Parin Patel
" We have forgotten how to be good guests, how to walk lightly on the earth as its other creatures do."
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 2,502 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO2.0advocacy actionscompleted
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UP TO2.0conversationswith people
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UP TO1.0documentarywatched
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UP TO1.0energy auditconducted
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UP TO1,320gallons of waterhave been saved
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UP TO20lightbulbsreplaced
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UP TO5.2locally sourced mealsconsumed
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UP TO29meatless or vegan mealsconsumed
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UP TO30milesnot traveled by car
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UP TO10milestraveled by bike
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UP TO30milestraveled by carpool
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UP TO990minutesspent exercising
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UP TO564minutesspent learning
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UP TO260minutesspent outdoors
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UP TO395minutesbeing mindful
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UP TO40plastic containersnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO331pounds of CO2have been saved
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UP TO3.3pounds of paperhave been saved
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UP TO3.0public officials or leaderscontacted
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UP TO3.0treesplanted
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UP TO36zero-waste mealsconsumed
Parin's actions
Electricity
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.
Electricity
Spread the Word about Energy Alternatives
All Electricity Solutions
I will research and tell 1 people each day about the benefits of alternative energy sources like wind turbines, solar energy, geothermal energy, and methane digesters.
Electricity
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.
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.
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).
Industry
Launch a Recycling Program
Recycling
I will set up a recycling center at my workplace or school.
Land Sinks
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.
Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks
Restore Wetlands
Coastal Wetland Restoration
I will volunteer 2 hours with a wetland restoration project in my region.
Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks
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.
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
Start a Social Media Campaign
Health and Education
Through social media, I will raise awareness about gender inequity in education by sharing the information found in the links below.
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.
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
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.
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.
Health and Education
Research Barriers to Participation and Representation
Health and Education
I will spend at least 15 minutes learning more about the barriers to women's equal participation and representation around the world.
Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks
Building With Carbon Storing Waste Products
Engineered Sinks
I will spend at least 10 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.
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 2 friends, family and/or colleagues.
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.
Land Sinks
Explore My Area
Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 20 minutes in exploring and appreciating a natural area in my region, whether a forest, wetland, coastal area, or somewhere else.
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.
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.
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
Plant Trees
Temperate Forest Restoration
I will plant 1 tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.
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
Explore Other Buildings Solutions
All Buildings Solutions
I will spend at least 15 minutes researching other Drawdown Buildings Solutions.
Buildings
Research Heat Pumps
High-Efficiency Heat Pumps
I will spend at least 15 minutes researching heat pumps to see if installing one makes sense for my home/building.
Action Track: Climate Resilience
Local Perennial Biomass
Perennial Biomass Production
I will spend at least 015 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.
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.
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
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
Electricity
Explore Other Electricity Solutions
All Electricity Solutions
I will spend at least 30 minutes researching other Drawdown Electricity Solutions.
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
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
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.
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
Donate
Improved Clean Cookstoves
I will donate to nonprofits that install clean cookstoves in low-income countries.
Land Sinks
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.
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.
Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks
Learn about Biochar
Biochar Production
I will spend 30 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
Support Businesses Owned by Women, BIPOC, or Immigrants
Sustainable Intensification for Smallholders
I will spend 20 minutes researching businesses owned by women, immigrants, and Black, Indigenous, and people of color that I can support when shopping.
Health and Education
Learn about the Need for Family Planning
Health and Education
I will spend at least 15 minutes learning more about the need for family planning globally.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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 20 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of biomass.
Electricity
Choose LED Bulbs
LED Lighting
I will replace 20 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.
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.
Action Track: Climate Resilience
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
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
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
Plan to Insulate
Insulation
I will find out how to make my home more energy efficient through better insulation and weatherization.
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
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
Research Cement Alternatives
Alternative Cement
I will spend at least 10 minutes researching cement alternatives that reduce the carbon footprint of concrete.
Transportation
Conduct Virtual Meetings
Telepresence
I will encourage my office to hold meetings virtually whenever possible instead of requiring travel.
Transportation
Go for a Daily Walk
Walkable Cities
I will take a walk for 60 minutes each day and take note of the infrastructure that makes walking more or less enjoyable, accessible, and possible.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
Transportation
Go by Bike
Bicycle Infrastructure
I will commute by bike 5 mile(s) each day and avoid sending up to (___) lbs of CO2 into Earth's atmosphere.
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.
