Earth Month Ecochallenge: Drawdown

April 1 - April 30, 2021

ZAKOI Feed

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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?

Havovi Desai 4/29/2021 10:00 PM

This has been such an incredible month of learning for me! I only wish I had more time to read everything in depth each week. I am looking forward to using these resources to continue learning about topics I didn't have a chance to get to. I am also more inspired to commit to being vegan (something I have tried and failed to do many times)! I am so lucky I live in New York too where the subway system is superb and I never have to use a car - I am hoping more cities begin to implement a public transit system in the coming years. Thank you all for your participation and to my amazing parents for starting this team! :) Go GREEN!

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- Fred Desai 4/29/2021 10:30 PM
  
  Havovi
  
  Thx so much for participating. Also thx to each and every team member for taking some time out for this wonderful cause.
  
  I am certain that each one of us is enriched by this learning experience. Till I took the ecochallenge, I had only heard of why programs, like a weight loss program, were designed to be followed for 3-4 weeks, since that’s the time it takes to form a habit. Ecochallenge showed me that the habit forming strategy does work. I have formed a few new habits for the better, which I think I will continue practicing subconsciously.
  
  Thx
  
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REFLECTION QUESTION
Electricity Learn More About Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy is reliable, abundant, and efficient. Project Drawdown states that public investment will play a crucial role in its expansion. In what ways (i.e. with money, time, advocacy) can you invest in geothermal energy?

A Todds 4/28/2021 6:34 AM

Unfortunately, currently, geothermal is not an option for us (just installed a gas furnace a couple of years ago). However, it is something we can discuss and have people who are considering a new furnace/ac or building, especially if they plan to stay for 10 years. We have a friend who has a geothermal system in their home.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use Learn More about Regenerative Agriculture

Clean 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?

Fred Desai 4/27/2021 11:20 PM

I liked the saying “if u want the soil to feed u, u have to feed it as well.”

Agriculture and cattle rearing have become too commercial these days. Regenerative agriculture, where in addition to the ideal way of farming, the cattle are allowed to wander around freely, follows the natural path, wherein the resources of nature like land, animals, etc are utilized respectfully.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use Composting

Producing 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?

Fred Desai 4/27/2021 11:12 PM

I have heard that because grocery stores want the fruits and vegetables to be perfect without even slight blemishes, many farmers throw away fruits and vegetables if they r not perfect. That is a lot of waste.

There is a company that sells ugly fruits and vegetables at a discounted price. That’s a great idea.

Next time when we go to buy produce, we should not just pick all the best and perfect ones, but even take some that may have a minor defect like a small discolored spot or an odd shape.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Electricity Learn More about Biomass

Had you ever heard of biomass technology before you took this challenge? What did you learn that surprised you? Share your new knowledge with your friends!

Fred Desai 4/27/2021 10:29 AM

I had not heard of biomass technology as a renewable energy before I took up this challenge. I learned that this could be a transition technology, that we could leverage over the next few decades, that gets us from fossil fuels all the way to renewables only, like solar, wind, hydro.

The main thing to keep in mind here is what the source of the biomass is. It could be biomass waste from mills and agriculture. It could also include trees that are cut down strategically to prevent forest fires.

It definitely does NOT include cutting down trees in the Amazon rainforest for example for the sole purpose of burning it.

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Barbara Burke 4/26/2021 11:32 AM

The beautiful clover in my lawn is attracting many honey bees. It is also fixing nitrogen into the soil.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Industry Choose Recycled Paper

Good job on choosing recycled paper! How can you take your action a step further?

Sarosh Sepai 4/26/2021 8:40 AM

Educate people and make township accountable to implement recycling program.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use Keep Track of Wasted Food

An average American throws out about 240 lbs of food per year. The average family of four spends $1,500 a year on food that they throw out. How would you rather use this money?

Sarosh Sepai 4/26/2021 8:39 AM

To pay for my kids education

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Transportation Go by Bike

How does using human-powered transportation make you feel compared to using other methods of transportation?

Kashmin Dalal 4/24/2021 12:50 PM

Biked to campus today & felt very energized to begin studying because of it.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Transportation Use Muscle Power

How do your transportation choices affect your engagement in your community? Does your experience or enjoyment differ while walking, riding transit, biking or driving?

Kashmin Dalal 4/24/2021 12:47 PM

I biked to campus in the rain today. Genuinely loved it. I have been struggling to utilize biking as a means for transportation because I know I can default and drive to my destination with more comfort and ease. But I called a friend on my commute and the ride was really enjoyable.

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