Deborah Ngwenyama
"I aim to promote sustainability, eco-friendly habits, and raise awareness about biodiversity and environmental consciousness. Together we can make a meaningful difference in preserving earth's rich diversity and ensuring a thriving environment for future generations."
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 110 THIS WEEK
- 1,192 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO47meatless or vegan mealsconsumed
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UP TO1.0Carbon FootprintCalculated
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UP TO1.0energy auditconducted
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UP TO23poundswaste composted
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UP TO231pieces of litterpicked up
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UP TO1.0water footprintcalculated
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UP TO0.0advocacy actionscompleted
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UP TO2.0community eventshosted or attended
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UP TO15minutesspent outdoors
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UP TO533minutesspent learning
Deborah's actions
Action Track: Community
Sustainability Lunch and Learn
Learning in a social setting can inspire connection and change. I will work with a friend or colleague to plan and host a lunch and learn at work, school, in my neighborhood or other location to learn more about an environmental topic important to me. After the lunch and learn, I will share more about it on the feed.
Climate + Air
Choose Renewable Energy
Renewable energy options are becoming more widespread and accessible. Not only are they good for the planet, they can help save money as well. I will sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option. If my utility does not offer one, I will contact them to advocate for this option in the future.
Climate + Air
Consume only Needs vs Wants
The more stuff we consume, the more greenhouse gasses we put into the atmosphere. I will adopt a "Needs Vs. Wants" approach this month and only buy things I need.
Land + Forests
Choose Eco-Friendly Wood and Paper
Trees provide food and habitat for local wildlife species, shade our streets and homes, and help keep our air and water clean by capturing pollutants. Buying products that help protect forests makes a difference. I will only purchase wood, furniture, and paper products from ecologically certified sources such as Forest Stewardship Council.
Freshwater + Oceans
Smart Seafood Choices
We need to support healthy seafood populations. I will spend 20 minutes learning about sustainable seafood choices, commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean, and share what I learned on the feed.
Freshwater + Oceans
Reduce Pollutants in Cleaning
Understanding cleaning product ingredients and their effect on water and biodiversity is helpful to our consumer choices. I will spend 15 minutes learning about how cleaning products affect our water and try making my own cleaning products to reduce pollutants.
Biodiversity + Wildlife
Seek Alternative Gifts and Souvenirs
When traveling, I will seek souvenirs that support local communities and do not cause harm to the environment or wildlife.
Biodiversity + Wildlife
Save the Bees
Bees are vital to ecosystems. To help save the bees, I will learn which local flowers provide nectar and plant them in my backyard or in a pot on my balcony.
Action Track: Community
Borrow Before I Buy
Why buy something I will only use once or a few times if someone nearby has it for me to borrow, and why not share something I have that someone may only need a few times a year? To reduce my consumption and waste, I will create or support the sharing economy with friends, family, colleagues or neighbors.
Action Track: Community
Join a Cleanup Effort
I will organize or participate in a trash pickup at a local river, beach, or natural body of water.
Climate + Air
Low Carbon Diet
Carbon is emitted into the atmosphere in a variety of ways, including through the foods we eat and food we waste. I will learn about low carbon foods and replace higher carbon foods with them in my diet.
Climate + Air
Online Energy Audit
Energy use and waste is often invisible. I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy.
Land + Forests
Explore My Area
When we explore natural spaces around us, our connections with them change. I will spend 12 minutes exploring a new area around my neighborhood, office, or campus (e.g., park, water body, nearby trail, community garden, green space, etc.).
Land + Forests
Regenerative Agriculture and Me
Regenerative agriculture focuses on farming and ranching in a way that supports life and restores the soil. I will spend 8 minutes learning about regenerative agriculture and find out if any nearby farms practice regenerative agriculture.
Land + Forests
Compost Food Waste
Food in the landfill is one of the main sources of greenhouse gasses. I will avoid sending up to .69 lbs (.31 kg) of food waste to the landfill per day by composting my food.
Land + Forests
Zero Waste Day
The impacts of our waste are far reaching. I will create zero waste for an entire day and share my reflections and learnings on the feed.
Land + Forests
Keep My Community Clean
At times it may not feel like it's up to us to keep our community clean and healthy, but we all have a role to play. Each day I am outside, I will pick up any litter I see.
Biodiversity + Wildlife
Reduce Animal Products
One kilogram of beef and cheese emits 71kg and 24kg of greenhouse gasses, while 1kg of rice, grains, and legumes emits between 2-4kg. Fruits, vegetables, and nuts emit less than 1kg per 1kg. I will reduce my climate impact by enjoying 2 meatless meals and/or 2 vegan meals each day this week.
Action Track: Community
Raise Awareness for the Conservation of Freshwater and Oceans
I will spend 10 minutes learning more about the importance of freshwater + ocean conservation, and how I can reduce my water use. I will share what I learn with people in person, on social media, and on the feed.
Biodiversity + Wildlife
Beauty and Personal Products
Beauty and personal products can create a lot of waste. I will spend 10 minutes learning about the beauty and body products I use to see if they are refillable or recyclable. If not, I will reach out to the manufacturer to advocate for those options.
Climate + Air
Calculate My Carbon Impact
Carbon emissions can show up in many surprising ways in our life. I will calculate the carbon emissions associated with my household and consider how lifestyle changes could reduce the carbon footprint and impacts on the environment.
