balakrishnan C
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 90 THIS WEEK
- 1,442 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO54pieces of litterpicked up
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UP TO1.0waste auditconducted
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UP TO58plastic bottlesnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO1.0water footprintcalculated
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UP TO4.0public officials or leaderscontacted
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UP TO1.0hourvolunteered
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UP TO1.0community eventhosted or attended
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UP TO35advocacy actionscompleted
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UP TO1.0treeplanted
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UP TO30minutesspent outdoors
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UP TO1,849minutesspent learning
balakrishnan's actions
Action Track: Community
Plant Trees
Trees capture carbon and produce oxygen that is essential to life on earth. I will support this important piece of nature by organizing or joining a community group to plant 1 native trees in my community, public parks, office location, campus or backyard.
Freshwater + Oceans
Go Plastic-Free
Millions of tons of plastic is produced each year worldwide. Each day, I will conduct a plastics audit of what I buy and use throughout the challenge (kitchen, bathroom, personal care products, etc.), to see how single-use plastic shows up in my life. I will find plastic-free alternatives to these products and advocate for alternatives to single-use packaging at local grocery stores, product manufacturers, at work, or on campus.
Land + Forests
Explore My Area
When we explore natural spaces around us, our connections with them change. I will spend 30 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
Advocate for Forest Protection
Using my voice can help create a more sustainable and just world. I will contact 1 local, regional, or national decision makers to advocate for public policy that protects forests and improves their ability to sequester carbon and nourish biodiversity.
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.
Land + Forests
Personal Waste Audit
The waste we create daily can go unnoticed. I will track the waste I create in a day and post a photo log on the feed to see how much I create and where I can make different choices to reduce my waste going forward.
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.
Freshwater + Oceans
Smart Seafood Choices
We need to support healthy seafood populations. I will spend 30 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
Low Water Gardening
Grass lawns are water-intensive and on average require about 30 percent of a household’s water consumption. Native plants are water-efficient and help maintain the balance and diversity of local ecosystems. I will plant native species with water-efficient plants to conserve water and improve the habitat, then post a photo on the feed to share.
Freshwater + Oceans
Learn About Water Justice in My Area
I will spend at least 30 minutes a day using the resources provided to learn about water justice and find out how I can get involved in local initiatives.
Freshwater + Oceans
Cooking Oil Disposal
Pouring cooking oil down the drain can cause damage to waterways and ecosystems. I will learn how to properly dispose of cooking oil to help support healthy ecosystems.
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.
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 30 minutes learning about how cleaning products affect our water and try making my own cleaning products to reduce pollutants.
Freshwater + Oceans
Use a Reusable Water Bottle
Itr's estimated over a billion water bottles are thrown away each year. Even if they were recycled, that still uses energy and resources from the earth. I will use a reusable bottle and stop purchasing bottled water, saving 1 disposable plastic bottle(s) a day.
Freshwater + Oceans
Raise Awareness for the Conservation of Freshwater and Oceans
I will spend 30 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.
Action Track: Community
Volunteer in my Community
I will volunteer 1 hours in my community.
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
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.
Action Track: Community
Pick Up the Phone
I will gather a group of friends, family, neighbors or colleagues to make 2 phone calls to public officials or companies to advocate for planet-friendly policies.
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.
Action Track: Community
Share My "Why"
I will record a video to share why I am taking action this Earth Month, a sustainable swap I've made, and/or a local conservation effort in my area.
Action Track: Community
JOIN OR CREATE A GREEN TEAM AT EMERSON
I will continue to contribute to Emerson's environmental sustainability goals beyond April by learning more about the Global Green Teams Network, joining a team near me, or maybe even creating a new team.
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
TAKE PICTURES AND SHARE ON LINKEDIN
I will take at least one photograph that is connected with this year's theme of Nature Conservation & Biodiversity (for example an urban park, bee hives, birds and other animals...) and I will post it on LinkedIn with the hashtags #EarthMonthEcochallenge #EarthMonthAtEmerson.
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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balakrishnan C 4/30/2024 6:09 AM- Reduced Expenses: Fuel-efficient vehicles and practices help you save money on fuel costs. By using fuel credit cards or choosing fuel-efficient cars, you can significantly reduce your expenses1.