Transportation
Try Carpooling
Carpooling
I will commute by carpool 25 mile(s) per day and avoid sending up to (___) lbs of CO2 into Earth's atmosphere.
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
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
Zero-waste Cooking
Reduced Food Waste
I will cook 1 meal(s) with zero-waste each day
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 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.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Garden
Planted me own garden
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Composting
Composting, Reduced Food Waste
I will start a compost bin where I live.
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.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Buy Local
Have been buying a lot more local farm fresh products
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Learn More about Regenerative Agriculture
Conservation Agriculture, Regenerative Annual Cropping
I will spend at least 15 minutes learning about the need for more regenerative agriculture.
Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks
Documentary
Watched a documentary called Seaspiracy which shows how the fishing industry is hurting the ecosystem.
Industry
Become A Master Recycler/Composter
Recycling
I will sign up for a Master Recycler/Composter program in my area.
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
Explore Other Transportation Solutions
All Transportation Solutions
I will spend at least 15 minutes researching other Drawdown Transportation Solutions.
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 Tour a Green RoofWhat did you learn on your green roof tour?
Parin Patel 4/30/2021 1:11 PMThe biggest advantage of it is how it's self sustaining once it has been set up. The benefits of it are providing shade, removing heat from the air, reducing the temperature of the roof's surface and air quality. Along with that it provides a place for birds and insects. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONIndustry Share Bioplastic Disposal TipsWhat concerns you the most about how we are affecting the planet? Consider both local and global actions.
Parin Patel 4/30/2021 1:07 PMNow through social media we are seeing all the environmental concerns such as pollution, deforestation, food waste, global warming, plant & animal habitat destruction and disregard for our waterway. All these are concerning issues that need to be addressed if we are you have a healthy future. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLand Sinks Contact your Elected OfficialsDo you have any personal connections to a farm or farmland? If so, what are they? What feelings are evoked for you when thinking about declining farmland?
Parin Patel 4/30/2021 12:59 PMMy father grew up having a farm and hearing how they were able to sustain themselves without relying on getting their food elsewhere was pretty impressive since nowadays were are always running to the grocery store to buy food. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONCoastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks Restore WetlandsHow do wetlands differ from other ecosystems -- both in the services they offer and in your personal experience of them?
Parin Patel 4/30/2021 10:26 AMIt differs wetlands actually impact other ecosystems by providing flood protections, water purification, shoreline stabilization, helping fish and wildlife habitat along with recharging water supplies. -
Parin Patel 4/30/2021 7:43 AMFor the month of April every Thursday Lowe's Hardware had a free giveaway for their Springfest Event. I have able to get a Butterfly House. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONIndustry Reduce Single-Use DisposablesWhat single-use items (e.g. straws, coffee cups, vegetable bags, plastic bags) do you regularly use? What could be substituted instead?
Parin Patel 4/29/2021 7:37 PMSomething that I have been doing for years is using my own coffee cup in the office along with a reusable water bottle. Also when shopping we always make use of reusable bags. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONTransportation Stay on the GroundWhat was your process like for restructuring your trip? How can you avoid more air travel in the future?
Parin Patel 4/29/2021 7:32 PMInstead of flying we decided that it would be more cost effective and environmentally friendly by driving. Although it took us slightly longer we realized that the amount of time to get to the airport, the whole process of boarding and landing did not make too much of a difference. Being in the location we are in the country we will certainly consider driving to make we can easily take a flight to. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONHealth and Education Make School More AffordableWhy is it important that girls have equal access to education in order to reduce our global greenhouse gas emissions?
Parin Patel 4/29/2021 1:21 PMResearch has shown that education helps women better understand the dangers of global warming and prepare for disasters. A UN study has also shown the educating girls could result in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 51.48 gigatonnes by 2050. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONElectricity Communicate With My Elected OfficialsWhat inspires you to act on sustainable energy and other energy issues?
Parin Patel 4/29/2021 1:16 PMAs we have seen the amount of pollution that has already occurred it is imperative that we can do out part for future generations. Looking into other means of energy is only going to be beneficial to us as it will improve our quality of life, health, provide economic relief and bring back balance to mother nature. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONHealth and Education Support Businesses Owned by Women, BIPOC, or ImmigrantsGlobally, women typically invest a higher proportion of their earnings in their families and communities than men. What have you done in the past to support women-owned businesses? How can you better support communities by supporting women?
Parin Patel 4/29/2021 1:09 PMWe have seen that there is now an initiative where certain products specify that it is women owned and we have gotten a few items to support them.