action Track: Climate Resilience
Local Perennial Biomass
Perennial Biomass Production
I will spend at least 30 minutes finding out if anyone is working on perennial biomass projects in my region and how I can get involved.
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
Advocate for Wetland Protection
Coastal Wetland Protection
I will write 1 letter(s) or email(s) per day to a public official or representative to advocate for policies that protect wetlands.
Action Track: Climate Resilience
Restore Wetlands
Coastal Wetland Restoration
I will volunteer 1 hours with a wetland restoration project in my region.
Action Track: Climate Resilience
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: Climate Resilience
Learn about 'Green Gentrification'
Multiple Solutions
I will spend at least 30 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 1 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.
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
Choose LED Bulbs
LED Lighting
I will replace 5 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 30 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of geothermal energy and consider investing in this technology.
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.
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 1 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
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.
Action Track: Accelerating Solutions
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
Action Track: Accelerating Solutions
Contact your Elected Officials
Abandoned Farmland Restoration
I will contact 1 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
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.
Action Track: Accelerating Solutions
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.
Action Track: Accelerating Solutions
Spread the Word about Energy Alternatives
All Electricity Solutions
I will research and tell 2 people each day about the benefits of alternative energy sources like wind turbines, solar energy, geothermal energy, and methane digesters.
Action Track: Accelerating Solutions
Communicate With My Elected Officials
Onshore Wind Turbines, Offshore Wind Turbines
I will write or call 1 elected official(s) telling them not to support fossil fuel subsidies and instead support wind energy generation.
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.
Transportation
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.
Transportation
Research and Advocate for High-Speed Rail
High-Speed Rail
I will spend at least 30 minutes researching and advocating for a comprehensive high speed rail network in my country/region.
Transportation
Use Public Transit
Public Transit
I will use public transit 20 mile(s) per day and avoid sending up to (___) lbs of CO2 into Earth's atmosphere.
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.
Transportation
Purchase a Carbon Offset
Efficient Aviation
If I buy a plane ticket, I will purchase a carbon offset.
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).
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
Research Heat Pumps
High-Efficiency Heat Pumps
I will spend at least 30 minutes researching heat pumps to see if installing one makes sense for my home/building.
Buildings
Plan to Insulate
Insulation
I will find out how to make my home more energy efficient through better insulation and weatherization.
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
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
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.
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 5 single-use plastics and instead replace them with durable options.
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
Smaller Portions
Reduced Food Waste
I will use smaller plates and/or serve smaller portions when dishing out food.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Support Local Food Systems
Plant-Rich Diets
I will source 10 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
Try Carpooling
Carpooling
I will commute by carpool 20 mile(s) per day and avoid sending up to (___) lbs of CO2 into Earth's atmosphere.
Transportation
Go by Bike
Bicycle Infrastructure
I will commute by bike 20 mile(s) each day and avoid sending up to (___) lbs of CO2 into Earth's atmosphere.
Transportation
Go for a Daily Walk
Walkable Cities
I will take a walk for 30 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.
Transportation
Research and Consider Switching to a Hybrid or Electric Vehicle
Electric Cars, Hybrid Cars
I will spend at least 30 minutes researching and weighing my options to see if a hybrid or electric vehicle makes sense for my lifestyle.
Health and Education
Learn about the Need for Family Planning
Health and Education
I will spend at least 30 minutes learning more about the need for family planning globally.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Tend A Garden
I will tend to a garden, or prepare for one, each day using sustainable gardening practices.
Transportation
Explore Other Transportation Solutions
All Transportation Solutions
I will spend at least 30 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
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.
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
Learn the Truth About Expiration Dates
Reduced Food Waste
I will spend at least 30 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.
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
Learn More about Biomass
Biomass Power
I will spend at least 30 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of biomass.
Electricity
Explore Other Electricity Solutions
All Electricity Solutions
I will spend at least 30 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
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.
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.
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.
Land Sinks
Explore My Area
Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 500 minutes in exploring and appreciating a natural area in my region, whether a forest, wetland, coastal area, or somewhere else.
Land Sinks
Buy Bamboo
Bamboo Production
When they are available, I will purchase products made from bamboo instead of wood, plastic, or metal.
Industry
Research Cement Alternatives
Alternative Cement
I will spend at least 45 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
Become A Master Recycler/Composter
Recycling
I will sign up for a Master Recycler/Composter program in my area.
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
Launch a Recycling Program
Recycling
I will set up a recycling center at my workplace or school.