- Environmental Impact: Fuel-efficient cars produce fewer greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change and air pollution. By using less gasoline, we can reduce our reliance on foreign oil and minimize our environmental impact2.
- Health Benefits: Energy-efficient homes and vehicles can lead to better health. Proper insulation, ventilation, and reduced energy consumption contribute to a healthier living environment, lowering the risk of illnesses and mold growth3.
- Increased Property Value: Energy-efficient homes are more attractive to buyers and tend to have higher property values. Investing in energy-saving measures can pay off in the long run3.
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balakrishnan C 4/29/2024 1:45 AMAir purifiers offer several benefits for maintaining a cleaner and healthier indoor environment. Let’s explore some of the advantages:- Cleaning Air Pollution: Air purifiers effectively filter out irritants and unwanted airborne particles, ensuring that you breathe fresh and clean air. By removing pollutants, allergens, and viruses, they contribute to better indoor air quality1.
- Reducing Indoor Odors: Unpleasant odors from cooking, mold, or pet litter can be a nuisance. Air purifiers equipped with special activated carbon filters efficiently absorb these odors, leaving the air clean and fresh1.
- Fighting Airborne Allergens: HEPA air purifiers are particularly effective at capturing common allergens like pet dander, pollen, and dust. If you suffer from allergies, using an air purifier can help lighten the allergen load in your indoor air1.
- Lowering the Risk of Respiratory Problems: Having an air purifier at home or in the office can reduce symptoms for people with seasonal allergies or asthma. It filters smoke, odors, and harmful particles, potentially lowering the risk of respiratory illnesses2.
- Improving Overall Health: Cleaner air quality is essential for good health. Air purifiers play a role in reducing the risk of developing respiratory issues and certain cancers by maintaining a healthier indoor environment
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Shyamaladevi Samraj 4/29/2024 1:49 AMGood information
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balakrishnan C 4/26/2024 5:18 AMRainwater harvesting offers several benefits, including water conservation, reduced reliance on municipal water supplies, and cost savings. Let’s explore some of the key advantages:-
Water Conservation:
- Rainwater harvesting conserves water by capturing rainwater that falls naturally on your roof and property. Instead of letting it run off, you collect it in a tank or cistern for later use.
- By using harvested rainwater for irrigation, you can reduce your dependence on municipally treated water. This practice encourages people to recognize their individual or household water usage and start conserving water in other areas around their home1.
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Clarissa Matriz 4/26/2024 5:27 AMthank you for this!
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Water Conservation:
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balakrishnan C 4/25/2024 2:16 AMDrinking water has numerous benefits for our overall health. Here are some reasons why our body needs water:- Lubricates the Joints: Cartilage, found in joints and the disks of the spine, contains around 80 percent water. Long-term dehydration can reduce the joints’ shock-absorbing ability, leading to joint pain1.
- Forms Saliva and Mucus: Saliva helps us digest our food and keeps the mouth, nose, and eyes moist. Drinking water also keeps the mouth clean and, when consumed instead of sweetened beverages, can reduce tooth decay1.
- Delivers Oxygen Throughout the Body: Blood is more than 90 percent water, and blood carries oxygen to different parts of the body1.
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Shashank Dubey 4/25/2024 10:18 AMCorrect -
Ashish Goyal 4/25/2024 2:45 AMTrue
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balakrishnan C 4/23/2024 1:51 AMCertainly! Saving paper has numerous benefits, both for the environment and for our daily lives. Here are some key advantages:-
Environmental Conservation:
- By using less paper, we reduce our impact on forests. Trees play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and regulating the climate.
- Paper production contributes to deforestation, which affects wildlife habitats and ecosystems. Saving paper helps protect these natural resources1.
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Energy and Emissions Reduction:
- Recycling paper conserves energy compared to producing new paper from raw materials. It requires less water and emits fewer greenhouse gases.
- When we save paper, we indirectly reduce the energy needed for paper production and transportation2.
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Waste Reduction:
- Using less paper means less waste. Recycling paper helps keep it out of landfills, freeing up space for other non-recyclable trash.