Freshwater + Oceans
Understand My Water Footprint
Each of us has a water footprint, directly linked to our daily activities as well as the water required in the production of things we use each day. Understanding our water use is important for a healthy planet. I will calculate my water footprint and look for a few ways I can reduce consumption or waste, then share what I learned on the feed.
Biodiversity + Wildlife
Endangered Species
Wildlife and biodiversity play an important role on our planet and are being threatened each year. I will spend 5 minutes each day learning about the current status of local or global wildlife and how I can align my actions to support their livelihood.
Action Track: Community
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE NEWS ON SUSTAINABILITY AT EMERSON
I will sign up to the Sustainability Aficionados distribution list to receive global news on sustainability at Emerson, including world news and Greening OF, BY, and WITH news.
Action Track: Community
ATTEND THE ECOCHALLENGE CONSERVATION WEBINAR
On Wed 24th April, I will attend the Earth Month Ecochallenge Webinar on Conservation to learn about what individuals, companies and other organizations can do to promote biodiversity and nature protection.
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 QUESTIONClimate + Air Choose Renewable EnergyIf you are already signed up for your utility's renewable option, what other steps can you take each day to reduce your electricity usage? If your company doesn't offer a renewable option, were they open to your request of this in the future?
Deborah Ngwenyama 4/30/2024 1:34 AMEach day, I can take several steps to reduce my electricity usage. I can start by being mindful of turning off lights, appliances, and electronics when they're not in use. I can also make use of natural light during the day and rely on energy-efficient LED bulbs for lighting when needed. Additionally, I can unplug devices that are not in use to avoid "phantom" energy consumption. Another way to reduce electricity usage is by adjusting the thermostat to conserve energy for heating and cooling. Furthermore, I can consider investing in energy-efficient appliances and equipment to further minimize electricity consumption.
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Akalya v 4/30/2024 6:22 AMWell done!! keep it up!!
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Deborah Ngwenyama 4/30/2024 1:28 AM"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." - John Muir
Let us continue to conserve nature in order to receive the benefits that it offers.-
Akalya v 4/30/2024 6:23 AMNice :) -
Gudla Santosh 4/30/2024 1:28 AMWell said
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Deborah Ngwenyama 4/30/2024 1:26 AM"It is our collective and individual responsibility to preserve and tend to the world in which we all live." - Dalai Lama -
Deborah Ngwenyama 4/29/2024 10:57 PM"Every day is Earth Day."
sustainable living is a forever commitment, let us carry our drive to create a sustainable earth past the Eco challenge. do not let the principles and values embodied by Earth Day or ecochalenge—such as environmental awareness, conservation, and sustainability— be confined to a single day or month of the year but rather, let us integrate them into our daily lives and actions.-
Criselle Reyes 4/29/2024 11:02 PMEvery day is Earth Day - will always remember that!
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Deborah Ngwenyama 4/29/2024 6:25 AM"The earth is what we all have in common." - Wendell Berry -
Deborah Ngwenyama 4/29/2024 6:24 AM"The only way forward, if we are going to improve the quality of the environment, is to get everybody involved." - Richard Rogers -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLand + Forests Keep My Community CleanHow does the act of picking up litter connect you more to your community?
Deborah Ngwenyama 4/26/2024 5:05 AMPicking up litter connects me deeply to my community in several ways. Firstly, it's a tangible way to demonstrate care and respect for the environment we all share. By taking action to clean up our streets, parks, and public spaces, I'm contributing to a cleaner, healthier community for everyone.
Moreover, when I pick up litter, I often encounter others who are doing the same or who appreciate the effort. This sense of shared purpose fosters a feeling of unity and belonging within the community. It's a reminder that we're all in this together.
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REFLECTION QUESTIONBiodiversity + Wildlife Seek Alternative Gifts and SouvenirsHow do your consumption choices affect the health of wildlife and other communities?
Deborah Ngwenyama 4/26/2024 4:57 AMMy consumption choices have a significant impact on the health of wildlife and other communities. For instance, the products I buy may contribute to habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change, all of which can harm ecosystems and the creatures that depend on them. By opting for sustainable and eco-friendly products, I can reduce my negative impact on wildlife and communities, promoting an eco-friendly environment for all. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFreshwater + Oceans Understand My Water FootprintWhat did you learn about your water footprint and what are you going to do to reduce and be aware of the water you use?
Deborah Ngwenyama 4/26/2024 4:41 AMI've learned a lot about my water footprint recently. It's fascinating how many daily activities contribute to it, from showering and doing laundry to the food I eat. I never realized the extent of my impact on water usage until I took a closer look.
To reduce and be more aware of the water I use, I'm planning to make some changes in my lifestyle. Firstly, I'll be more mindful of my water usage habits, like turning off the tap while brushing my teeth, taking shorter shoers, and having any water leaks around the house promptly -
REFLECTION QUESTIONClimate + Air Online Energy AuditWhere did you do an energy audit (work, home, school, other) and what did you learn?
Deborah Ngwenyama 4/26/2024 4:37 AMI conducted an energy audit at my home recently, and it was quite an enlightening experience. Going through each room, I discovered numerous ways to improve energy efficiency. Simple things like switching to energy-efficient light bulbs and adjusting thermostat settings made a significant difference. I also learned about the importance of unplugging electronics when not in use to avoid phantom energy consumption. Overall, the audit helped me realize how small changes can lead to great energy savings over time.