Aleksandra Jalinskas
"My goal for this month is to be more consistent with my daily sustainability-related actions."
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 696 TOTAL
participant impact
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UP TO5.6poundsfood waste prevented
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UP TO127milestraveled by foot
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UP TO127milesnot traveled by car
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UP TO188pounds of CO2have been saved
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UP TO31plastic bottlesnot sent to the landfill
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UP TO280gallons of waterhave been saved
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UP TO2.0community eventshosted or attended
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UP TO5.0advocacy actionscompleted
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UP TO4.0public officials or leaderscontacted
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UP TO8.0hoursvolunteered
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UP TO1.0treeplanted
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UP TO1,725minutesspent outdoors
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UP TO250minutesspent learning
Aleksandra's actions
Biodiversity + Wildlife
Endangered Species
Wildlife and biodiversity play an important role on our planet and are being threatened each year. I will spend 15 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
Raise Awareness for the Conservation of Freshwater and Oceans
I will spend 15 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
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.
Biodiversity + Wildlife
Invest in Nature
A healthy world needs both our daily actions and support from larger systems. I will spend 15 minutes learning about how I can use my investments and savings to advance environmental sustainability.
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.
Action Track: Community
Pick Up the Phone
I will gather a group of friends, family, neighbors or colleagues to make 1 phone calls to public officials or companies to advocate for planet-friendly policies.
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.
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
Stay on the Ground
Carbon emissions from air travel is harmful to planetary and human health. Instead of traveling by plane, I will find an alternative way to accomplish the goals of an upcoming trip (i.e. telepresence, vacation locally).
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.
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.
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
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
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.
Land + Forests
30 for 30 in Nature
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.
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
Plastic in Clothing and Water
Synthetic clothing can contain plastic and shed harmful microplastics into our water. I will use a microplastics catcher in my laundry, or install a microplastics filter for my washing machine.
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.
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.
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
Volunteer in my Community
I will volunteer 7 hours in my community.
Climate + Air
Weekly Meal Planning
One third of all food produced worldwide is wasted, and so is the energy it takes to produce and transport that food. I will reduce food waste and save money by planning a weekly menu, only buying the ingredients I need and eating what I planned each day.
Climate + Air
Use Muscle Power
I will cut my car trip mileage by only taking necessary trips, and I will only use muscle-powered transportation for all other trips.
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.
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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Aleksandra Jalinskas 4/30/2024 6:33 PMI really enjoyed this year's ecochallenge! I often forgot to update my progress on a daily basis but I always find that this time serves as a bit of a reset, providing time and prompts to reflect -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFreshwater + Oceans Reduce Pollutants in CleaningWhat did you learn about ingredients in our cleaning products and how they impact water and biodiversity? Did you try making your own cleaning products? If so, how did it go?
Aleksandra Jalinskas 4/30/2024 6:27 PMI've tried to make my own cleaning products in the past but admittedly did not have much luck. I've recently been using some packaging-free cleaning products instead that I've really enjoyed! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONAction Track: Community Sustainability Lunch and LearnWho did you engage in your lunch and learn? What resources did you use? How did it go and what did you learn?
Aleksandra Jalinskas 4/30/2024 6:25 PMWe had a great time at the Boston Green Team Earth Month Trivia event - learned a lot about local sustainability initatives! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONClimate + Air Weekly Meal PlanningHow did it feel to plan out your meals and stick to them in an effort to reduce food waste?
Aleksandra Jalinskas 4/30/2024 5:54 PMI love meal planning & prepping! It definitely takes more time on the weekends, but I enjoy having a plan and sticking to it. Aside from the reduction of food waste, I've also noticed that it helps me limit my spending when grocery shopping. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONLand + Forests 30 for 30 in NatureWhat have you noticed about how it feels to spend consistent time outside?
Aleksandra Jalinskas 4/30/2024 5:52 PMThe longer I spend outside, the more relaxed I am...especially after a long day at work. I love the winter, but I always forget how nice it is in Boston in the spring!!!-
Dhandapani Janarthanan 4/30/2024 6:00 PM
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REFLECTION QUESTIONClimate + Air Use Muscle PowerHow do your transportation choices affect your engagement in your community? Does your experience or enjoyment differ while walking, riding transit, biking or driving?
Aleksandra Jalinskas 4/30/2024 5:51 PMI don't know why, but it always takes some personal convincing for me to bike instead of taking the bus/driving somewhere although I do find that it consistently puts me in a better headspace. I find that I notice more around my community and it gives me time to mentally decompress. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONFreshwater + Oceans Use a Reusable Water BottleWhat did you learn about the amount of plastic we consume and what actions will you take to reduce your use of plastic?
Aleksandra Jalinskas 4/30/2024 5:35 PMI learned that on average, Americans dispose 13 water bottles per month! I always try to have my reusable water bottle on me, but I find this to be the most challenging when going to catered work lunches...although admittedly this is completely on me because I often forget. -
REFLECTION QUESTIONBiodiversity + Wildlife Save the BeesWhat did you plant for bees in your area? Please consider uploading a photo!
Aleksandra Jalinskas 4/30/2024 5:33 PMWhen making my annual flower pots, I added some milkweed which is a local native boston plant and helps bees with their pollination. I havent seen any so far but am hoping that changes with the weather! -
REFLECTION QUESTIONAction Track: Community Borrow Before I BuyHow did you participate in the sharing economy? (Consider posting a photo!) What are the benefits of a sharing economy? How could a sharing economy change the dynamics you have with friends, family and/or neighbors?
Aleksandra Jalinskas 4/30/2024 5:31 PMI was preparing for an international trip and did my best to avoid the last minute surge purchases that I often find myself falling into. Instead, I did my best to source my last minute "needs" from local friends and family -
REFLECTION QUESTIONAction Track: Community Volunteer in my CommunityHow does volunteering enhance your community and/or change your relationship with it?
Aleksandra Jalinskas 4/30/2024 5:30 PMI volunteer at a local womens shelter in Boston every couple of weeks - it's always hard to make time for it, but I am always so happy I did when I go.