- Reducing paper waste also minimizes pollution associated with landfill sites
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Environmental Conservation:
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balakrishnan C 4/22/2024 3:00 AMLet’s explore the advantages of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) compared to traditional lighting solutions:- Energy Efficiency: LEDs are highly energy-efficient, converting approximately 80% of the electrical energy they consume into light. In comparison, incandescent bulbs convert only about 20% of the energy they use into light, with the rest being wasted as heat1.
- Long Lifespan: LEDs have a significantly longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs. They can last up to 25,000 hours or more, reducing the need for frequent replacements and maintenance2.
- Instant Illumination: Unlike some other lighting technologies, LEDs do not require warm-up time. They provide instant full brightness when switched on.
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balakrishnan C 4/20/2024 9:52 PMReverse osmosis (RO) water, here are some easy and tested ways to reduce wastage and reuse the RO reject water:- Mopping: You can use the RO reject water for your daily chores like mopping and scrubbing the floors. However, make sure to mix the wastewater with some fresh and clean water to dilute its high total dissolved solids (TDS) and salt content1.
- Toilet Flushing: While it’s not suitable for bathing, you can use the RO reject water for toilet flushing and cleaning. Flushing takes up 6 to 7 liters of water, which directly goes down the drain. By using the RO reject water, you can save a significant amount of water1.
- Gardening: Collect and store the RO waste water in storage tanks. This water can be used for gardening, ensuring that it doesn’t go to waste2.
- Appliances: Reuse the RO waste water in appliances like washing machines and dishwashers. Just ensure that it’s free of harmful chemicals and salts2.
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balakrishnan C 4/18/2024 10:53 PMThere are several benefits to reducing or eliminating coffee and tea consumption. Here are some of the key advantages:- Less anxiety: Excessive caffeine intake can lead to increased anxiety, nervousness, heart palpitations, and even panic attacks. If you’re prone to stress and anxiety, cutting down on caffeine may help alleviate these symptoms1.
- Better sleep: Daily coffee consumption can disrupt your sleep cycle, causing restless sleep and daytime drowsiness. If you’re caffeine-free, you may find it easier to fall asleep and enjoy more restful nights1.
- More efficient nutrient absorption: Without caffeine, your body may absorb certain nutrients better. The tannins in caffeine can inhibit the absorption of calcium, iron, and B vitamins. Going caffeine-free ensures you get the most out of your diet1.
- Healthier teeth: Coffee and tea can stain teeth due to their high tannin content. Additionally, the acidity in caffeinated drinks can lead to enamel wear and decay. Eliminating these beverages can result in whiter and healthier teeth12.
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balakrishnan C 4/17/2024 10:58 PMReplace Your Light Bulbs: Traditional incandescent light bulbs consume excessive electricity and don’t last as long as energy-efficient alternatives. When shopping for light bulbs, look for the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, Energy Star. Energy Star-certified LED light bulbs use up to 90 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs while providing the same amount of light1.
Use Smart Power Strips: These advanced power strips eliminate “phantom energy” by shutting off power to electronics when they are not in use. Phantom energy accounts for 5 to 10 percent of residential energy use and can cost the average U.S. household up to $100 per year1.Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat: Smart thermostats can help reduce heating and cooling energy use without upgrading your HVAC system. They automatically turn off or reduce heating and cooling while you’re asleep or away. ENERGY STAR estimates that a smart thermostat could save you approximately 8 percent on your heating and cooling bills1. -
balakrishnan C 4/16/2024 10:41 PMCertainly! Light conservation is an essential aspect of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Let’s explore some practical ways to conserve light and reduce our energy consumption:- Switch to LED Bulbs: Replace traditional incandescent bulbs with LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs. LEDs are more energy-efficient, have a longer lifespan, and emit less heat.
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Turn Off Lights When Not Needed:
- Develop a habit of switching off lights when leaving a room.
- Use natural daylight during daytime whenever possible.
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Install Motion Sensors and Timers:
- Install motion sensors in areas like hallways, bathrooms, and closets. These sensors automatically turn lights on when someone enters and off when they leave.
- Timers can be useful for outdoor lighting or holiday decorations. Set them to turn off at specific times.