Industry
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.
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.
Industry
Properly Dispose of Refrigerants
Refrigerant Management
I will spend at least 45 minutes learning how to properly dispose of my refrigerator, freezer, and other refrigerants at the end of their useful lives.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Learn More about Regenerative Agriculture
Conservation Agriculture, Regenerative Annual Cropping
I will spend at least 120 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
Give a Microloan
Sustainable Intensification for Smallholders
I will give 1 microloan(s) to women who need help starting a business.
Transportation
Conduct Virtual Meetings
Telepresence
I will encourage my office to hold meetings virtually whenever possible instead of requiring travel.
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 QUESTIONBuildings Upgrade My WindowsHow does improving your home's (or office's) energy efficiency help you better live out your values?
Carmen Deale 4/30/2021 8:29 PMAs I look to improve the energy efficiency in my home, I need less electricity and thus rely less on carbon-intensive power plants. This reduces my home's demand from the plant, which in turn benefits the environment by reducing their carbon dioxide emissions. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONBuildings Online Energy AuditWhat are your next steps for saving energy?
Carmen Deale 4/30/2021 8:23 PMI advise my brother to complete the energy saving for his house. Once the assessment was completed, he noted a couple things to change for cost and energy savings. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONIndustry Share Bioplastic Disposal TipsWhat concerns you the most about how we are affecting the planet? Consider both local and global actions.
Carmen Deale 4/30/2021 8:05 PMWhat concerns me the most about how we are affecting the planet is global warning. Global warming is the long-term heating of Earth's climate system observed since the pre-industrial period due to human activities, primarily fossil fuel burning, which increases heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels in Earth's atmosphere. -
Carmen Deale 4/30/2021 7:50 PMWell Ladies, were near the end of the Eco Challenge. Kudos to everyone for your dedication to check in and post. Well done ladies! Let's bring home. Women of Color on three - one, two, three - Women of Color! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONIndustry Find a Local Climate-Friendly SupermarketHow close is the nearest climate-friendly supermarket to your home? How could you encourage local supermarket to reduce or phase out their use of HFC refrigerants?
Carmen Deale 4/30/2021 7:46 PMThe top five climate-friendly supermarket are. Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe's, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Amazon Green, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). The nearest supermarket is Whole Foods Market.
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REFLECTION QUESTIONIndustry Research the Climate Impact of RefrigerantsWhat did you learn about the climate impact of refrigerants? How do supermarkets contribute to this impact?
Carmen Deale 4/30/2021 4:37 PMMany refrigerants, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) damage the ozone layer, while others are extremely potent greenhouse gases. In fact, one kilogram of the refrigerant R410a has the same greenhouse impact as two tones of carbon dioxide, which is the equivalent of running your car for six months. Supermarkets create more than half of the plastic waste in the household stream in the UK. The Recycling Association and other experts believe supermarkets could do much more to make packaging 100% recyclable and reduce the use of plastic. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONIndustry Learn About & Practice Sustainable FashionHow can you express your personality, creativity, and values in ways that don't require fast fashion or buying more clothes and accessories?
Carmen Deale 4/30/2021 4:34 PMThe global fashion industry is generating a lot of greenhouse gases due to the energy used during its production, manufacturing, and transportation of the millions garments purchased each year. ... “ Cheap synthetic fibers also emit gases like N2O, which is 300 times more damaging than CO2. -
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?
Carmen Deale 4/30/2021 2:20 PMBy growing your own garden, you are the one to decide what goes on your plants and into your soil, allowing you to reduce the amount of harmful chemicals polluting our environment and waterways. Organically growing your own food is sustainable and nourishes your soil by using safe and natural fertilizers and products. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONAction Track: Climate Resilience Plant TreesHow is planting trees good for your mental, physical, and spiritual health?
Carmen Deale 4/30/2021 2:17 PMSpending time around trees and looking at trees reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and improves mood. Numerous studies show that both exercising in forests and simply sitting looking at trees reduce blood pressure as well as the stress-related hormones cortisol and adrenaline. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONAction Track: Climate Resilience Learn about 'Green Gentrification'Cities and towns need to plan for climate change. How can your city or town make its climate action plans equitable and socially just?
Carmen Deale 4/30/2021 2:15 PMMany cities are already doing a lot by using renewable energy sources, cleaner production techniques and regulations or incentives to limit industrial emissions. Cutting emissions will also reduce local pollution from industries and transport, thus improving urban air quality and the health of city dwellers.