Earth Month in the Heights

Participate in Eco Speaks Cle podcast on April 2nd

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.

April 6 - Caledonia Ravine Sweep April 13 - Dugway Sweep

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.

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.

1- April 3 - DIY Make & Take Upcycle Workshop 2- April 11 - Free movie screening Blue Vinyl: The World's First Toxic Comedy 3- April 18 - Take Positive Action: A solution-focused climate conversation using MIT's Climate Simulator Workshop 4- April 20 - Attend the Community Swap Meet at the Nature Center in Shaker Lakes 5- April 24 - Create a Backyard Oasis - Interactive workshop 6- April 30 - Living Less Car-Centric in the Heights - Conversation Register at https://www.chgreenteam.org/earth-month-in-the-heights/events-details-calendar

1- April 3 - DIY Make & Take Upcycle Workshop 2- April 11 - Free movie screening Blue Vinyl: The World's First Toxic Comedy 3- April 18 - Take Positive Action: A solution-focused climate conversation using MIT's Climate Simulator Workshop 4- April 20 - Attend the Community Swap Meet at the Nature Center in Shaker Lakes 5- April 24 - Create a Backyard Oasis - Interactive workshop 6- April 30 - Living Less Car-Centric in the Heights - Conversation Register at https://www.chgreenteam.org/earth-month-in-the-heights/events-details-calendar

I will organize or participate in a trash pickup at a local river, beach, or natural body of water.

I will volunteer 20 hours in my community.

We need volunteers. Please register to volunteer in at least one of the following events: 1- Make & Take Community DIY Workshop at Made Cleveland April 3, 4.30 pm - 8.30 pm (2 shifts) 2- Caledonia Ravine Clean Up April 6, 11.00 am -1.00 pm 1975 North Taylor Road Make & Take Community DIY Workshop at Made Cleveland 3- Earth Month Challenge hosted by City of Cleveland Heights April 20, 9.00 am - 2.00 pm Forest Hill Park located at 2370 Lee Boulevard 4-Community Swap Meet April 20, 10.30 am - 1.30 pm (2 shifts) Nature Center at Shaker Lakes 5-University Heights Sustainable Home Fair April 21, 12.30 pm - 4.30 pm (2 shifts) Wiley School Building - 2181 Miramar Blvd 6-Forest Hill Park Clean Up April 27, 11.00 am - 1.00 pm Meet at the Tennis Course Parking lot off Forest Hill Blvd

Please sign up for at least one of these volunteering opportunities: April 7, April 14, April 21, April 28. Planting will take place at Coventry PEACE Park from 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm

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.).

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.

Studies have shown that when we spend consistent time in nature, our health improves, our creativity increases, and our connection to the planet gets stronger. Each day of the Ecochallenge, I will spend 30 minutes outside (in a large or small patch of nature), then share my observations, reflections, and learnings on the feed.

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.

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 3 native trees in my community, public parks, office location, campus or backyard.

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.

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.